Seminars
Our SCORE Chapter has developed a number of low cost Seminars which are offered on a regular basis. Typically the attendance is between 10 and 20 and audience questions are answered. In many cases the interactions of the attendees provide welcome insight into solutions of common problems and often lead to useful networking. SCORE workshops and seminars are intended to compliment the one on one mentoring available to all attendees.
“Business Start Up Basics”
This FREE seminar introduces you to the concepts of starting a new business and covers the following questions:
- How do you test your business idea?
- Should you organize as a corporation, LLC or sole proprietor?
- How much cash do you need for start-up?
- Who will be your customer?
- Should you write a business plan?
The seminar also provides an overview of the Simple Steps to Start a Business series (described below). After this session, you decide if now is the right time to complete the Simple Steps program.
“Simple Steps to Start a Business Series “
Simple Steps is a four-part series of workshops that uses a feasibility plan format combined with your own research and homework, and our one-on-one mentoring to help you take your new business idea to a “go” or “no-go” decision. The individual sessions include:
- “SS – Business Concept”
- “SS – Marketing Plan”
- “SS – Financial Projections”
- “SS – Funding Sources & Next Steps”
You may enroll in the session series or in any of the individual sessions.
“SS – Business Concept”
This workshop is your start in developing a feasibility plan for your business. You will examine how your business idea meets a need or solves a problem. You will clearly identify the features or benefits of your product or service. You will examine whether your personal skills and background are a good fit with your business idea. You will learn how to find critical information about your industry, customers and competition. You will be assigned a SCORE mentor to help and coach you through the process.
“SS – Marketing Plan”
In this workshop you will start to develop a marketing plan. You will identify your target markets, discuss pricing strategies, focus on creating a consistent marketing message, and discuss different marketing communication methods. In addition, you will work on identifying and developing an appropriate business structure.
“SS – Financial Projections”
This workshop is designed to teach you to develop financial projections to see if your business concept is feasible in dollars. You will learn the importance of having a financial plan. You will look at start-up costs, operating expenses, breakeven analysis, the financial risks and rewards, and what funds will be needed to finance your business. You will see how financial statements are used to help manage your business. Don’t panic! An experienced SCORE mentor will be there to guide you through the numbers.
“SS – Funding Sources & Next Steps”
This final workshop exposes you to traditional and non-traditional funding sources to finance your business. You will learn what information a bank needs to consider your loan request. You will learn what key elements go into the bank’s loan decision. You will learn to recognize your financial strengths and weaknesses. You will review your progress through the various workshop sessions and discuss what next steps may be needed to make your decision: “go” or “no-go” with your business concept. Your SCORE mentor will continue to work with you to complete any remaining items.
“Start-up Trilogy Workshop Series“
This is a three-part series of classes that address issues every business faces – planning, finding customers, and managing cash flow. The individual sessions include:
- ” Business Plan”
- ” Marketing & Sales”
- ” Cash Control”
You may enroll in the session series or in any of the individual sessions.
” Business Plan”
Successful businesses are built on a well-researched, owner-developed business plan. If your business idea is tested and you are ready to build your business plan, this 2-3 hour seminar will guide you through the planning process helping you determine how to link various aspects of managing your business: marketing, management and operations plans, and your cash flow.
” Marketing & Sales”
There are a number of questions you need to answer when you develop your marketing strategy and plan. Whether you run an existing small business or are working on starting a business, the development of a well thought out marketing strategy is a critical factor in gaining a competitive edge and achieving success. This seminar is designed around useful and practical hands-on techniques. You will learn how to apply sales and marketing fundamentals to your business decisions and how that information merges into your business plan.
” Cash Control”
In any small business “Cash is King” and if you run out of cash, you may be out of business. This seminar is designed to help you establish financial practices to better manage and control your business. It includes teaching the basics on financial reporting including; Chart of Accounts, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Financial Ratios.
“Home-Based Business”
This seminar is for those who have decided to base their business in their home. The seminar covers topics such as licenses, taxes, insurance as well as marketing, sales and other item unique to a home based business.
“Consulting & Independent Contracting”
This workshop is specifically designed for persons who are developing a consulting or contracting business. You will learn the prerequisites for becoming a consultant or independent contractor along with the pros and cons of being a consultant. Additional topics include: How the IRS defines an independent contractor and why it matters, requirements for a consulting business, and tools to help you succeed.
Fees
The Simple Steps series and other seminars unless otherwise noted have a registration fee. Please refer to the Seminar Schedule for fees if any.
A discount is available for second person from same company by calling the SCORE office 702-388-6104. Add $5.00 extra if you register and pay at the event.