Five workshops on the Essentials of Small Business
Refresh your business skills with this comprehensive workshops series
Who should attend: Potential, new and long time business owners looking to learn or refresh their business skills
Location:Cost: Free with Registration! Includes light meal.
Sign up for one, or attend all five
- Basics of Starting a Business in Maine – September 20
- Essentials of Business Planning – September 27
- Marketing your Business – October 4
- Small Business Financials – October 11
- Financing your Business – October 18
Time: 6 – 8 pm
Basics of Starting a Business in Maine Register
Tuesday, September 20, 2016 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Thinking of starting a business? Have a business idea and wondering if it’s worth it to take the next step? This session will give you an overview of the skills, and the tools you need when deciding to start a business. You’ll learn about the advantages and disadvantages of owning a business and the fundamentals of formation, organization, marketing, financials and financing. This session is a perfect primer for the remainder of the courses in this series and for potential or recently started businesses.
Essentials of Business Planning Register
Tuesday, September 27, 2016 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
What is a business plan and why do you need it? This session will highlight what a business plan is, its use within your business and the different elements that comprise the plan. You’ll learn how to use it to strategically plan for your business’ success and profitability. This session is perfect for potential, new, and current business owners.
Marketing Your Business Register
Tuesday, October 04, 2016 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Developing and implementing an effective marketing plan is a key element in operating your business successfully. In this session, you’ll learn how to find your customers, how to determine the needs and wants of your market and marketing strategies to ensure your marketing messages are being received. We’ll discuss marketing and pricing strategies, positioning and the difference between features and benefits. You’ll learn strategies and tactics of attracting potential customers and converting and keeping them as customers. This session is perfect for potential, new, and current business owners.
Small Business Financials Register
Tuesday, October 11, 2016 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
In this session you’ll get a better understanding of financial concepts. You’ll learn about bookkeeping systems, taxes, financial statements and cash flow projections. We’ll discuss financial risks and rewards, startup costs, operating expenses, setting benchmarks for tracking progress and organizing all of your financial information. This session is perfect for potential, new, and current business owners.
Financing Your Small Business Register
Tuesday, October 18, 2016 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
This session focuses on obtaining capital to start or run your business. We’ll discuss the sources of funding, layout what banks may be looking for in loan packages, and more. This session is perfect for potential, new, and current business owners.
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact 207-780-4420. This event is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. SBA.