Course Title: How to Start and Operate a Small Business
Course Number: SBX 7301
Course Hours: 24

Learn the elements of a small business, its successful operation, and how it functions. You will understand and address the components of a sound business plan; identify and apply necessary management skills, through getting started, financial needs, taxes, marketing and sales, insurance, and legal concerns.

Objectives:

1. Describe the resources needed to start and operate their own small business
2. Develop a financial resource plan 
3. Develop a business plan
4. Develop a marketing plan 

Content:

1. Why Start Your Own Business.
   • Self Assessment
   • Skills
   • Risks/Rewards
   • Personal Financial and Familial Needs
2. The Right Business for You
   • Wants/Don’t Wants
   • Product of Service
   • Trends
   • Competition
   • Research the Idea
3. The Legalities of the Business World
   • Structure/Entity
   • Zoning
   • Licensing
   • Contracts
4. Keeping Track and Protecting Your Business
   • Financial records
   • Taxes
   • Insurance
   • Finding People
   • Other Ways to “Get It Done”
5. All About Money
   • What Will You Need to Start
   • Budgets – Operating
   • How to Forecast
   • Finding Funds 
   • Extending Credit
6. Another Look at Money
   • Test Assumptions/Forecasts
   • Let Technology Help
   • What:  Hardware
     • Software
     • Fax 
     • Phone
     • Other
7. Marketing Your Business
   • The message
   • To Whom?
   • Your Niche
   • Image
   • Plan/Budget
8. Putting the Finishing Touches on your Plan
   • How to Track Your Progress
   • Getting It All Done
   • Growing
   • Ready, Set, Go

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