Self Employment Preparedness Program
The next Self
Employment Preparedness Program will begin on
August 20, 2008
For more information or to enroll in the program call 828-5300
The Self Employment Preparedness Program is a class for someone that is interested in starting and running their own business. This program has two main objectives for the participants: the evaluation of the proposed business idea and to create an awareness in the participants of what it will really take to start and run a business in today's business environment.
The evaluation process involves three things:
1. The participant evaluating their business idea through a process of market research and business planning.
2. The participant evaluating their own personal strengths and weaknesses in skills that will be required in the business venture.
3. The participant evaluating the business idea and themselves together in an objective manner so as to determine that it is something that they can and want to do in the future.
The program is also an awareness program in that it shows the participant processes, information, requirements and other necessary components of owning and operating a small business so that they can plan for these situations and not go into this venture totally blind and uninformed. This aspect of the program attempts to show the participant different areas of business such as market research, marketing, advertising, bookkeeping, financial analysis, cash flow, tax issues, legal aspects, insurance issues, problem solving and other important aspects of small business ownership.
The overall format of the program is built around developing and writing a business plan for the participants specific business idea. The main focus of the program is to show that the amount business success achieved is directly proportional to the amount of planning done at the inception of the business.
Class 1 - Orientation & Business Planning
Orientation as to what the program will cover. Also, the basics of what a business
plan is, what it is used for and what one looks like are covered. Form and format
are discussed as well as the nature and importance of content. This class lays
the groundwork for what will be covered in more detail in future classes.
Class 2 - Market Research
The importance doing thorough market research in order to help evaluate and
define the business idea is covered. The process of how to actually plan and
carry out the market research is discussed. Sources of information are outlined
and explained.
Class 3 - Marketing
The different aspects of marketing a small business are discussed including
branding, image building, customer service and more. The basics of marketing
are explained and shown how they are used in identifying the particular wants
and needs of a target market of customers, and then going about satisfying those
customers better than the competition. Also, different types of advertising
for different types of businesses are gone over and explained.
Class 4 - Sales and Ecommerce
The basics of selling are discussed. Everyone has to sell something. Whether
you are selling your product or service to a potential customer, selling your
idea to a banker or investor or selling yourself to a new supplier there are
ways to approach these situations in order to make yourself better prepared.
Also, a look at the Internet and ecommerce and how your business can best utilize
this marketing medium. Web site purpose, design and use, in conjunction with
your business, are explained.
Class 5 - Facilities and Case Study
Determines what one should look for when looking for office, retail, wholesale
or manufacturing facilities. Site selection and business area analysis concerning
potential customers and competition within an area are discussed. A case study
involving evaluating an actual business plan is utilized.
Class 6 - Recordkeeping and Financial Statements
Setting up and maintaining a recordkeeping system and why this is necessary
is discussed. Bookkeeping aspects are also examined. This class also introduces
the Financial Statements: the Balance Sheet and the Income Statement. These
financial tools are examined and explained.
Class 7 - Cash Flow Analysis and Forecasting
The Cash Flow Statement is perhaps the most important of the financial statements
to the operations of the business. Cash Flow statements are reviewed as to form
and content. The importance of developing cash flow pro-forma statements is
discussed and demonstrated.
Class 8 - Taxes and Employee Issues
The basics of different small business tax issues and forms are discussed. The
importance of having a reliable small business tax expert on your team is emphasized.
Also, different forms of business ownership and their tax positions are shown.
The many issues dealing with recordkeeping, taxes, and legal issues involved
in having employees are discussed. Also, how employees impact the business in
both operations and customer service.
Class 9 - Banking and Wrap-up
What is expected and needed when approaching a bank for a business loan is discussed.
Also, the importance of developing a relationship with a banker, whether a loan
is needed at startup or not, is reviewed. Different types and forms of financing
are discussed. Also, assistance that the client can expect from the business
management consultant once the program is over is reviewed. This involves contacting
the consultant to receive help in further planning of the business.