Building Blocks to Starting a Business

Session #1:  Want to start a business? Grow an existing one? 

If you are thinking about starting a small business, this session will help you understand the issues small business owners face. This overview is also valuable for entrepreneurs who are thinking about changes to their existing business. Topics include: finding the right product or service, pricing and sales channel strategies, the steps to organizing a small business, the motivations for being an entrepreneur, and how to move from the idea to action. This is taught by Steve Troutman, SCORE mentor and successful business owner.

Session #2:  How do you write a business plan?

Rick Inderlie from the Small Business Development Center talks on the essentials of creating a business plan for both starting a new small business, or growing an existing business with special emphasis on the financials.  The process of developing a business plan helps you think through all the issues needed to succeed in business.  A business plan documents your plans and decisions, and enables you to track your progress.  The business plan itself is often required to get a business loan. You will learn the basic components of the business plan and how to use it.

Session #3:  Your Credit Request from the Lender’s Perspective

Learn how your bank can help your business succeed!  We will present and answer questions on what types of business loans, lines of credit, and other bank products and services may be available and beneficial to help your business grow. Presented by Jay Wangen, Vice-President, Merchants Bank.

Session #4: The Right Business Organization for You

There are a number of ways to organize a small business.  This session focuses on sole proprietorship, partnership, corporations, and limited liability company (LLC).  It will cover the benefits and drawbacks of each type of organization. The organizational choice you make is crucial to protecting your assets. Also discussed will be employment contracts, labor laws, leasing a facility, concerns regarding licensing, and tax consequences.  Attorneys from Wendlund & Utz present on this important topic.