This one day Intro to Business seminar covers the basic concepts of business formation and operation.  With a focus on organizational governance and strategic planning, the seminar agenda is as follows:

MODULE 1: MISSION AND VISION: The Idea Stage [9AM – 9:50AM]

• Why are you starting a business? What is your personal motivation?
• What are you doing? (Define your WHY)
• What is your business? (Value Proposition)
• Who is your customer? (Identify)

This portion will be part of the first piece of your business plan.

10 MINUTE BREAK

MODULE 2: STRUCTURE AND GOVERNANCE: The Research Stage [10AM – 10:50AM]

• Basic Types of Structure
• What is an entity?
• Quick Definitions
• Will you be Member Managed or Manager Managed?
• Considerations for Selecting a Particular Structure

10 MINUTE BREAK

MODULE 3: FINANCE: The Feasibility Stage [11AM – 11:50AM]

• Tax Implications
• Bookkeeping and Accounting Basics
• Profit vs. Cash Flow vs. Valuation
• Types of Capitalization

11:50AM – 1PM: LUNCH BREAK – NETWORKING

MODULE 4: REGULATIONS The Guardrails [1PM – 1:50PM]

• Defining terms
• What is the purpose of business laws, regulations and ordinances?
• How do I know how to find the regulations which apply to my business?
• Regulations:
  • Antitrust: forming a monopoly, allocating markets or customers, fixing prices, price discrimination, boycotting competitor or vendor
  • Zoning: areas in which certain businesses may or may not operate. Choose your location carefully. These ordinances may also apply to home-based businesses.
  • Licensing, Permits, Registration, and Certificates:
• Human Resources

10 MINUTE BREAK

MODULE 5: BUSINESS PLAN: The Analysis [2PM – 2:50PM]

• What is a business plan?
• Why is this document important?
• Why does that matter?
• DISCUSSION PORTION: How to develop?
• What are the key parts of a business plan?
  • Executive Summary
  • Company Description
  • Vision, Mission, History, etc.
  • Description of products and services
  • Analysis of the Market
  • Marketing and Sales plan
  • Organization and Management
  • Risk Analysis
  • Finance
  • Purpose of raising funds (if applicable)

What else can you include in a business plan?

• Support documents
  • Appendix/ Exhibits

10 MINUTE BREAK

MODULE 6: OPERATIONS: The Action Stage [3PM – 3:50PM]

• How will your business run day-to-day?
• Establish your organizational structure.
• Trade dress/ Branding
• Customer Acquisition
• Processes and Procedures
• Human Resources
• Risk Management
• Productivity
• Culture

4:00PM – 5PM: NETWORKING/ SPONSORS/ MEET & GREET