ST. AUGUSTINE, FL (08/15/2011)(readMedia)-- Flagler College is again partnering with SCORE - Counselors to America's Small Business - to host a four-part planning workshop for small businesses. This will be the fourth time that SCORE has presented this highly successful workshop series.
All sessions will be held at Flagler College on Wednesday evenings Sept. 14, Sept. 21, Oct. 5 and Oct. 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. The cost to participate in all four sessions is $99. Attendance at individual sessions is possible for $30 per session.
The workshop is designed both for those with an existing business who wish to grow their business, as well as those considering starting a new business. The SCORE counselors will address preparations for a professional business plan and options for obtaining the necessary financing.
The workshop will be in four parts: business concepts and data collection, marketing strategies, financial forecasting and completing the business plan. It is designed to help clients make a "go" or "no-go" decision for their business idea. Both homework and counseling are a part of the workshop process.
"Small businesses are the backbone of our economic community, and our goal is to both help new entrepreneurs get started, as well as to help existing businesses grow," said Marty Cohen, a SCORE counselor.
To make reservations, please call (904) 460-1251, (904) 471-8891, or email shelmar826@bellsouth.net.
The four sessions that will be presented are:
Business Concepts and Data Collection - This session reviews the process of putting together a Feasibility Plan to determine if a business idea makes sense. This session covers the business idea or concept, the need met by the product or service, industry profile, competition, and target markets. The session also reviews the process of selecting a name, business structure, hiring/managing employees, and determining how and where your business will operate.
Marketing Strategies - This marketing segment reviews the proper positioning of a product or service to maximize its appeal in the marketplace. The session also identifies the features and benefits of a product or service; adapting them to their most appropriate markets using the "4 P's of marketing" to maximize the business opportunity.
Financial Forecasting - This session reviews building a financial model for a business including estimating start-up costs, forecasting sales units and prices, and estimating fixed and variable operating costs to allow the development of a cash flow and income projection, determine breakeven points, and investigate the impact of pricing decisions on a venture's profitability. The session also focuses on understanding accounting principles, general business records, taxes and management accounting.
Completing the Business Plan - This session covers financial statement analysis, accounting and bookkeeping systems, the "six C's of credit," banking relations, and sources of capital both traditional and non-traditional. The session also discusses how to use a business plan, either to secure financing, or as a guide to help one make decisions as one grows their business. The session concludes with a question and answer session with SCORE experts to address any remaining questions.
