Start SMART Series 2025 - Detailed Curriculum
September 23rd: Is Owning A Business Good for You? [COURSE 1]
Guest Speakers: Connor Keuntje and/or Hajar Aboueddahab
Description: This introductory session will provide an overview of the entire Start SMART series and the Pitch Competition. Participants will engage in self-assessment to determine if entrepreneurship aligns with their personal and professional goals, exploring the realities and demands of business ownership.
September 30th: Organizational Types [COURSE 2]
Speakers: Enica Russell and Timm Johnson
Description: Delve into the various legal structures available for small businesses, such as sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, and corporations. This session will explain the implications of each type regarding liability, taxation, and administrative requirements, helping participants choose the best fit for their venture.
October 7th: Building Your Value Proposition [COURSE 3]
Speakers: George Siragusa and Timm Johnson
Description: Discover how to articulate what makes your business unique and valuable to customers. This session will guide participants through defining their core offerings, identifying their competitive advantages, and crafting a compelling value proposition that resonates with their target audience
October 14th: Marketing 101 [COURSE 4]
Speaker: Bernard Ferret
Description: Learn the fundamental principles of effective marketing for small businesses. This session will cover identifying target markets, understanding customer needs, developing a brand message, and exploring various marketing channels, including digital and traditional strategies.
October 21st: Understanding Your Digital Footprint [COURSE 5]
Speaker: Timm Johnson
October 28th: Pitch Competition Overview, Financial Management & Recordkeeping [COURSE 6]
Speakers: Timm Johnson and Enica Russell
Description: This crucial session will provide a detailed breakdown of the Pitch Competition rules, judging criteria, and timeline. Simultaneously, participants will learn essential financial management principles, including setting up proper recordkeeping systems, understanding basic financial statements, and tracking business performance.
November 4th: Customer Acquisition | Understanding Your Customer’s Needs [COURSE 7]
Speaker: Timm Johnson
November 10th: Risk Management [COURSE 8]
Speakers: Enica Russell and Timm Johnson
Description: Identify potential risks that small businesses face and develop strategies to mitigate them. This session will cover various types of risks (operational, financial, legal, reputational) and discuss insurance, contingency planning, and legal protections to safeguard business assets and continuity.
November 18th: **Managing Cash Flows & Building Strong Business Credit ** [COURSE 9]
Speakers: Enica Russell and Timm Johnson
Description: Master the art of managing cash flow to ensure your business has the liquidity it needs to operate and grow. This session will cover forecasting cash inflows and outflows, optimizing working capital, and identifying strategies to improve cash flow cycles.
December 2nd: Financing Your Small Business [COURSE 10]
Speakers: Enica Russell and Timm Johnson
Description: Explore various funding options available to small businesses, including traditional loans, grants, angel investors, venture capital, and crowdfunding. This session will help participants understand the requirements and processes for securing capital to launch or expand their ventures.
December 9th: Building Your Business Performance Dashboard Metrics / Preparing Your Pitch [COURSE 11]
Speakers: George Siragusa, Timm Johnson, and Enica Russell
Description: Learn how to identify key performance indicators (KPIs) and create a simple dashboard to monitor business health. This session will also dedicate significant time to refining pitch content, structuring compelling narratives, and practicing presentation skills in preparation for the competition.
December 16th: Pitch Competition [COURSE 12]
Speakers: All
Description: The culmination of the Start SMART series! Participants will present their business pitches to a panel of judges and a live audience, competing for prizes and gaining valuable exposure and feedback.
Have questions? Please send an email to SmartMoney@pwcgov.org
Go back to Registration Page -- https://clients.virginiasbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=110450044
All programs of the Virginia SBDC are open to the public on a non-discriminatory basis to all legal residents and citizens of the United States.
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.
Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Full disclosures regarding federal funding are available at https://www.virginiasbdc.org/funding-sources/.
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