Georgia State University Small Business Development Center’s March Continuing Education Workshops

“Plan, Market, Profit” Be a Winner at the Game of Business!

A three-part business advisory series

Session 1 – PLAN SMART: Strategic Planning

“The first task of top management is the formulation and implementation of strategy.” – Peter Drucker

During this section you will be tasked with asking the questions of what is our business and what should it be? What are our objectives, strategies and plans? Also learn:

• Why strategic planning is important for both today’s and tomorrow’s results.
• Why business plans can be misleading.
• How to develop an intellectual framework to guide your business decisions.
• How to develop the right strategic and business plan for your business.

Dates: March 6th & 20th, 2015

Location: GSU Alpharetta Center – 3775 Brookside Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30022

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Cost: $119 Per Session (Each 2 class session is $119. Take all 6 class sessions for $249 and save over $100)

To register or get information about the other sessions in this series please call (404) 413-7830 or visit our website.

GETTING TO YES: Understanding the Loan Process From Application to Closing Table

Financing remains one of the top priorities for small business owners. While the ability to secure capital in Georgia is getting better, the process is still far from being defined as easy. Attend this event to gain a better understanding of what lenders are looking for, the entire loan process and tips on how to prepare a winning package that can increase your chances of getting approved.

Topics in the workshop include:

• The different lending options available.
• The myths and realities of financing.
• The role the 5 C’s of Credit plays in the lending decision.
• Understanding banking prudent lending standards.

Lunch Being Sponsored By:

Date: March 11, 2015

Location: Club E Atlanta: 3707 Main Street, College Park, GA 30337

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Cost: FREE (Registration Required)

To register for this workshop please call (404) 413-7830 or visit our website.

QUICKBOOKS: Step-by-Step

This workshop is designed to provide small business owners with and introduction to QuickBooks.

Course topics include:

• A review of all the important functional areas in QuickBooks.
• An introduction to the various QuickBooks software versions available and supported by Intuit.
• QuickBooks-related services including payroll, merchant credit card services, point-of-sale and other applications that integrate with QuickBooks.

Date: March 24, 2015

Location: GSU Alpharetta Center – 3775 Brookside Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30022

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Cost: $69 

NO COMPUTER NEEDED!

To register for this workshop please call (404) 413-7830 or visit our website.

COMPLIANCE: Are you? Are you not?

As your business grows, your challenges multiply. Small business compliance can mean the difference between protecting business operations and your company landing in hot water.

Join us as Erin Bramblett, Senior HR Specialist at Insperity, shares her expertise and discusses the various facets of compliance for local business owners. Topics include;

• Government Compliance Reporting
• HR Infrastructure
• Employer Liability Management
• FLSA and Paid Time Off Benefits

Date: March 25, 2015

Location: 55 Park Place, Training Room 1, Atlanta, GA 30303

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Cost: $49

To register for this workshop please call (404) 413-7830 or visit our website.

*Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Please contact Mary Phillips at (404) 413-7830 or email: atlanta@georgiasbdc.org. Refunds will be issued for cancellations made one business day prior to the program date. No refunds will be issued thereafter.*

Georgia State University Small Business Development Center’s Continuing Education Workshops for February

One Page Business Plan

*Starting a business without a plan is like going on a road trip with out a map!*

A business plan helps you start, build and manage your business. Learn why a business plan is critical to your success, especially if you plan to apply for a loan to finance your business.

Course topics include

Sections of a business plan

What information is required for each section

Financial projections

Capital equipment list

Sources of capital

• Date: February 11, 2015
• Time: 7:30 a.m.—9:30 a.m.
• Location: Club E Atlanta: 3707 Main Street, College Park, GA 30337
• Cost: $49.00

Marketing Your Small Business

Successful, high—impact marketing relies less on money and more on knowing how to use time, energy, and imagination.

In this workshop learn how to

Create a marketing plan

Increase sales and profits with unique marketing strategies

Maximize your marketing dollars

Enhance your business profitability

 

• Date: February 17, 2015
• Time: 9:30 am—12:30 pm
• Location: Club E Atlanta: 3707 Main Street, College Park, GA 30337
• Cost: $69.00 

QuickBooks Basics

This full day program is designed to provide prospective and first time users with a basic introduction to QuickBooks. This program will also provide useful information to help participants identify, establish and maintain an effective accounting system necessary to manage a small business.

 

Course topics include

Getting Started

Setting up your new company data file

Entering opening balances

Customizing forms

Creating your master lists including chart of accounts, names and item lists

Working with purchase orders, estimates, invoices and sales receipts

 

• Location: GSU Alpharetta Center—3775 Brookside Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30022
• Cost: $169.00 

Finding Money For Your Small Business

This detailed program shows you step-by-step how to finance a start-up or growing business. Also included are tips on how to prepare a winning package for any type of financial assistance. Learn how successful borrowers pick the right financing options and make their proposals attractive to funding sources.

 

Course Topics include

Different financing options

The myths and realities of grant funding

Calculating your financing needs

Develop financial projections

How to professionally present your proposal

 

• Date: February 23, 2015
• Time: 9:00 am—11:30 am
• Location: Club E Atlanta: 3707 Main Street, College Park, GA 30337
• Cost: $69.00

To register call our office at (404) 413-7830 or visit our website—www.georgiasbdc.org

Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Please contact Mary Phillips at (404) 413-7830.

*Refunds will be issued for cancellations made one business day prior to the program date. No refunds will be issued thereafter.*

Georgia State University Small Business Development Center’s April Continuing Education Workshops

VET START – Strategies for Launching a New Business

A Program for Veterans 

Nearly 2.5 million U.S. businesses are veteran-owned. They had $1.22 billion in revenues and employed nearly 6 million people.   Why not you?

Designed specifically for new entrepreneurs, VetStart provides the resources and support to launch your company and put your dreams within reach.

VetStart  will help you launch a business built for today’s challenging times. In just 8 three-hour sessions, learn to evaluate and implement your vision by creating a thorough, well researched business plan.

VetStart covers these important topics in eight high-energy, interactive sessions:

• Foundations for a Successful Business
• Marketing Research & Analysis
• Capturing the Market
• Efficient Operations
• Financial Foundations
• Financial Plan
• Bringing it All Together
• Implementing and Presenting the Plan

Thanks to our sponsors, qualified veterans will receive a defrayment of the tuition for this program, decreasing the cost to $195.

To register for this workshop please call (404) 413-7830 or visit our website.

QUICKBOOKS: Step-by-Step

This workshop is designed to provide small business owners with and introduction to QuickBooks.

Course topics include:

• A review of all the important functional areas in QuickBooks.
• An introduction to the various QuickBooks software versions available and supported by Intuit.
• QuickBooks-related services including payroll, merchant credit card services, point-of-sale and other applications that integrate with QuickBooks.

Date: April  29, 2015

Location: U.S. Small Business Administration, Peachtree Center, Harris Tower, 19th Floor, 233 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, 30308

Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Cost: Free. Pre-registration is required. 

NO COMPUTER NEEDED!

To register for this workshop please call (404) 413-7830 or visit our website.

*Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Please contact Mary Phillips at (404) 413-7830 or email: atlanta@georgiasbdc.org. Refunds will be issued for cancellations made one business day prior to the program date. No refunds will be issued thereafter.*

Small Business Opportunities In Film & Entertainment Forum

 

Image Credit: Google Images

ARE YOU:

• an established business owner interested in serving the entertainment industry?
• an artist or production crew member looking to turn your craft into a company?
• a new investor looking for a viable independent film project to support?

Then this forum is for YOU!

The entertainment industry is a complex and multi-layered fusion of art and business. Behind-the-scenes of every film, television and music “experience” is a myriad of goods, services and suppliers that help to make entertainment possible.

Our panel represents Georgia film suppliers, camera-ready community liaisons, local government leaders, marketing experts and independent production teams.

 

Topics of discussion include:

• The 4 C’s of business behind-the-scenes (film, television and music).
• What kinds of vendor services and products are needed to support productions.
• The impact of recent film activity in specific camera-ready communities.
• What it means for your company to be “camera-ready”.
• How your business can transfer its capabilities to serve the entertainment industry.
• Access to capital to expand your target market.
• How to get your company bankable.
• SBDC support for E-Biz Pathways (non-degree Entertainment Business programs and consulting services). 

When: Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Where: Georgia State University’s Student Center, 44 Courtland Street, Sinclaire Suite, Room 274, Atlanta, GA 30303

Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Cost: $15 ($20 at the door)

*To register for this class please click here!*

Reading Rainbow Breaks Record for Most Backers on Kickstarter…and the Campaign Isn’t Over Yet

Image Credit: Google Images

By: Laura Entis/July 1, 2014

 

Sorry, Veronica Mars. There’s a new most-backed project on Kickstarter.

The campaign to create a web version of Reading Rainbow, the beloved PBS show that encouraged kids to read throughout its 26-year run, broke the record for most individual contributers yesterday, surging past the 91,585 backers who ponied up to have TV character Veronica Mars snark it up on the big screen.

Currently, Reading Rainbow host LeVar Burton’s quest to revive the series as an interactive website has been supported by over 96,600 backers. That number is likely to skyrocket as the campaign, which was launched at the tail-end of May, nears its conclusion. At the time of this writing, we’re just 28 hours away.

The project got off to a roaring start, netting its entire $1 million goal in a matter of hours. And Burton’s project got same celebrity backed dazzle when Family Guy creator Seth McFarland pledged to match every dollar raised after the $4 million mark, up to $1 million. So far, more than $4.76 million has been contributed to project, which means McFarland will give over $760,000. (Again, though, the campaign has more than a day to go and donations are pouring in by the minute.)

That makes Reading Rainbow the fifth most-funded project on Kickstarter ever. While it’s well behind the first place slot (that would be the Pebble e-watch for smartphones, which raised over $10 million) Burton’s campaign could potentially overtake No. 4 on the list, theVeronica Mars Movie Project, which raised a whopping $5.7 million.

The project has already surpassed its $1 million goal, which means Burton will develop a Reading Rainbow website and supply 1,500 classrooms with free subscriptions. If the project reaches $5 million in contributions, Burton says he will build a Reading Rainbow app for smartphones, gaming consoles (XBOX, PlayStation) and OTT boxes (AmazonTV, Roku and Kindle Fire TV) and up the number of free-classroom subscriptions to 7,500.

“For families and classrooms — especially those that can’t afford computers or tablets for each child — we also need to be on connected devices that can put Reading Rainbow back on the television,” he wrote on the project’s Kickstarter page.

Check out Burton’s Kickstarter video below. It’s pretty great.

Georgia State University Small Business Development Center’s April Business Development Courses

The Small Business Development Center at Georgia State University provides management assistance to small business owners and entrepreneurs through training programs, consulting services and access to our resources and expertise.  Continuing Education classes are offered in specialized subjects for experienced entrepreneurs as well as management basics for those considering starting a business. The following courses will be held during the month of April:

8(a) Business Development Certification Step-by-Step: 

This workshop provides an overview of the 8(a) program with a detailed checklist, examples and exhibits necessary for successful completion of an 8(a) application.

The 8(a) Business Development (BD) program is a part of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s efforts to promote equal business access for socially and economically disadvantaged individuals including Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian Pacific Americans, subcontinent Asian Americans, and in some cases women business owners. Companies with an 8(a) Certification can benefit from a wide-range of services offered including government contracting opportunities, access to capital, management and technical assistance, and much more.

Pre-requisite: Attendance at one of the monthly SBA 8(a) Eligibility Workshops. Attending the orientation workshop will help individual to determine if they are eligible for the 8(a) Business Development program before attending the step-by-step workshop. 

Date: April 21, 2014

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Location: U.S. Small Business Administration, Peachtree Center-Harris Tower, 233 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1900, Atlanta, GA 30303

Price: FREE

Pre-registration is required as seating is limited.

Small Business Financing Forum:

Most companies need working capital to conduct their day-to-day business. This program discusses the use of working capital term loans of up to $50,000 to finance these operations. Information about this important loan program is essential for anyone wanting to expand the operations of a current business or start a new venture. Join us in helping you grow your business into the future!

Date: April 22, 2014

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Location: Georgia State University – Alpharetta Center, 3775 Brookside Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30022

Price: FREE

To register for this class please call (404) 413-7830 OR visit our website.

Writing An Effective Business Plan:

Starting a business without a plan is like going on a road trip without a map!

A business plan helps you start, build and manage your business. Learn why a business plan is critical to your success, especially if you plan to apply for a loan to finance your business.

Topics Include:

• The sections of a business plan.
• What information is required in each section.
• The general format, balance sheet, income and financial projections, capital equipment list and sources of capital.

Date: April 22, 2014

Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Location: Georgia State University – Classroom South, Decatur Street SE, Room 600, Atlanta, GA 30303

Price: $69

To register for this class please call (404) 413-7830 or visit our website.

SBA Business Loan Requirements:

One of the keys to a successful business start-up and expansion is your ability to obtain and secure appropriate financing. To be successful in obtaining a loan, you must be prepared and organized. This workshop will cover the SBA’s 7(a) loan program eligibility requirements and credit criteria to accommodate a wide range of financing needs.

General information will be provided on the following topics:

• Sources of Uses and Funds
• The components of a completed business plan
• Financial Data
• Resumes of Principals
• Site Plan/Physical Description of Building/Land
• Terms and Conditions
• Preparation for discussion with the banker
• Ratios
• Fees associated with loan closing costs
• Shopping your loan
• Credit Report

Date: April 24, 2014

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Location: U.S. Small Business Administration, Peachtree Center-Harris Tower, 233 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1900, Atlanta, GA 30303

Price: FREE

Pre-registration is required as seating is limited.

More Than French Fries:

A Realistic Discussion About Franchise Opportunities

Are you in transition and need a solution to replace your income? Do you need to create long-term stability for your family? If so, franchise ownership might be the answer if you know how to do your due diligence properly.

The biggest misconception about the franchise industry is that it’s all about fast food and restaurants with high costs, big risks and long hours. Discover a larger world of non-food franchise options including IT Services, Elder Care, Education and Enrichment, and much, much more.

Date: April 29, 2014

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Location: Georgia State University – Alpharetta Center, 3775 Brookside Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30022

Price: $69

To register for this class please call (404) 413-7830 or visit our website.

Georgia State University Small Business Development Center’s March Business Development Courses

Image Credit: Google Images

7 Deadly Sins of Local Business Advertising

How can two business owners in the same industry, both companies of similar size and scope , have wildly different results with advertising? Why is it that both can use similar advertising mediums yet have different outcomes? What are the secrets to advertising success? Join the Georgia State University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for “The Seven Sins of Local Business Advertising: The 7 most common mistakes advertisers make and how to avoid them.”

Date: March 6, 2014

Location: Cox Communications Conference Center, 6205 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd., Atlanta, GA 30328

Cost: $69

Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Starting A Business

Lack of planning is one of the top reasons new businesses fail. Attending this program led by an experienced business professional will be one of the most important decisions you make prior to opening your business. Topics include traits of successful entrepreneurs, how to conduct market research, legal structures for your business, estimating start-up costs and cash flow projections, financing alternatives, failure factors, and business planning. A detailed start-up workbook and other handouts are provided.

Date: March 11, 2014

Location: Sandy Springs Chamber of Commerce, 7000 Central Parkway Northeast #230, Atlanta, GA 30338

Cost: $69

Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

QuickBooks 101 and Basic Accounting Concepts

Whether you need an introduction or a refresher to computer-assisted accounting, this course can help you gain better understanding of accounting basics and see how QuickBooks makes them very user-friendly. Topics include balance sheet accounts, income statement accounts, check writing, in voicing and much more. Seating is limited to 25. To register please visit us at georgiasbdc.org or call our office at (404) 413-7830.

Date: March 12, 2014

Location: GSU Alpharetta Center, 3775 Brookside Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30022

Cost: $199 (includes a box lunch and materials)

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Certifications:

A marketing strategy for winning contracts with Corporations and the Government

The world of procurement can be overwhelming and very confusing. This workshop will try to decode the certification alphabet soup and provide small business owners with an overview of the major public and private sector programs.

Included is an overview of the National Minority Supplier Development Council MBE Program, Women’s Business Enterprise National Council WBE Program, the GSA Schedule Contract, the Department of Transportation DBE Program, HubZone, Veteran Owned Small Business and the new Woman Owned Small Business Program also called the 8(m) program. The program is intended to provide basic contracting information, strategic marketing recommendations, and additional information for local resources.

This program will benefit small business owners new to public and private certifications as well as those aspiring to become certified.

Date: March 20, 2014

Location: GSU Alpharetta Center, 3775 Brookside Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30022

Cost: $69

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

GrowSmart

SBDC GrowSmart is a dynamic program for owners and senior managers of growing businesses.The program is designed for leaders of companies with:

• At least two years of successful operation 
• Annual revenues of $300,000 or more
• The opportunity and desire to grow

GrowSmart recognizes the need for flexibility and agility in today’s rapidly changing environment. Using a one-page strategy map designed specially for this program, participants identify their company’s goals and the strategies to achieve them.

*Call for more information and to inquire about an application: (404) 413-7830*

Dates: March 28, April 4, April 18, April 25 and May 2, 2014

Location: Georgia Power Headquarters, 241 Ralph McGill Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30308

Cost: $895 (Light breakfast, lunch and training materials are included)

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (For all dates)

Yes, There is Such a Thing as Too Much Funding

Image Credit: inc.com

BY: Ami Kassar

 

When I started my first venture, it took me six months to get a meeting with angel investors. I was so excited about the meeting that I did a 72-hour marathon writing a business plan and financial forecast in order to convince the investors why I needed $2 million to launch.I showed up at the meeting in a fancy suit and tie, and the first thing that the investors did was rip up my forecast and ask me what I could do with just $200,000. At first I was shocked that they would lowball me like that but, in the end, realized they were right: If I had just tried to raise $200,000 months earlier, instead of waiting months to go after $2 million, I would have gotten to the starting line much faster.

You Probably Need Less Money Than You Think

At my office, my team and I take loan calls everyday from business owners who are stuck within the confines of their company vision and unwilling to stray from their buttoned up business plans. We routinely ask them–before discussing funding options–what they need the money for and why. The reality is that 80 percent of the time, there is a way to do what they want to do for much less money than they think.

Yes, a business owner might need to forego short-term profits by seeking less initial startup capital, but instead he’ll be getting commerce moving, and that’s the important thing. The best proof of a viable business is active commerce.

Step 1: Prove Your Business Idea

A few weeks ago, I received a call from an entrepreneur who wanted to open up an indoor golf facility. He wanted to open up his own location, equipped with two owned or leased golf simulator machines, and with enough capital to market to attract customers. At the time of the call, he didn’t even have a proof of concept, or any customers on the horizon, but he wanted to borrow or raise equity worth a couple of hundred thousand dollars.

But rather than help him take out a loan that he would regret a few months later, I suggested he approach existing golf stores in his area and pitch his golf simulator for installation there. By piggybacking off of the store’s existing customer base, the entrepreneur would drastically cut his marketing dollars, and also achieve a proof of concept in exchange for profit sharing with the existing golf store.

Instead of seeking $500,000 to launch his business, the entrepreneur only needed $50,000 to get started. This is a much more reasonable and attainable goal.

Step 2: Risks of Too Much Funding

If you try to get financing, before you have one customer, you’re probably going to have to give away more equity than you have to, or it’s going to cost you way too much to borrow the money that you think you need.

If you don’t get traction when you try to borrow or raise money, you might be trying to bite off more than you have to. There can be huge benefit if you shrink a grandiose vision, and proceed with calculated baby steps, rather than try to go after too much on the first try.

Article Source: Inc.com

Young Female Entrepreneurs’ Advice on Securing Funding

Be prepared, there is a new, fearless breed of young female entrepreneurs taking over. To find out how, read this article.

Image Credits: melissathompson.com and entrepreneur.com

By: Rebekah Epstein | January 13, 2014

 

As I mentioned before, the world better be prepared, because there is a new, fearless breed of young female entrepreneurs taking over.

These ladies are making their dreams a reality by putting their ideas out there, rallying for support, and most importantly, not taking “no” for an answer. When it comes to getting funding, these female business owners know how to make it happen, despite their age.

I would say that most people never even try to get their idea off the ground because of money (or lack thereof). It is extremely scary not knowing if your product/service will be a financial success.

Unless you were born with a trust fund, it is almost impossible to start a business without some kind of outside help. Whether you are just asking your parents for money to get your amazing, life-changing invention off the ground, or taking your pitch to the most powerful VCs in Silicon Valley, there are certain things you can do to be more convincing.

The young female entrepreneurs that I spoke with were able to gain pretty impressive amounts of funding. Here is some of the advice that they shared:

Listen to feedback. If you are asking people for money, they naturally might have a few concerns that they need addressed before forking over the cash. As an entrepreneur, you live and breathe your brand, so it can sometimes be hard to see the flaws. Make sure that you always listen to feedback, and take it into consideration. However, you also have to know which parts of your idea are set in stone. It can be detrimental if you change your business too much based off suggestions.

Melissa Thompson, CEO and Founder of TalkSession, said that when she walks into a potential investor meeting, she is “confident, but still open-minded to new perspectives an investor might bring.”

Don’t let rejection stop you. The reality is, as an entrepreneur, you will hear “no” a lot more than you ever hear “yes.” If you accept this reality from the beginning, rejection will be easier to swallow. ZappRX CEO Zoe Barry’s advice on dealing with the naysayers? “Visualize success — if you believe you can do it, you will do it. I never said ‘if’ I raise money, I always said ‘when’ I raise money. It was never a question of ‘if’ for me.” She has raised $1 million in funding.

Change your mindset. Thompson from TalkSession said it best, “Often as entrepreneurs, we feel like David going up against Goliath. But really, investors need good entrepreneurs just as much as we need good investors.” She adds, “A meeting between investors and founders should not feel like the investor interviewing the founder, as much it is should be akin to professional dating.”

Sometimes we forget that, as a business owner, we are not at the mercy of our customers, investors, clients, etc. They need our products/services too!

Let your confidence and passion speak for you. With Bono as one of her investors, Shop-Hers founder Jaclyn Shanfeld has learned a thing or two about wooing potential investors. She said, “Don’t try and ‘sell’ them anything. Speak from the heart and speak with conviction. Ideas are a dime a dozen, but truly impassioned entrepreneurs that can execute are rare.”

TalkSession’s Thompson added, “I feel confident because I approach investors with pure intentions and a well-researched approach, a leadership style that shows decisiveness and ability to achieve milestones, a clear execution plan, a solid group of champions and experts with skills that supplement mine.”
Article Source: entrepreneur.com