The UGA Small Business Development Center in Brunswick is partnering with PrimeSouth Bank to deliver 5 courses spanning 10 hours of total class time covering core business topics. The courses will feature speakers that have knowledge in specialized business areas, self-evaluation and comprehension of practices used in daily business topics of discussion, and opportunities to engage with and have Q&A’s with guest speakers.

Combined with one-on-one consulting with a UGA SBDC professional, participants will learn to apply the strategies needed to start or grow their business.

COST: $199
HOURS: 10

DATES:

• March 11, 2020
• March 18, 2020
• March 25, 2020
• April 1, 2020
• April 8, 2020

This program features 10 total hours of class time on topics such as:

• Business Plan Writing
• Marketing
• Money: Finance/Accounting
• Strategic Operation Planning

Week 1:  Before and After the Ribbon Cutting: 2 hours

Discuss the components of a well designed business plan and how to put them to work for your business. Ensure you’re set up with the right permits, licenses, and taxes. Learn how to let the world know that you’re up and running on day one.

Topics for discussion include:

• Sections of a Business Plan
• Format of a Business Plan
• Business Concept
• Market Research
• Business Structure

Week 2:  Finding Money for Your Business: 2 hours

Learn how to accurately determine how much money you need to start your business and options for finding these funds. Learn what information a lender or investor needs to see and how they will evaluate your project. Have a Q&A with a local commercial lender.

Topics for discussion include:

• Planning and Forecasting
• Financing Options
• Financial Tools and Tips

Week 3:  Marketing Your Business: 2 hours

Define your target market. Analyze your competition. Learn the difference between inbound and outbound marketing and discover which traditional and digital marketing channels are best suited for your business.

Topics for discussion include:

• Market Research
• Marketing Plan
• Social Media Strategies
• Sales Strategies

Week 4:  Financial Operations: 2 hours

Learn bookkeeping basics and options. Learn how to interpret and make decisions using financial statements. Learn how to identify and control cash eaters in a business. Learn about pricing tips, break-even analysis, and efficient payment methods.

Topics for discussion include:

• How to Price Your Product/Service
• Reading Financial Reports
• Basic Bookkeeping Tips and Tricks

Week 5:  Efficient Operations: 2 hours

Ensure that you have the right systems and processes in place to help your business run smoothly. Discover tools that can save you time while maximizing results and productivity.

Topics for discussion include:

• Creating Efficient Systems
• Process Improvement
• Time-Saving Tools

All programs of the UGA SBDC are open to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.