Simple Steps for Starting Your Business Workshop, 3 Week Series Starting 09/21,28, 10/5/19 - C0450

Thinking of starting a business? SCORE’s popular workshop series aims to simplify the process by taking you through steps to test the feasibility of your business idea, get started, and keep you moving forward.  Knowledge is power. Avoid making costly mistakes!

• Learn together with other new business owners the essentials of starting a successful business.
• 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? Entrepreneurs considering starting a business or buying a business, or those who have recently started a business and need further guidance.

A new and improved version of our local Simple Steps for Starting Your Business Workshop Series will be presented this Fall on 3 consecutive Saturday’s.

Saturday, September 21

9:00 am – 11:30 am – Session 1 - Start-Up Basics – Come learn what it takes to start a business; reflect on your own strengths and weaknesses before you jump in; review resources and checklists to get you on your way.

Lunch break 11:30 – 12:15 – Bring your lunch or get a bite near by.

12:30 – 3:00 pm – Session 2 – Marketing – Review the value of your product or service, identify your target market and your competition; match your market with your distribution channels, pricing strategies and communications. Understanding if you have a viable product or service leads into planning your finances.

Saturday, September 28

9:00 am – 11:30 am – Session 3 – Financial Planning and Projections – Use your own business data to complete a Start-up Budget Template and Expense Worksheet. Learn how you will use a Profit & Loss Statement, Pro Forma, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Statement for your own business.

Lunch break 11:30 – 12:15 – Bring your lunch or get a bite near by.

12:30 – 3:00 pm – Session 4 – Business Plan – Now with the knowledge of what your product/service is, how you will sell it, and how much money you need to plan for, you are ready to begin the Business Plan – the roadmap for your business. Prepare a draft business plan including all critical components.

Saturday, October 5^th

9:00 am – Noon – Session 5 – Funding and Next Steps – In this final session the emphasis is on how to finance your business – both traditional methods and more creative funding options are explored for those that do not qualify for bank loans. During this final session participants will review what additional research, resources, and efforts are needed in order to open their business.

Location: 637 First St., Santa Rosa – Central Downtown Location 

Parking: Parking Permits will be provided for parking in City Hall Lot 

Registration Fee:  The series of 5 sessions is only $150. 

Space is limited – make sure to register today 

Presenters include experienced SCORE Mentors: 

Anita Kratka has over 30 years of direct selling experience, leadership of successful sales teams, and is Dale Carnegie Sales trained. She was Director of Sales and Business Development with skills in revenue attainment, relationship-building and program development Specialties include: account management, business development, business strategy, marketing, mentoring, and strategic alliances. BA Degree in Economics from UCLA.

Charles (Chuck) Levine has succeeded in starting new businesses, turning around failing businesses, and leading companies to continue and sustain growth. He helped start the fastest growing Company in history, Sprint PCS. As VP of Sales and Marketing, he led it to over $10 billion in just 4 1/2 years and was named Marketer of the Year in 1999 by Communications. He became CEO and in 2002 was named CEO of the Year by the New York Times and Frost & Sullivan.

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.

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.

Irene Flack has over 20 years of 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.

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!

Thank you to the City of Santa Rosa Planning and Economic
Development Department and Johnston-Thomas Attorneys at Law
for co-sponsoring this workshop series.