Augusta - Georgia Small Business Development Center

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.”