Rome - Georgia Small Business Development Center

A PROGRAM OF THE GEORGIA SBDC NETWORKSBDC GrowSmart is a dynamic program for owners and seniormanagers of growing businesses with:• At least two years of successful operation• At least one non-owner employee• Annual revenues of $300,000 or more• The opportunity and desire to growSBDC GrowSmart recognizes the need for flexibility and agilityin today’s rapidly changing world. Using a one-page strategy mapdesigned especially for this program, participants identify companygoals and the strategies to achieve them.SBDC GrowSmart was developed by the Georgia SBDC andbuilds on our experience with Georgia’s growing businesses.“The year I took the training, we increased grossprofit and net income by 15 percent. In the nextyear, revenues nearly tripled. This growth spurt putus on the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s list of 50Fastest Growing Private Companies.”Gene Carlton, GC Electrical SolutionsThe GrowSmart ProgramGrowSmart raises the bar, providing business ownerswith the foundation for profitable growth!Module1: Planning for GrowthMaking strategic decisions requires careful considerationof internal and external factors. You will learn whatmakes a good strategy and effective methods forstrategic planning. After examining your operatingenvironment and documenting company vision andgoals, develop growth strategies based on a thoroughassessment of your company’s strengths, weaknesses,opportunities, and threats.Module 2: Marketing Research and PlanningThoroughly analyze your core competencies andcompetitive advantages—matching them to needs inthe marketplace. Learn to protect your business fromcompetition and develop strategies for profitable pricing.Connect with customers using the latest marketingand communication tools.Module 3: Leadership and ManagementFocus on your changing role as the leader of yourcompany. Identify people resources and leadershipstrategies that will be necessary to achieve your growthplan. Explore proven methods for hiring,compensating, and motivating your team.Module 4: Financial Analysis and ToolsLearn how to analyze your company’s financial conditionand develop strategies to improve profits and cash flow.Create a financial plan that quantifies the results of yourmarketing and management strategies. Determine howmuch money it will take to grow the business as well ashow to fund it.Module 5: Operations & ImplementationDocumented, consistent processes are a key to building ascalable, well-managed company that has lasting,transferrable value. Assess your current operations andlearn methods to document and streamline processes.We conclude with a challenge to put the program’slessons to work in your business!