Small Business and Entrepreneurship Program

Entrepreneurship Education is for everyone...make your own job!

For more information on these offerings, please contact Zira J. Smith, Small Business Educator at 733-933-6774.

Why Entrepreneurship... Why Now? 1-3 hours

General orientation presentation for large group settings. Overview of global trends that impact current and future work opportunities for average citizens. This Did you know you could own the business? discussion is focused to make participants aware of what is involved in starting a business, to question and inspire interest in determining their own potential for starting and operating a small business.

Start Up Education

Talk it Out to Start it Up! 4-8 hours

An overview of fundamental components needed to think about and plan for business ownership. Participants become aware of the decisions that entrepreneurs must make and the actions they must take in order to evaluate the start of a business enterprise. During the 8-hour program a preliminary business concept plan is produced that provides participants with sufficient information, knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about business ownership as a personal choice.

From Head to Paper to Plan it Out! 8 hours

Participants who have defined a business concept and determined to proceed with the business idea will be coached through the research, networking and contact processes necessary to complete a business plan sufficient to start and manage a new business. Adequate reading, writing, and computer skills are required to comprehend instruction materials, produce a well typed plan and use the Internet to gather information.

Let's Roll...Opening the Doors! 8-16 hours

For entrepreneurs in the process of implementing their business plan. This program will help these business developers choose and make decisions about business locations, equipment, suppliers and operations. Instruction-coaching will be specifically focused on execution strategies and actions needed to get the doors of the business open. Small group and individual consultation as needed.

Business Development Education

Business Development Issues

Individuals and Small Groups Business owners must continually develop new ideas, refine old ones, and adapt to changing environments. Programs, classes and focused consultation can be delivered to established business owners to address specific business issues and concerns.

Step Up! Business Roundtable 16-30 hours

Harvesting: the stage in the entrepreneurial process when the business owner decides on the venture's future: growth; development; or demise. Non-competing business owners who have been in business for at least one year will be able to exchange knowledge and thoughts in a confidential roundtable format. The instructor-coach uses adult dialogue as the primary instruction method and subject expert guest speakers provide timely, relevant information to help owners make decisions, analyze problems and develop solutions.

Owners will take an informed look at what they are currently doing well, what they could be doing differently to improve their business, and what they are considering for business growth possibilities. It will renew business energy and provide the kind of time that is periodically necessary for entrepreneurs to focus their thoughts on the business.

Business Succession Education

Time to Leave-Business Succession Planning 4-8 hours

For everything there is a season.. . however, many business owners do not adequately plan how to productively end their leadership in their business. Employees and communities suffer from this lack of planning. Leaving the helm of a business can be a positive experience for all concerned if thought, decisions and plans are put into place beforehand.

Family members or employees can be groomed to take over so that workers and communities are not destabilized by closing the business. Selling the business to another compatible or competitive business may also be possible. The outgoing owner may opt to stay on with the new owners in some other role for a period of time. Many practical possibilities will be explored that can enable business owners to be remembered positively once they leave the business.