Traditional Business Development

The Traditional Business Development Class is 18 weeks long and has been divided into three phases:

1. Overview of the Business Plan
2. Overview of the Marketing Section of a Business Plan
3. Overview of the Financial Section of a Business Plan

Each phase is divided into six classes of which an expert in each field volunteers his or her time to share their knowledge and/or field experience to help other veterans. Each phase can be taken separately with an open enrollment.

To enroll online, click here!

PHASE I - OVERVIEW OF THE BUSINESS PLAN

The first phase helps to introduce the new owner to the business plan. It also takes a look at the qualities that are important to a self employed business owner.

CLASS 1: ORIENTATION NIGHT

Includes an assessment of the interests of the business owner.

CLASS 2: BUSINESS PLAN OVERVIEW

• Table of Contents and Executive Summary
• Description of Business - History and business description
• Management Section - Owners resume and Advisory Board
• Marketing Section - Identify the components of marketing
• Financial Section - Identify the components of a businesses financials

CLASS 3: MARKETING PLAN OVERVIEW

In depth discussion of the Marketing section of a Business Plan. Who is your market? The more you know who you are selling to, the easier it is to sell!

CLASS 4: PRODUCT/NEED/TARGET CUSTOMER/MISSION OVERVIEW

What are you selling? Who needs it? Who will buy it? All these questions will be explored in this session.

CLASS 5: RECORDKEEPING

Recordkeeping can be accomplished either manually or computerized with computerized accounting package software. We will discuss each method.

CLASS 6: COMMUNICATION

Communication skills are essential in owning a business. First impressions are crutial. Learn how to present yourself and your business through simple conversation.

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PHASE II - OVERVIEW OF THE MARKETING SECTION OF A BUSINESS PLAN

Phase II begins six weeks of assessing the marketing elements and how they are used to begin to shape the cash flow of the new business. The "MISSION" statement for the business can now be established!

CLASS 7: PRODUCT/NEED/TARGET CUSTOMER/MISSION REVISITED

After a few weeks have gone by and some research has been done in regards to the product, need and potential customer, we write a mission statement. This gives up direction in which our business will grow.

CLASS 8: PRODUCT/NEED/TARGET CUSTOMER/MISSION REVISITED

We continue to look at our target market and who are competition is. Are we in the right location for our business to still be profitable?

CLASS 9: PRICING INFORMATION

What will it take to "break even" when owning and operating a business?

CLASS 10: SALES PRESENTATIONS AND SELLING

How do you sell your product? How do you promote it? How and why do you advertise? We'll weigh the options.

CLASS 11: THE INTERNET

Everyone talks about the Internet and why you need a web site! Why? Learn what to look for when choosing a company to design your web site for you.

CLASS 12: COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Honing Business Plan Presentations.

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PHASE III - OVERVIEW OF THE FINANCIAL SECTION OF A BUSINESS PLAN

These last six weeks will focus on the FINANCIAL information that is pertinent to success.

CLASS 13: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Identify and discuss the integration of the financial statements a self-employed person would need to organize, delegate and plan for business success.

CLASS 14: COST OF DOING BUSINESS

Identify inventory to be bought if needed, explain and produce projections that will determine how much sales will be necessary in order to meet startup, operating and wage costs.

CLASS 15: BALANCE SHEETS/EQUIPMENT LISTS/INVENTORY

Identify the components of a Balance Sheet and it's use.

CLASS 16: PROFIT AND LOSS

Identify the components and its use.

CLASS 17: CASH DISTRIBUTION/CASH FLOW

Identify the components of a Cash Flow and its use. SALES GOALS AND ACTION PLAN - helps you to set goals for the Sales Plan. The actions put in place should be done on a monthly basis so as to coordinate the projected cash flow for each month.

CLASS 18: PRESENTATIONS

Now that you've worked hard to develope a business plan and get some ideas down on paper, it's time to use the communication skills you have acquired and put them to use!

You will be gathering the following information as you work through the development of your Business Plan.

• TAXES - Identify for your business the specific taxes that you will be responsible for.
• SOFTWARE - Identify Computer software for the business that includes word-processing, desktop publishing, spreadsheet/accounting

THIS INFORMATION SECTION WILL MAKE YOUR JOB EASIER

• RESOURCES - Compile a list of community resources and support that are available.
  Identify for the business all necessary licenses, certifications, registrations.

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