WILBRAHAM — SCORE Massachusetts and Rhode Island announced two upcoming webinars.

“Price It Right!” is slated for Wednesday, June 24 from 11 to 12:30 p.m. Nothing drives profitability and demand more than effective pricing, and this webinar reveals what to consider when choosing the price for a product or service. Attendees will learn how the ‘4 C’s’ of marketing are critical in today’s digital world and how they affect pricing methodology. The webinar will also examine several pricing strategies, discuss the effects of price changes, and cover the importance of choosing the right sales channel. Click here to learn more and register.

“Simple Steps for Starting Your Business: Basics” is slated for Tuesday, July 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. Thinking about starting a business but not sure where to begin? This foundational webinar walks attendees through the realities of entrepreneurship — what it takes, what to expect, and how to set oneself up for success. They will learn the essential building blocks of business ownership, from mindset and legal structure to insurance and planning, guided by real-world entrepreneurial experience. Click here to learn more and register.

Rod Clark

WILBRAHAM — SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer business mentors, has appointed Rod Clark district director for Massachusetts. In this volunteer leadership position, Clark will help support five Massachusetts chapters as they implement SCORE’s nationwide mission of fostering vibrant small business communities through mentoring, education, and strategic partnerships.

Clark brings decades of experience in sales and marketing from the medical device industry to this position. He has served in various SCORE chapter roles since 2017.

“I did a lot of mentoring and helped develop people when I was in the corporate world,” he said. “I’ve always been a team guy. I’m just all about being part of a tribe, so SCORE allows me to do that.”

His focus in this new role will remain on encouraging success for SCORE’s three key pillars: the small business community in each chapter, small business and entrepreneurial clients, and the volunteers who serve as mentors, subject matter experts, or in administrative roles. One of Clark’s most notable successes with SCORE was when his chapter, SCORE Southeastern Massachusetts, won the SCORE National Most Improved Chapter award in 2019.

“We ran [the chapter] like a business, and we put together plans and actions. We worked on keeping the right people in the right place, and of course, it’s the enthusiasm of our clients — the entrepreneurs and small business owners — that keeps you going when you see their enthusiasm.”

Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 17 million entrepreneurs and small business owners. Each year, SCORE’s 10,000 volunteer mentors provide free, expert mentoring and resources to help them start, grow, and succeed across all 50 states and territories.

“The time, knowledge, and kindness that our volunteer mentors share to support business owners across Western Massachusetts makes an impact,” Western Massachusetts SCORE Chapter Chairman David Ewen said. “We hear that sentiment from our clients. I know Rod will continue to provide exceptional leadership and help guide chapters to perform at their very best for our small business and entrepreneurial clients.”

WILBRAHAM — SCORE Massachusetts and Rhode Island announced a series of free online workshops in January.

“Simple Steps for Starting Your Business: Basics” is slated for Tuesday, Jan. 6 at 6 p.m. Thinking about starting a business but not sure where to begin? This foundational webinar walks attendees through the realities of entrepreneurship — what it takes, what to expect, and how to set oneself up for success — as they learn the essential building blocks of business ownership, from mindset and legal structure to insurance and planning, guided by real-world entrepreneurial experience. Learn more and register by clicking here.

“Simple Steps for Starting Your Business: Concepts” will follow on Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 6 p.m. Attendees will learn how to turn their business idea into a smart, strategic plan. They will learn how to evaluate whether an idea is truly viable by using market research, feasibility planning, and competitive analysis, and discover how to collect and interpret the right data, understand their market, and position their business to stand out and succeed. Learn more and register by clicking here.

“Employment Law: The Hiring Process” will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 11 a.m. This webinar will give employers looking to hire workers a start-to-finish understanding of the process. David Beal, an employment lawyer with Prudential, will teach business owners how to navigate hiring in compliance with federal and state laws. The session will also provide tips for creating job descriptions and postings, leveraging AI, interviewing and completing background checks, and more. Learn more and register by clicking here.