Simple Steps for Starting Your Business (series)

SCORE's 6-workshop program gives you a practical overview of the fundamentalsrequired to start a small business. Proven practices. Sound advice. Experienced and successful entrepreneurs themselves, our trained instructors will guide you through the first important steps.  Attend any or all of the six, 1.5 hour workshops over the course of a couple of months.

You'll gain:

• Knowledge of the fundamentals you need to start a small business
• Perspective from mentors who've been there and can see what you don't see
• The peace of mind and confidence that come from knowing you've thought through everything

If you're a more experienced business owner, use the program as a back-to-basics refresher. You don't have to be a current or former SCORE client to participate.

Schedule:  Six Tuesdays from 5:00 - 7:00 pm.  May 5, 2019 - June 11, 2019

Session 1: Market Research Process - Tuesday, May 7, 2019 @ 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Assess whether there is a true need in your community for the services you will offer, the price point they are willing to pay, and exactly who they are and how best to market to them.

Session 2: Start Up Basics - Tuesday, May14, 2019 @ 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
You will learn about the myths and realities of entrepreneurship, different types of businesses, resources you need to make it work, and legal structures.

Session 3: Business Plan - Tuesday, May 21, 2019 @ 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
You will learn how to create you mission and vision statements and how to use the information gathered in the market research to create a business plan.

Session 4: Marketing Plan - Tuesday, May 28, 2019 @ 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
You will learn how to market your business by doing a competitive comparison, creating a product and services description, developing a pricing strategy, identifying your target markets and channels, outlining a marketing message and learning sales basics.

Session 5: Financial Projections - Tuesday, June 04, 2019 @ 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
You learn about risk vs. reward, and the financial planning process that 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. In addition, the financial plan can be used as a budget, and can be compared to actual results in the future.

Session 6: Funding Sources and Next Steps- Tuesday, June 11, 2019 @ 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm
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.