MICROENTERPRISE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM SYLLABUS

Classes start promptly at 6:00PM

Each class is designed to be a different part of their business plan. At the conclusion of the course the entrepreneur will have a rough draft of a business plan.

Class 1- Introduction

• Business Plan Development
• Business Plan Outline
• Entrepreneurial Characteristics
• Ownership Form

Class 2 - Product/Service and Market Analysis

• Is your product/service unique?
• Who is your target market?
• How do you define your "niche"?

Class 3 - Major Competitors and Location

• Identifying your competitor
• Creating and edge over your competition
• Selecting a location
• Zoning

Class 4- Marketing Strategy and Pricing #1

• Marketing Techniques
• Cost Effective Marketing
• Pricing Your Product/Service

Class 5 - Insurance and Financing

• Terminology
• Types of Insurance
• Bonding
• Equity vs. Debt Financing
• Sources of Funding
• Credit Worthiness
• Supporting Documents

Class 6- Start-up Costs and Financial Statements

• Table of Start-up Costs
• Application and Expected Effect of Loan
• Capital Equipment List
• Cash Flow Projections
• Balance Sheet
• Profit and Loss Statement
• Sales Forecasting
• Break Even Analysis
• Personal Financial Planning

Class 7 - Marketing Strategies and Techniques #2

• Building Bridges to Your Customers
• Key Ingredients for Quality Service
• Blueprints for Great Bridges
• Keeping Communication Open

Class 8 - Banking and Financing

• Outside Speakers

Class 9 - Advertising/Promotion

Class 10 - Personnel and Management

• Organization and Management
• Resume Purpose and Example
• Job Descriptions, Hiring, and Firing
• Employee Handbooks
• Executive Summary

Class 11 - Legal Issues – Bookkeeping and Taxes – E-Commerce

• Retaining a Lawyer and Accountant
• Government Regulations
• Contracts
• Required Records
• Payroll Tax, Sales Tax, and Income Tax
• Website

Class 12 - Graduation

• Reception
• Short Presentation
• Graduation!!