This one day Intro to Business seminar covers the basic concepts of business formation and operation. With a focus on organizational governance and strategic planning, the seminar agenda is as follows:
MODULE 1: MISSION AND VISION: The Idea Stage [9AM – 9:50AM]
- Why are you starting a business? What is your personal motivation?
- What are you doing? (Define your WHY)
- What is your business? (Value Proposition)
- Who is your customer? (Identify)
This portion will be part of the first piece of your business plan.
10 MINUTE BREAK
MODULE 2: STRUCTURE AND GOVERNANCE: The Research Stage [10AM – 10:50AM]
- Basic Types of Structure
- What is an entity?
- Quick Definitions
- Will you be Member Managed or Manager Managed?
- Considerations for Selecting a Particular Structure
10 MINUTE BREAK
MODULE 3: FINANCE: The Feasibility Stage [11AM – 11:50AM]
- Tax Implications
- Bookkeeping and Accounting Basics
- Profit vs. Cash Flow vs. Valuation
- Types of Capitalization
11:50AM – 1PM: LUNCH BREAK – NETWORKING
MODULE 4: REGULATIONS The Guardrails [1PM – 1:50PM]
- Defining terms
- What is the purpose of business laws, regulations and ordinances?
- How do I know how to find the regulations which apply to my business?
- Regulations:
- Antitrust: forming a monopoly, allocating markets or customers, fixing prices, price discrimination, boycotting competitor or vendor
- Zoning: areas in which certain businesses may or may not operate. Choose your location carefully. These ordinances may also apply to home-based businesses.
- Licensing, Permits, Registration, and Certificates:
- Human Resources
10 MINUTE BREAK
MODULE 5: BUSINESS PLAN: The Analysis [2PM – 2:50PM]
- What is a business plan?
- Why is this document important?
- Why does that matter?
- DISCUSSION PORTION: How to develop?
- What are the key parts of a business plan?
- Executive Summary
- Company Description
- Vision, Mission, History, etc.
- Description of products and services
- Analysis of the Market
- Marketing and Sales plan
- Organization and Management
- Risk Analysis
- Finance
- Purpose of raising funds (if applicable)
What else can you include in a business plan?
10 MINUTE BREAK
MODULE 6: OPERATIONS: The Action Stage [3PM – 3:50PM]
- How will your business run day-to-day?
- Establish your organizational structure.
- Trade dress/ Branding
- Customer Acquisition
- Processes and Procedures
- Human Resources
- Risk Management
- Productivity
- Culture
4:00PM – 5PM: NETWORKING/ SPONSORS/ MEET & GREET