Valley Entrepreneur Series: Free 10-week training programs...

Valley Entrepreneur Series: Free 10-week training programs to help small businesses increase profits, grow and hire more workers begin Feb. 7 and March 3 at the Valley Economic Development Center. The nonprofit Van Nuys agency offers the city-funded series to Los Angeles businesses that have been operating between six months and five years. Information: (818) 989-4377.

Inventions Into Dollars: Stephen Paul Gnass, creator of the annual Invention Convention in Pasadena, will provide tips on how to make an invention profitable at the next USC Business Expansion Network session Feb. 5. The series, funded by the city of Los Angeles, is held the first and third Monday of every month at USC. Small businesses and entrepreneurs can find help with public relations, financing, accounting and hiring. Fees are $25 per prepaid workshop, $30 at the door. Contact Dan Rabinovitch, (213) 743-1726.

Networking With Big Business: “Mining Corporate Gold III,” a workshop, dinner and business exposition, starts at 4 p.m. today at the Sheraton Grand Hotel on Figueroa Street in downtown Los Angeles. Sponsored by the National Assn. of Women Business Owners-Los Angeles, the session features information on how to become a supplier to large corporations. Representatives from more than 20 large companies, including Toyota, Honda and GTE, are scheduled to attend. Cost is $30 for the workshop, $40 for dinner, $60 for both. Information: (800) 266-8762.