SCORE ENTREPRENEURIAL & LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP - 005 Funding Sources C0503

Workshop 1: Start-up Basics

There are a number of factors to keep in mind before starting your own business. 001 of this series will introduce you to key business considerations, such as the myths and realities of entrepreneurship, different business options to pursue, the components of business ownership, legal and financial considerations, and the business plan basics.

SCORE breaks down what could be an overwhelming task into manageable pieces, focuses on the essentials, and provides specific action steps to get you started.

Workshop 2: Business Concepts

In this second module of the "Simple Steps for Starting Your Business" online program, you will learn how to evaluate your business concept. You'll do this by reviewing a feasibility plan draft of a sample business. You'll also learn how to research industry profile data, customer data, financial projections, and other information to help you create your own business feasibility plan.

Receive step-by-step guidance on identifying your target markets, describing your products and services, and researching your competition to determine your concept's feasibility.

Workshop 3: Marketing

In this third workshop of the Simple Steps Series, you will learn how to market your startup business. You will complete a competitive comparison, create a product and services description, develop a pricing strategy, identify your target markets and channels, outline a marketing message, and learn sales basics.

In this introduction to marketing communications, learn how to maximize your customer reach. Outline and execute a marketing strategy. Test your marketing message. Choose the right sales channels. We discuss different marketing and pricing strategies, positioning, and the difference between features and benefits.

Workshop 4: Financial Projections

All business is risk vs. reward, and the financial planning process will help you assess both. Having a financial plan will not only help guide business development decisions and monitor results, but it will also help you match your business concept with personal income goals.

Through hands-on instruction, learn how to forecast sales revenue and build solid, Pro-forma financial forecasts. Discuss sales and prices, financial risks and rewards, true start-up costs, ongoing operating expenses, setting benchmarks for tracking progress, and organizing all of your financial information.

Workshop 5: Funding Sources

In this fifth and final workshop in the Simple Steps Series, you will learn about accounting and bookkeeping systems, sources of capital, the six C’s of credit, and banking relations. You will also conduct a financial statement analysis and determine the next steps on your path to starting a business.

How will you finance your business? Learn about sources of funds, accounting the six Cs of credit, banking relations, ratio analysis, and monthly preparation and review of financial statements. Hear directly from a bank loan officer how banks assess the merits of business plans and loan applications.

Workshop 6: Business Presentation and Recognition

The final course in the Entrepreneurial And Leadership Series, you'll engage in and learn from professional business presentations based on Start-Up Basics, Business Concepts, Marketing Plans, Financial Projections, and Funding Sources.
This is a celebration for the culmination of the skills acquired in this series as well as continued learning.