Business owners are invited to attend the free third annual “Bridging the Gap” this Friday to learn how to improve business.

The event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the Ceres Community Center and is hosted by the city of Ceres, Ceres Chamber of Commerce, Opportunity Stanislaus, America’s SBDC and Valley Sierra Small Business Development Corporation. Food and drink will be available.

The event will include networking opportunities, exclusive workshops led by consultants, and provide valuable information that local businesses need to grow and succeed.

Doors open at 8:30 a.m. Mayor Javier Lopez will emcee the event as he opens at 9 a.m. and interviews two Ceres businesses, A Professional Garage Door Service and 5 Star Auto Sales.

A workshop set begins at 9:30 a.m. with Renee Ledbetter addressing how businesses can market at no to low cost; and Pablo Romero speaking on every aspect of starting up a business.

The second workshop set at 10:25 a.m. with Domenica Escatel on “Next-Level Social Media” and Dave White on “Business Leadership.”

To register visit valleysmallbiz.com/thegap