Small Business Essentials is an in-depth, 20-session course that covers the critical components of creating and fine-tuning a business plan. Upon graduation from the course, you will have a robust business plan to guide you through starting and growing your business. Classes are offered in person and online.
Course Overview
- Learn key components to launching a successful business including creating an executive summary, marketing, finance, operations, and sales
- Connect with your classmates and create a community of fellow entrepreneurs
- Attend bonus lab nights and get support from classmates and business experts
- Present your completed business plan at the course graduation celebration
- Gain access to subject matter expert volunteers
- Receive one-on-one support from a business mentor
Course Outline
Small Business Essentials Modules
Session 1 – Orientation
Meet your mentor, receive class materials and tools, and learn about the structure of the course.
Session 2 – Business Development
Define your business description. Clarify your mission statement, value proposition, and owner qualifications.
Session 3 – Understanding Your Target Market
Learn to identify the who, what, where, and how of your target market.
Session 4 – Analyzing Your Competition
Learn to do market research and assess the competitive landscape.
Session 5 – Marketing
Learn about the basic tools and techniques for creating awareness and interest in your business.
Session 6 – E-Marketing
Learn about the e-marketing tools and techniques for creating awareness and interest in your business online.
Session 7 – Sales
Learn how to guide people through the sales process, overcome objections, and ask for their business.
Session 8 – Checkpoint #1 – Meet with your Mentor
Session 9 – Company Formation
Step-by-step instructions for forming a legal business entity.
Session 10 – Management Structure
De-mystify business registration and management essentials, capacity, and risk.
Session 11 – Business Plan Working Lab
A working “lab” session provides an opportunity to be hands-on with technical support in the room while working on your business plan.
Session 12 – Managing Risk
Learn about the risks to your business and what to do to mitigate those risks.
Session 13 – Operations
Define your operations and assess management and personnel assets and needs.
Session 14 – Checkpoint #2 – Meet with your Mentor
Session 15 – Finance: Introduction to Business Finance
Learn the essentials of business accounting and introduction to financial statements.
Session 16 – Finance: Estimating Sales & Cost
Learn how to project your sales revenue and calculate your startup costs.
Session 17 – Working Lab: Planning for Profit
Working session to complete the financial template and prepare for review with your mentor.
Session 18 – Checkpoint #3 – Meet with your Mentor
Session 19 – Final Practice Pitch
Practice and present your “pitch” to your fellow entrepreneurs, trainers, and mentors.
Session 20 – Graduation
Ready to sign up?
Our next Small Business Essentials course is from April 18 – June 22, 2023.
Classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm (CST). This course will be held virtually.
Please contact us at training@womenventure.org for application information.
Cost: $600
WomenVenture has a broad range of scholarship levels to serve a greater number of emerging entrepreneurs. Visit our scholarship page for more information.