So You Think You Want To Start A Business

Topics covered in this seminar are:

1. Critical Success Factors.

2. Approaches to a New Business.

3. Funding and Financing.

4. Market Assessment & Evaluation.

5. Marketing & Sales.

6. Financial Projections.

7. Business Plan Basics

Jim Bolinger’s career has spanned nearly 40 years working in finance, organizational strategy, business planning and as a small business owner. He began his career with Coopers & Lybrand in the Audit Services Division. In 1980, he transitioned to industry. He was selected to organize the Corporate Internal Audit Services in a multi-location, national not-for-profit. Subsequently, he was promoted to Corporate Controller. He has also served as a Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in a large not-for-profit.

In 1987, Jim transitioned his career into consulting on organizational strategy development. He served as a Partner in National Health Advisors focusing on strategy, feasibility studies, business valuations, mergers/acquisitions and Board Retreats. In 1992, he co-founded the national consulting firm Arista Associates with offices in Washington, DC and Chicago; concurrently, Jim was selected as the Managing Partner.

Mr. Bolinger was co-founder of The Association of Healthcare Internal Auditors 1981. This association has grown to more than 1,000 members and includes international representation. Jim also purchased for turn-around and investment a boutique retail business in 2000. He co-founded a group purchasing organization in a specialty retail industry in 2003.

He has been an Executive Fellow in the American Academy of Medical Management, a Fellow in the American Association of Healthcare Consultants, a Fellow in the Healthcare Financial Management Association, a Fellow-designate in the American College of Healthcare Executives and a CPA. Mr. Bolinger has also served on the Adjunct Faculty of two nationally-recognized universities.

Mr. Bolinger holds an MBA with Honors from the University Notre Dame and a Bachelor of Science in Business from Indiana University.

Parking is free.  There is a $25.00 registration fee for materials and handouts.  Select PayPal payment option to pay with regular credit card or PayPal account.  

The workshop is open to all Keiser University students, faculty, and staff for free.  All students in Fort Myers and Lee and Hendry counties with a school ID and Veterans may attend free.  When registering, students should simply seclect STUDENT or Veterans.  A valid ID may be required at the door.

The Southwest Florida SCORE Chapter provides FREE Counseling and Low Cost Workshops to new and existing businesses in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Lehigh Acres, Labelle and surrounding areas in Lee and Hendry Counties.  Visit us today at southwestflorida.score.org