How to Start Your Own Business

PROGRAM OUTLINE
PROGRAM NAME: How to Start Your Own Small Business
INSTRUCTOR NAME: Cheyenne Rebelo
LENGTH OF PROGRAM: 8 weeks, 1 night per week
REQUIRED SUPPLIES: Notebook and writing utensils

WEEKLY PROGRAM OUTLINE:

WEEK 1: Introduction and What is an Entrepreneur?
Introduction to course/instructor and review of course outline
Student intro and expectation letters
Intro to entrepreneurship
Definitions of success
Challenges for new businesses
Intro and examination of trends and how they impact businesses (group activity)
The role of the business plan
WEEK 2: Key Questions & Getting Started
Key questions for every entrepreneur to consider
General environment (market) outline (economy & economic trends, consumer profiles,
research)
Intro and overview of types of business ownership
SWOT Analysis
Brainstorming topics of research for your business
Primary & secondary research
WEEK 3: Types of Ownership Examined & Legalities of Starting a Small Business
Registering a Sole Proprietorship/Partnership
Incorporation Federal vs. Provincial
Patents, trademarks, copyrights
Small Business Tax Strategies
Brainstorm which type of ownership is most appropriate for your business?
WEEK 4: First Section of the Business Plan Market Analysis
Detailed examination of business plan

Market examination are you satisfying needs or wants?

Consumer profile
Maslows Hierarchy of Needs & how it helps you market your product
Identifying examples of successful marketing campaigns
Surveys/questionnaires

WEEK 5: Section Two: Marketing Strategy

Four Ps of Marketing (sometimes five)
Two Cs
Form utility marketing
Developing a marketing strategy
Social media: the most effective marketing tool for entrepreneurs (examination of various
platforms and examples of real, successful social media campaigns)
Website creation & business card creation
WEEK 6: Section Three: Development, Resource Analysis & Operational Strategy
Material, human and financial resources needed to get started
Management of resources in day-to-day operation of the business
HR
Production process
Inventory needs and record keeping
The green plan
WEEK 7: Section Four: Financial Strategy
Components of the financial strategy including; income statement, balance sheets, cash flow
statements
Sources of capital
Grants are they real?
Banks what to expect when asking for a small business loan
Examination & testing of sample financial statements
WEEK 8: Section Five: Executive Summary
Selling your business with a great cover letter!
TED Talks for entrepreneurs
Additional questions/information
Wrap up