Course Outline

Module One: Getting Started

• Workshop Objectives

Module Two: Decide on the Type of Business

• Is It Feasible?
• What Are Your Interests?
• Do You Have the Experience?
• Are You an Expert?
• Case Study
• Module Two: Review Questions

Module Three: What Is the Market/Competition Like?

• Is the Venture Lucrative?
• Is There Competition?
• How Can You Set Yourself Apart from the Competition?
• How Is the Customer Prospect?
• Case Study
• Module Three: Review Questions

Module Four: Basics of Starting a Business

• Decide on a Name
• Legal Structure of the Business
• Register the Business
• Choose the Location
• Hire an Accountant
• Case Study
• Module Four: Review Questions

Module Five: Create a Business Plan

• What Should Be Included in the Business Plan?
• Gather Documentation
• Develop a Business Plan Outline
• Draft a Business Plan
• Case Study
• Module Five: Review Questions

Module Six: Get Financing

• Contact Organizations for Guidance
• Decide the Type of Financing
• Shop Around
• What to Do Once Approved
• Case Study
• Module Six: Review Questions

Module Seven: Hire Employees

• Develop Job Descriptions
• Advertise Positions
• Interview Candidates
• Select Candidates
• Case Study
• Module Seven: Review Questions

Module Eight: Training Employees

• Teach Company Culture
• Implement Actual Training for the Position
• Provide Feedback
• Offer Additional Training, If Necessary
• Case Study
• Module Eight: Review Questions

Module Nine: Market the Business

• Traditional Marketing
• Create a Website
• Social Media
• Networking Groups
• Case Study
• Module Nine: Review Questions

Module Ten: Run the Business

• Procurement
• Sell! Sell! Sell!
• How to Manage Cash Flow
• Budgeting
• Case Study
• Module Ten: Review Questions

Module Eleven: Grow the Business

• Offer More Products / Services
• Open Another Location
• Franchise Opportunities
• Scoring Large Contracts
• Case Study
• Module Eleven: Review Questions

Module Twelve: Wrapping Up

• Words from the Wise