Business Planning Workshops
Please note: These workshops are intended for Business Futures Clients only.
If there are seats available in any given month members of the general public may attend for a fee. To apply please register at our office or call May Trieu (250) 338-4417 ext 231.
Introduction to the Business Plan
As a new entrepreneur, your business plan is one of your most important tools. It will largely determine whether your business gets approved for financing, it will help you focus your marketing and it will ultimately tell you whether your business will be able to provide the income you need.
This workshop, which forms a basis for all subsequent workshops, will give you a comprehensive overview of how to research, prepare and write a successful business plan. You’ll learn the five essential parts of every plan, and the vital details you’ll need to include in each one. As you work through the process of creating your business plan, you’ll examine your new business more closely than ever and discover ways to make it stronger.
Legal Implications for Business Start Up
This course covers Sole Proprietorship/Partnerships verus Incorporation as well as Commerical lease, Liabilities in business and Personal Guarantees.
Market Research
It’s one thing to have a great idea for a new business. But if no one is interested in buying your product or service, you don’t stand a chance.
This workshop will show you how to use market research tools like surveys and focus groups to determine whether there is a viable market for your new business. You’ll learn how to identify your competition, define your customer and recognize opportunities to fill a particular niche within a larger market.
Your Marketing Plan
This workshop will show you how to plan and implement a successful marketing campaign that’s consistent with the results of your market research. You’ll learn how to make the most of your marketing budget by identifying the opportunities that best fit your business, and you’ll discover creative ways to promote your business that most entrepreneurs overlook.
You’ll also learn the importance of perfecting your “elevator speech,” the most crucial 10-second sound bite you’ll ever have to deliver, and how to incorporate each marketing initiative into a strategic, long-term marketing plan.
Business Skills for New Entrepreneurs
To be a successful entrepreneur, you need to be an expert not only on your product or service, but also on business management in general. While this workshop may not make you an instant expert, it will give you a comprehensive overview of how to run your business efficiently and successfully.
Topics covered include Canada Revenue Agency requirements, business forms and contracts, time management, business banking and bookkeeping. You’ll learn how to approach banks and lenders for funding, how to set achievable business goals and how to establish and maintain a good reputation through professional and ethical conduct.
Your Financial Plan
Your financial plan is arguably the most important part of your business plan. It’s the first section any lender will look at when deciding whether to fund your business, and it will help you determine whether your business will be able to provide the income you need.
In this workshop, you’ll learn how to develop the three vital components of your financial plan: your cash flow projection and assumptions, your three-year projected income statement and your source and use of funds statement. Working on your financial plan will force you to examine the numbers behind your business, and will help you identify and improve any weaknesses in your business plan.
Web Site Development
This workshop will introduce you to the world of web sites, and will help you develop a site that fits the precise needs of your business. While not a how-to guide per se, it will show you what makes a web site great, including planning, design, search engine optimization and lots more.
You’ll learn how to register a domain name, how to optimize your web site to appear higher in search engine rankings, how to market your site and how to determine your web site’s role in your overall marketing plan. You’ll learn important questions to ask your web designer, and you’ll discover useful tools to help you design and build your own site.
Social Media for Small Business
By now you’ve probably heard that social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are the next big things in promoting your business. But how and where should you start? This workshop will take the mystery out of social media marketing and will show you how to expand your network and grow your business online.
You’ll learn how to use a blog to build relationships, how to provide your customers with the compelling content they’re looking for and how to avoid common mistakes in social media marketing. You’ll also be introduced to valuable online tools like e-newsletters, RSS feeds and e-commerce software.
From Plan to Action
Every successful business begins with an idea. Turning that idea into a concrete action plan is the first challenge that every new entrepreneur must overcome.
This workshop will help you turn your idea into action by examining your goals and then creating a road map to lead you there. You’ll be introduced to a variety of project management tools, you’ll learn how to motivate employees to meet business objectives and you’ll discover ways to correct mistakes before they become costly disasters. This is where the rubber meets the road.
For course dates and workshop schedule please click here.
