Smashing Your Sales Goals
Event Series
This is your entry into a community of entrepreneurs, creative consultants, professional service providers, and social innovators who are building stronger businesses through better sales strategies, access to capital, and practical business support.
Our virtual and in-person events meet you where you are.
Whether you’re joining a virtual webinar, dropping into a coaching session, attending an in-person workshop, or connecting at a mixer, each experience is can help you gain clarity, build confidence, and take your next step forward in business.
Explore upcoming events, choose what fits your goals, and step into a community that is focused on real growth, real relationships, and real results.
Sales Growth Events Series
Immerse yourself in deeply intentional environments designed to spark new perspectives and lasting growth.
Fireside Chat: Black Tech Week with Deonna Barnett
Thursday, July. 16, 2026
Time TBA
Black Tech Week is the premiere mid-west IT event centering the experiences, needs, and opportunities of/for Black and Brown tech founders, technologists, creative consultants, students and aspiring investors in the continually emerging tech industry. During the 3-day business and professional development conference, Dr. Erika Pryor sits down for a Fireside Chat wth Deonna Barnett, Founder and Consulting Director with Aventi Enterprises, a business development entrepreneurial support organization to talk through her process and programs that help small business owners develop their Intellectual Property into technology innovations. Be part of this dynamic discussion. Get your questions answered about and connect with the organizations that can help you drive wealth and generational prosperity.
The Fireside Chat is part of the Black Tech Week events and hosted at Union Hall, located in the heart of the OTR district, where many other micro-events will be hosted as well.
Learn More and Register >> [insert registration or schedule link here ]
Drop-In Sales Coaching: Black Tech Week
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
3pm-4:30pmEST
Black Tech Week is the premiere mid-west IT event centering the experiences, needs and opportunities of/for Black and Brown tech founders, technologists, creative consultants, students and aspiring investors in the continually emerging tech industry. During the 3-day business and professional development conference, Dr. Erika Pryor offers Drop-In Sales Coaching and Support to help founders and entrepreneurs navigate sales with confidence and success.
Drop-In Sales Coaching is your opportunity to connect with a Smashing Your Sales Goals program coach, learn ways your can be more efficient and productive with your sales strategy, program, next steps and future opportunities.
The Fireside Chat is part of the Black Tech Week events and hosted at Union Hall, located in the heart of the OTR district, where many other micro-events will be hosted as well.
Learn More and Register >> [insert registration or schedule link here ]
Leveraging a Relationship Approach to B2B Sales
Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, 7pm-8pmEST
For aspiring entrepreneurs and current small business owners in business for 0-6 years who are: Creative Consultants, Professional Service Providers , Social Innovators, who want to replace outdated, pushy sales tactics with a more effective approach rooted in problem-solving, service and mutually beneficial relationships. Attendees shift from:
Pressure and persuasion to listening, guiding, and creating value.
Participants learn what makes B2B sales relationship-driven, why their expertise and patience are key advantages, and the specific steps of a sales process that build consistency and results.
Attendees are challenged to develop a “selling to the next step,” relationship and sales building approach to create momentum and move prospects forward with clarity and purpose.
This Smashing Your Sales Goals Community Partner training is hosted in partnership with Cuyahoga County Public Library, Independence Branch.
Pricing Strategies That Sell Live Webinar
Friday, Oct. 9, 2026
3pm-4:30pmEST
Setting the right price is about more than covering your costs.
It's about communicating value, attracting the right customers, and building a business that generates sustainable revenue.
In the Pricing Strategies that Sell online webinar, attendees gain insights and best practices on how to develop pricing strategies that support your business goals and position your products and services for success.
In discussion with Chief Financial Officer and financial services professionals, Dr. Erika helps creative consultants, professional service providers and social innovators explore
Common pricing models for your market and industry.
Revenue strategies that adapt to your growth goals.
Factors that influence buying decisions for prospects and customers.
Panelists share practical tips you can use to evaluate and refine your current approach. Whether you're launching a new offer or looking to increase profitability, you'll leave with actionable insights to help you price with confidence and sell with purpose.
Drop-In Sales Coaching
Friday, Aug 7, 2026
8:30am -10am EST
This Drop-In Coaching Session is ideal for creative consultants, professional service providers, and social innovators who want to streamline the technology they use to run and grow their business.
Through one-2-one assessment and coaching, participants receive practical, individualized support empowering them to navigate business platforms, automate workflows, and identify tools that improve efficiency without adding unnecessary complexity.
Whether you need help organizing your systems, selecting the right technology, or making better use of the tools you already have, this session is designed to meet you where you are.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their questions, challenges, and business goals to receive personalized guidance that helps them build a stronger technology foundation and create systems that support long-term business growth.
This Smashing Your Sales Goals Community Partner in-person coaching event is hosted in partnership with Zora's House.
Leveraging a Relationship Approach to B2B sales
Monday, Oct. 5, 2026
6:30pm-7:30pmEST
For aspiring entrepreneurs and current small business owners in business for 0-6 years who are: Creative Consultants, Professional Service Providers , Social Innovators, who want to replace outdated, pushy sales tactics with a more effective approach rooted in problem-solving, service and mutually beneficial relationships. Attendees shift from:
Pressure and persuasion to listening, guiding, and creating value.
Participants learn what makes B2B sales relationship-driven, why their expertise and patience are key advantages, and the specific steps of a sales process that build consistency and results.
Attendees are challenged to develop a “selling to the next step,” relationship and sales building approach to create momentum and move prospects forward with clarity and purpose.
This Smashing Your Sales Goals Community Partner training is hosted in partnership with Cuyahoga County Public Library, Richmond Heights Branch.
Drop-in Sales Coaching
Friday, Aug 7, 2026
8:30am -10am EST
This Drop-In Sales Coaching session is ideal for creative consultants, professional service providers, and social innovators looking to strengthen their sales strategy, overcome sales challenges, and grow revenue with confidence.
Participants receive personalized coaching to
Refine their sales messaging
Navigate real sales opportunities
Strengthen customer relationships
Develop practical strategies that move prospects from conversation to commitment.
Whether you're preparing for a sales meeting, following up with a lead, or looking to understand your relationship building style, you'll leave with actionable guidance you can apply immediately.
This Smashing Your Sales Goals Community Partner coaching session is hosted in partnership with Zora's House.
Velocity Accelerator Informational Webinar
Thursday, Dec. 17, 2026
3pm -4:30pmEST
Join Dr. Erika Pryor, Bethany George, and Anna Bitters for an inside look at the Smashing Your Sales Goals (SYSG) Velocity Accelerator, 10-week business growth program. This sales-focused growth program helps social entrepreneurs, creative consultants and professional service providers increase revenue, strengthen their sales strategy, and build a more sustainable business.
During this interactive information session, you'll learn what to expect from the Velocity Accelerator program, explore the curriculum and structured coaching experiences hear about anticipated participant outcomes. You will also discover how Velocity Accelerator helps you build the skills, systems, and confidence needed to grow through sales, grants, and contracting opportunities.
This webinar is an opportunity to meet the program team, ask questions, and determine if the SYSG Velocity Accelerator is the right next step for your business.
Leveraging a Relationship Approach to B2B Sales
Friday, Oct. 16, 2026
10:30am -11:30am EST
For aspiring entrepreneurs and current small business owners in business for 0-6 years who are: Creative Consultants, Professional Service Providers , Social Innovators, who want to replace outdated, pushy sales tactics with a more effective approach rooted in problem-solving, service and mutually beneficial relationships. Attendees shift from:
Pressure and persuasion to listening, guiding, and creating value.
Participants learn what makes B2B sales relationship-driven, why their expertise and patience are key advantages, and the specific steps of a sales process that build consistency and results.
Attendees are challenged to develop a “selling to the next step,” relationship and sales building approach to create momentum and move prospects forward with clarity and purpose.
This Smashing Your Sales Goals Community Partner training is hosted in partnership with Cuyahoga County Public Library, Parma Heights Branch.
Monthly Drop-In Sales Coaching 4th Tuesday
11:30am -1pmEST
This Drop-In Sales Coaching session is ideal for creative consultants, professional service providers, and social innovators looking to strengthen their sales strategy, overcome sales challenges, and grow revenue with confidence.
Participants receive personalized coaching to
Refine their sales messaging
Navigate real sales opportunities
Strengthen customer relationships
Develop practical strategies that move prospects from conversation to commitment.
Whether you're preparing for a sales meeting, following up with a lead, or looking to understand your relationship building style, you'll leave with actionable guidance you can apply immediately.
This Smashing Your Sales Goals Community Partner coaching session is hosted in partnership Columbus Metropolitan Library, Main Branch.
Growth Through Grants Events Series
The Growth Through Grants Series helps entrepreneurs, small business owners, and social innovators better understand how to navigate the world of grant funding, capital access and third-party investment.
This series breaks down: How grant makers think, What funders look for, and How to position your business to be more competitive for non-dilutive capital. Participants will learn best practices for engagement, storytelling, and readiness so they can approach funding opportunities with clarity and confidence.
Whether you're exploring grants for the first time or looking to strengthen your existing funding strategy, this series provides practical guidance to help you build stronger relationships with grant makers and increase your ability to secure support for your business growth.
The Grant Makers Panel
Wednesday, Aug. 23 2026
3pm-4:30pm EST
Securing grant funding starts long before an application is submitted. It begins with understanding how funders think, what they prioritize and how they evaluate potential grantees.
Part of the Growth Through Grants Series, The Grant Makers Panel offers social entrepreneurs, creative consultants, and community organizers a unique opportunity to hear directly from foundation representatives and funding decision-makers.
During this interactive virtual webinar, grant makers and capital access partners will share insights into current funding priorities, common application challenges, emerging trends in philanthropy, and practical advice for organizations and business owners seeking to build stronger relationships with funders. Participants gain a behind-the-scenes perspective on what separates successful applicants from the rest and leave with actionable strategies they can apply before entering the boot camp or pursuing funding opportunities on their own.
Whether you are new to grants or looking to strengthen your grant-seeking approach, this session will help demystify the funding landscape and prepare you to pursue opportunities with greater confidence and clarity.
Anyone interested in understanding the funder's perspective
This virtual webinar is part of the Growth Through Grants Series, an engagement initiatives helping business owners develop competitive funding strategies, stronger grant proposals, and impactful relationships with capital access partners.
Growth Through Grants: Boot Camp
Friday, Oct. 23 -
Saturday Oct 24, 2026
You can officially stop wondering where funding is coming from and start building a strategy to secure grant funding to grown your for-profit business or social enterprise.
The Growth Through Grants: Boot Camp is a two-day immersive experience helping creative consultants, professional service providers, community-focused entrepreneurs, and social innovators leverage grant funding to grow their businesses, social enterprises, and community initiatives.
Whether you want to pursue government contracts, corporate giving opportunities, or foundation grants, this intensive boot camp will help you navigate the grant funding landscape with greater confidence and clarity. Participants will learn
How to identify funding opportunities that align with their mission to:
Develop compelling proposals
Strengthen organizational readiness
Position your product, program or initiative as competitive.
Through expert instruction, guided activities, practical tools, and peer collaboration, attendees will leave with a customized grant-seeking strategy, a stronger understanding of funder expectations, and actionable next steps for pursuing funding opportunities.
This immersive in-person training and relationship buildling event is part of the Growth Through Grants Series, an engagement initiative helping business owners develop competitive funding strategies, stronger grant proposals and impactful relationships with capital access partners.
02
THE Capital Access Mixer
Saturday, Oct 24, 2026
5:30pm--7:30pm
Zora's House
Stop wondering where funding is coming from and start building a strategy to secure it.
The Growth Through Grants: Boot Camp is a two-day immersive experience designed to help creative consultants, professional service providers, entrepreneurs, and social innovators leverage grant funding to grow their businesses, projects, and community initiatives.
Whether you are pursuing government contracts, corporate giving opportunities, or foundation grants, this intensive boot camp will help you navigate the grant funding landscape with greater confidence and clarity. Participants will learn
How to identify funding opportunities that align with their mission
Develop compelling proposals
Strengthen organizational readiness
During This Two-Day Experience, Participants Will:
Understand the differences between government, corporate, and foundation funding opportunities.
Assess their grant readiness and organizational capacity.
Learn how to identify and evaluate funding opportunities aligned with their goals.
Develop compelling narratives that communicate impact and outcomes.
Explore common grant application components, budgets, and supporting documentation.
This event is presented in partnership with:
City of Columbus, Accelerate Columbus | Training Sponsor
Zora's House | Event Organizer
03
Victory Lap: National Sales Professionals Day Celebration
Friday, Dec. 11, 2026
11:30am-1pmEST
Success deserves to be celebrated.
The Victory Lap brings together entrepreneurs, sales professionals, community partners, and supporters to recognize the dedication, resilience, and relationships that drive business growth.
Hosted in celebration of National Sales Professionals Day, this annual event highlights the impact of the Smashing Your Sales Goals community while celebrating the people who make that impact possible.
Enjoy an evening of networking, recognition, and reflection as we celebrate milestones achieved, stories of growth, and the momentum that will carry us into the year ahead.
During this recognition celebration Smashing Your Sales Goals will recognize and honor SYSG Sales Rising Stars as well as local Sales Professionals of the Year.
This event is presented in partnership with:
City of Columbus, Accelerate Columbus | Training Sponsor
Columbus Metropolitan Library | Venue Sponsor
Business Owner Success Stories
"I have been working hard to build infrastructure and foundation of my business: messaging, digital presence, SEO and now sales. The programs part of Accelerate Columbus have helped me focus on really building the type of business that is going to be here for years to come. When you put in the work, the results are clear," said Caroline Bennett.
Caroline Bennett
Caroline Inspires LLC
"With Smashing Your Sales Goals, I've been able to lock in on business development, my sales process and customer journey. The lessons, best practices and frameworks I've learned are helping me get more targeted in my customer base and sales process." said Charles Moss.
Charles Moss
Moss Cleaning Service
"What surprised me most wasn't the quality of the sessions - which was outstanding - but the caliber of the attendees. I've forged relationships here that will last a lifetime, both personally and professionally. It truly is a masterclass in human connection."
ELENA ROSTOVA
Lead Designer
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