What You Will Learn:

WEEK 1: BUSINESS FORMATION RECORDING

 

Day 1: Introduction to Business Formation

 

Objective: Build a foundational understanding of business structures and their importance.

 

Topics Covered:

 

What is business formation?

 

Types of business structures: sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, corporation, etc.

 

Choosing the right structure for your goals.

 

Legal requirements and compliance.

 

 

Activities:

 

Group discussion: “What’s your business idea?”

 

Business structure comparison worksheet

 

Day 2: Market Research & Feasibility Study

 

Objective: Understand your target market and assess the viability of your business idea.

 

Topics Covered:

 

Importance of market research.

 

Identifying your target audience.

 

Competitor analysis.

 

Creating a Unique Selling Proposition (USP).

 

 

Activities:

 

Conduct a mini-market research exercise.

 

Competitor analysis report.

 

Day 3: Business Plan Development

 

Objective: Create a structured and actionable business plan.

 

Topics Covered:

 

Elements of a business plan: executive summary, objectives, market analysis, operations, and financial plan.

 

Setting SMART goals for your business.

 

 

Activities:

 

Begin drafting a business plan.

 

Peer review and feedback section

 

Day 4: Legal and Financial Setup

 

Objective: Learn the steps to legally and financially establish your business.

 

Topics Covered:

 

Registering your business name.

 

Obtaining permits and licenses.

 

Tax obligations and EIN (Employer Identification Number).

 

Setting up business bank accounts and budgeting.

 

 

Activities:

 

Role-play: “How to register your business.”

 

Financial planning worksheets

 

Day 5: Branding and Marketing Basics

 

Objective: Create a strong brand identity and learn marketing fundamentals.

 

Topics Covered:

 

Building your brand: logo, colors, and messaging.

 

Digital marketing basics (social media, SEO, email marketing).

 

Developing a marketing strategy.

 

 

Activities:

 

Create a basic logo or brand concept.

 

Outline a marketing strategy for your business

 

Day 6: Risk Management and Problem-Solving

 

Objective: Understand risks and learn how to protect your business.

 

Topics Covered:

 

Identifying common risks in startups.

 

Insurance and liability protection.

 

Problem-solving and adaptability.

 

 

Activities:

 

Case study: Solving a business crisis.

 

Risk assessment checklist.

 

Day 7: Implementation & Wrap-Up

 

Objective: Finalize plans and prepare for execution.

 

Topics Covered:

 

Actionable steps for launching your business.

 

Networking and partnerships.

 

Setting long-term goals and tracking progress.

 

 

Activities:

 

Present your business plan to the group.

 

Q&A and feedback session.

 

Certificates of completion and celebration.

WEEK 2: BUSINESS PLAN CREATION & CDFI LOANS

 

Day 8: Business Plan Deep Dive (Part 1)

Objective: Understand the key components of a business plan and begin drafting the document.

Topics Covered:

Importance of a business plan for funding and direction.

Key sections of a business plan:

Executive Summary.

Business Description and Vision.

Market Analysis.

Writing a clear executive summary.

Activities:

Work on the Executive Summary for individual business ideas.

Group brainstorming: Developing a vision statement.

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Day 9: Business Plan Deep Dive (Part 2)

Objective: Continue building the business plan with a focus on marketing and operations.

Topics Covered:

Marketing strategy:

Understanding the 4 Ps (Product, Price, Place, Promotion).

Crafting marketing goals and plans.

Operational Plan:

Day-to-day operations.

Supplier and inventory management.

Activities:

Create a marketing strategy outline for individual businesses.

Draft the operational plan section.

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Day 10: Financial Plan Basics

Objective: Equip participants with the knowledge to create a realistic financial plan.

Topics Covered:

Financial forecasting: profit and loss, cash flow, and balance sheets.

Pricing strategies and cost analysis.

Break-even analysis.

Activities:

Calculate projected revenue and expenses for individual businesses.

Break-even analysis exercise.

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Day 11: Understanding CDFI Loans

Objective: Introduce CDFI loans and explain their relevance to small businesses.

Topics Covered:

What are CDFIs (Community Development Financial Institutions)?

Types of loans offered by CDFIs.

Benefits of CDFI loans compared to traditional bank loans.

Activities:

Case study: Reviewing a successful business funded through a CDFI loan.

Research local CDFIs and their offerings.

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Day 12: Preparing for Loan Applications

Objective: Help participants prepare strong loan applications for CDFI funding.

Topics Covered:

Required documentation for loan applications.

Writing a compelling loan application narrative.

Demonstrating financial readiness to lenders.

Activities:

Draft a loan application letter.

Checklist: Gather essential documents for loan applications.

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Day 13: Business Plan Presentation & Feedback

Objective: Finalize business plans and prepare participants to present them confidently.

Topics Covered:

How to pitch your business plan effectively.

Common questions lenders ask about business plans.

Activities:

Practice presenting business plans in small groups.

Peer and coach feedback on presentations.

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Day 14: Funding Opportunities & Wrap-Up

Objective: Explore additional funding opportunities and celebrate the completion of the program.

Topics Covered:

Alternative funding options (grants, crowdfunding, angel investors).

Setting actionable next steps for launching and funding the business.

 

 

WEEK 3: BUSINESS CREDIT: TIER 1

And Homework and Resources

 

WEEK 4: PAYMENT PROCESSOR LOANS(STRIPE, PAYPAL, QUICKBOOKS)

 

Week 5: 2025 PREPARATION & GOAL SETTING

 

WEEK 6: GRANT FUNDING

 

WEEK 7: GRANT APPLICATION WALK THROUGH

 

WEEK 8: BANKING RATE AND PRODUCTS