Starting a Small Business
 
 
Cost: $90.00 for entire course; $8.00 for a particular lesson.
 
Meeting Time: Saturday, 3PM U.S EST
 
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Course Description: This is a 8 week course that teaches you the basics of starting your own business. Topics covered include EIN's, permits and licences, taxes, creating a business and financial plan and the importance of bookkeeping.

Course Outline 
Lesson 1:
  • Introduction
  • What Type Of Business Organization Is Best For You?
  • Laws That May Affect You

Lesson 2:
  • Franchise Opportunities
  • Buying an existing or new business
  • Pro's and Con's of Buying a Franchise
  • Top Ten Do's and Don't

Lesson 3:
  • What is a Business Plan?
  • Why Prepare a Business Plan?
  • What to avoid in your business plan
  • Business Plan Format
  • Six Steps to a Great Business Plan

Lesson 4:
  • Finance Plan
  • How Much Money Do You Need?
  • Loans vs. Investment
  • Funding Sources
  • Top Ten Do's and Don't

Lesson 5:
  • Licenses & Permits
  • Business Name or DBA (Doing Business As)
  • Banking Under Your Business Name
  • Employer Identification Number (EIN)
  • Business License and Permits Checklist

Lesson 6:
  • What is E-Commerce?
  • Tips For Developing a Successful Site
  • Online Marketing and Promotion

Lesson 7:
  • Set up book and record keeping systems
  • Bank Account Reconciliation
  • The Three Major Financial Statements

Lesson 8:
  • Opportunities and challenges a small business owner face
  • Uncontrolled cash flow
  • Drop in sales or insufficient sales
  • Higher costs and new competition
  • Business recessions
  • Incompetent managers or employees
  • Dishonesty, theft
  • Basic rules for handling serious business problems
  • Top Ten Do's and Don't