Augusta - Georgia Small Business Development Center

A PROGRAM OF THE GEORGIA SBDC NETWORKIf you can dream it, we can help!Owning your own business is the Americandream, but building it to withstand the test oftime takes a unique set of tools—and a lot ofhard work. StartSmart will show you the way.On Your Mark, Start. . . Grow!Designed specifically for new entrepreneurs,SBDC StartSmart provides the resources andsupport to launch your company and put yourdreams within reach.SBDC StartSmart Gets Results:Evaluate & refine your business conceptImprove your knowledge of business conceptsResearch markets and competitionDevelop a financial forecast to improve chancesof successDevelop a thorough, practical business planOn-going consulting from SBDC professionalskeeps you on trackSBDC StartSmart was developed by TheGeorgia SBDC Network. The program isfacilitated by specially trained SBDCConsultants and an award winning textbook byrenowned author Rhonda Abrams.StartSmart will help you launch a businessbuilt for today’s challenging times. In just sevensessions, learn to evaluate and implement yourvision by creating a thorough, well researchedbusiness plan.StartSmart covers these important topics ineight high-energy, interactive modules:1. Foundations for a Successful Business2. Marketing Research & Analysis3. Capturing the Market4. Efficient Operations5. Financial Foundations6. Financial Plan7. Bringing it All Together8. Implementing and Presenting the PlanAugusta Program: September 26 – November 5, 2013706-721-4545www.georgiasbdc.org/startsmartStartSmart Statewide Sponsor

A PROGRAM OF THE GEORGIA SBDC NETWORKThe StartSmart Program:Module 1: Foundations for aSuccessful BusinessIn the initial module, explore the factors that influencesmall business success. Closely examine theirentrepreneurial motivation and the business concept.The concept will be refined to help the entrepreneurachieve his or her personal goals while building abusiness with a good chance for long-term success.After this foundation, the business planning processbegins.Module 2: Marketing Research & AnalysisPlanning begins with development of the missionstatement and a general overview of the company’slegal status, products or services, management, andmarket. Participants will receive detailed tools and tipsto conduct the market research. Assignments includeresearch and analysis of industry trends and targetmarkets.Module 3: Capturing the MarketCompetition is identified and researched, andparticipants determine their competitive strengths andweaknesses. Participants are introduced to a SWOTanalysis as a tool to define strategic position andevaluate business risks. Based on a thorough internaland external assessment, participants will preparerealistic, cost-effective marketing and sales strategies toseize their share of the market.Module 4: Efficient OperationsParticipants will analyze day-to-day operations,document routine processes and identify opportunitiesfor increased efficiency. They will complete anassessment of technology needs and develop an overalltechnology plan. The organization’s currentmanagement team and future needs will be described.Entrepreneurs will consider strategies to establishcompany culture, interview and hire employees, andbuild a network of advisors.Module 5: Financial FoundationsAfter a review of financial concepts, participants willidentify financial goals to determine the financialfeasibility of their business concept. They willdetermine start-up costs and prepare financialprojections to show the financial outcome of theirplan.Module 6: Financial PlanThe financial projections are updated to produce adetailed income statement, balance sheet and cashflow statement. Participants will calculate breakevenanalysis and determine if additional financing isneeded to implement the plan.Module 7: Bringing it All TogetherParticipants will complete the Executive Summary,develop an “Elevator Pitch,” and put the finishingtouches on their business plan. Tips for tailoring theplan to meet the needs of different audiences will bereviewed. Special emphasis will be given topresenting the plan to potential funding sources.Module 8: Implementation & PresentationsAt the conclusion of the program, participants willprepare a short presentation of their ExecutiveSummary and deliver it to the class.“Planning without action is futile, actionwithout planning is fatal.”

A PROGRAM OF THE GEORGIA SBDC NETWORKProgram OutlineLocation:The University of Georgia SBDC1450 Greene Street, Suite 3500, Augusta, GA 309011. Foundations for a Successful Business2. Marketing Research & Analysis3. Capturing the Market4. Efficient Operations5. Financial Foundations6. Financial Plan7. Bringing it All Together8. Implementing and Presenting the PlanFor information contact:Jason KirklandUGA SBDC - AugustaPhone: 706-721-4545Fax: 706-721-4554jkirkland@georgiasbdc.orgDates:September 26 3:00 - 6:00 pm Module 1October 3 3:00 - 9:00 pm Modules 2 & 3October 8 3:00 - 6:00 pm Module 4October 17 3:00 - 6:00 pm Module 5October 24 3:00 - 6:00 pm Module 6October 29 3:00 - 6:00 pm Module 7November 5 4:00 - 7:00 pm Module 8 (Graduation)Tuition: $495 per person.Thanks to the sponsorship of Wells Fargo, $300 partial scholarships areavailable to eligible individuals. Applications are reviewed to ensurecompetitive conflicts are minimized.Application (Email to jkirkland@georgiasbdc.org or fax to 706-721-4554)Funded in part through a cooperative agreementwith the U.S. Small Business Administration andthe University of Georgia. Reasonableaccommodations for persons with disabilities will bemade if requested at least two weeks in advance.Call the SBDC at 706-721-4545 or write:Susan Caldwell, Area DirectorThe University of Georgia SBDC1450 Greene Street, Suite 3500Augusta, GA 30901Name:Business Status (check one) ______Planning Stage _____ Established Business(If Established) Business NameStart Date:AddressCity: State: Zip:Phone (____)EmailDescription of BusinessHow will StartSmart improve your business?Program Starts September 26, 2013 - Apply Today!StartSmart Statewide Sponsor