First Step Seminar: How to Start a Business

Want to start a business but don't know where to begin? Just started and want to be sure you've “covered all bases”? You have come to the right place if you are in the early stages of thinking about starting a small business. In fact, even if you have started up your business and realized you missed a few things, this workshop is still right for you.

This introductory overview will help you avoid costly mistakes and put you on the track to success. Information will be provided on business structure, marketing, accounting, legal and business planning issues.

Scheduled offering(s):
Tuesday, February 12, 2008, 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008, 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Business Planning Series

The Business Planning Series is a set of three interactive workshops that assist the attendee in developing an action oriented business plan that will serve as a roadmap for ongoing decision making and development, and is an essential ingredient in obtaining outside funding for business growth. The three workshops are intended to be taken as a set.

Session I: Business Concept & Data Collection

This session provides a personal business plan model that gives you step-by-step guidance in researching and writing your business plan. There is an emphasis on the development and analysis of the idea behind the business, business structure, critical data collection, and competition analysis. Attendees will learn about the various resources available to help them estimate market potential and learn about potential competitors.

Scheduled offering(s):
Tuesday, February 19, 2008, 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008, 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Session II: Marketing Plan Development

This session continues the development of the business plan text with a focus on developing the Marketing Plan. There is an emphasis on product and service descriptions, pricing strategy, target markets and marketing strategies.

Scheduled offering(s):
Tuesday, February 26, 2008, 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008, 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Session III: Financial Plan & Projections

This session completes the business plan with a focus on “the numbers”. Attendees will use a computer based financial tool to estimate revenues and costs. In addition, they will gain an understanding of important financial terms and learn how to interpret and use financial statements in running their business.

Scheduled offering(s):
Tuesday, March 4, 2008, 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008, 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

For additional information and online registration click here.