SCORE's Simple Steps for Starting Your Business Series (9/29, 10/6, and 10/13)

This comprehensive workshop series is a MUST to help you test your new business idea and get started on the right path. Work with a SCORE mentor and avoid costly mistakes.

• Starting a business is a complicated task.
• We aim to simplify the process by taking attendees through steps to test the feasibility of your idea, get started, and keep moving forward. 
• We simplify it further by providing you with a mentor that will walk through these steps with you and assist you during and after the workshops.

Who should attend?
Participants considering starting a business or buying a business, entrepreneurs who have recently started a business or a small business owner that wants to learn how to evaluate new business ideas or improving their business performance.  

The Simple Steps for Starting Your Business Series is just $120, and includes five 2-1/2 hr. workshops with action steps and valuable resources:

• Session 1 - Essentials for Starting a Business – Do you have what it takes?
• Session 2 - Business Concept - Preparing for the Business Plan  
• Session 3 - Marketing Plan
• Session 4 - Financial Projections – Yes, you can do it! You must do it!
• Session 5 - Funding Sources & Next Steps
• You will have the opportunity to work with a SCORE Mentor throughout your business development

PLEASE REGISTER by MON. 9/24 to help us plan our logistics!

Presenters include experienced SCORE Mentors:
Ray Snipes, Roy Johnston, Spencer Bader, Irene Flack, and Guest Presenter: Mike Benziger

Ray Snipes worked in a variety of management positions with two large companies in the automotive aftermarket for most of his career.  He owned and managed a small business for several years and also taught high school English.  He is now Administrator for North Coast SCORE Chapter.

Roy Johnston is in his 20th year of business law, real estate law and estate planning.  He advises businesses from startup through stock distribution to investors.  Roy is active in the business law sections of the California Bar Association and the Sonoma County Bar Association, and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Wyoming.  Most importantly, Roy is a small business owner who puts into practice the principles he teaches. 

Mike Benziger is one of the most innovative and successful entrepreneurs in the Sonoma Valley.  Mike began in the wine industry in the early 1970s and by the end of the decade, he acquired his own vineyard in Glen Ellen. For the next 35 years Mike worked with his extended family to create 3 successful winery brands; Glen Ellen, Benziger Family Winery, and Imagery Winery. In 1995, Mike pioneered a farming practice originally developed in Europe, Biodynamics, an advanced form of organic farming.  Many of the Benziger and Imagery wines have won prestigious awards over the years.  Mike sold both Benziger Family Winery and Imagery in 2015. Mike transitioned from the wine business to start a small farm in Glen Ellen called Glentucky Family Farm. Anticipating the transition, Mike certified that property as by Biodynamic 18 years ago.  He grows fruits, vegetables, medicinal crops, and raises animals which are sold locally, including to the Glen Ellen Star, one of the most highly acclaimed restaurants in the County.

Spencer Bader - After a BA in Economics, an MBA, and MS in Industrial Engineering, Spencer spent 32 years with HP/Agilent, in operations and project management. Later affiliations included partner in a small consulting firm, and Admin/Finance Director for Sonoma County Water Agency. During his 8-year stay, the Water Agency's bond rating increased to AA+. Most recently Spencer has done angel investing and advising to tech start-ups, SCORE North Coast mentoring, and volunteering for local non-profits.

Irene Flack has over 20 years experience in commercial and small business lending, including SBA lending. As a result, Irene has expertise in business operations and management, working with lenders, and related issues. In addition to advising established business owners, Irene is a SCORE workshop presenter on setting up a new business, and can provide practical step-by-step guidance for start-ups..Irene has a BA in Business Administration and a JD.

Next series takes place on these 3 consecutive weeks:

Sat., September 29, 2018 – 9:00 am–3:00 pm, Sessions 1 and 2

Sat., October 6, 2018 – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, Sessions 3 and 4

Sat., October 13, 2018 – 9:00 am – Noon, Session 5

SCORE Mentors will be on hand to provide the guidance you need through the whole process. Put your plan in order efficiently and in a short period of time. BE PREPARED, NOT SURPRISED! 

Space is limited so register now.   Make the investment in your future.

Bring a lunch or snack for the intermission between AM and PM sessions. Beverages will be provided at each session. 

Thank you Santa Rosa Department of Economic Development for co-sponsoring this workshop.

Register Now!