Cost:       $39.00

Check-in:   5:45 PM

Class time: 6 – 8 PM

Location: School of Business Conference Room

Instructor: Gaynor Cheokas, Director

GSW Center for Business and Economic Development

If you are considering starting a small business, then this workshop is a crucial first step. Topics for discussion include the traits of successful entrepreneurs, market research, legal structures for your business, estimating start-up costs and cash flow projection, financing alternatives, failure factors, and business planning. Starting a business without a plan is like going on a 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 need a loan or an investor for your business. This course will explain the sections of the business plan, what information is required for each section, and the general format for a business plan. Since lack of planning is one of the top reasons new businesses fail, attending this comprehensive workshop may be one of the most important decisions you make prior to opening your business. A detailed business start-up workbook, planning outline and other handouts will be provided.
 

TBA (N/A)–Create A Road Map for Success:  Writing a Business Plan

Cost:       $39

Class time: 6-8 PM (Check-in 5:45 PM)

Instructor: Gaynor Cheokas, Director

GSW Center for Business and Economic Development

Attending this class may be one of the most important decisions you make prior to opening your business, since lack of planning is one of the top reasons new businesses fail.

Starting a business without a plan is like going on a 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 need a loan or an investor for your business. This course will explain the sections of the business plan, what information is required for each section, and the general format for a business plan. Presented by an experienced business professional, you will receive a detailed planning outline and other information to help you develop an effective business plan right away. 

  Topics for discussion include:

·         personal, market, and financial feasibility

·         legal obligations for your business

·         estimating start-up cost and cash flow projections

·         financing alternatives

TBA (N/A) –Sell Baby Sell: Finding the Right Market Niche

Cost:       $39

Class time: 6-8 PM (Check-in 5:45 PM)

Successful, high-impact marketing relies less on money and more on knowing how to use time, energy, and imagination. Increase sales and profits with unique and effective marketing strategies designed especially for small businesses. Learn how to maximize your marketing dollars and build your business' profitability by incorporating secrets of effective marketing in the areas of public relations, advertising, branding and market research. This class is designed to help you develop marketing plans that make your advertising dollars payoff BIG.   Attend this seminar and learn what's hot, how to position yourself in the marketplace, what gets customers in the door, how to make the sale, and keep them coming back - without spending a small fortune!

Real World examples for your Real World business.

TBA (N/A) - Be in the Know: Legal and Human Resource Issues

Cost:       $39

Class time: 6-8 PM (Check-in 5:45 PM)

So what is limited liability?  What is a LLC?  A contract and an agreement are the same, right?  What does general liability insurance cover?  Are you equipped to handle all Human Resource issues that arise with a growing business? This class presents information regarding the different legal structures, advantages and disadvantages of
each structure, formation and ongoing requirements, liability issues and tax implications, and other statutory requirements including licensing, trade name registration, service marks and trademarks.  In addition, this class will cover IRS requirements for employment versus independent contracting; interviewing do's and don'ts; hiring and firing; personnel file management; employee benefits, leave policies; standard operating procedures; fair labor standards; federal and state requirements; and developing an employee manual. Don't miss this opportunity to learn Human Resource and Legal basics that can impact your bottom line.  Get your questions ready! 

TBA (N/A) - Make or Break:  Cash flow Management 

Cost:       $39

Class time: 6-8 PM (Check-in 5:45 PM)

This course explains how cash moves and flows through the business and how planning can remove some of the uncertainties about future cash requirements.  Learn about cash budgeting by matching your cash needs with the cash you have available.  Discussed will be how to minimize your holding of unneeded cash, how to utilize financial information for better decision making and how to monitor the accounts of your business and detect potential problem areas by the use of financial ratios.  Learn why the balance sheet balances, why profit and cashflow are not the same, and how the financial statements work together.  A must have for keeping score on your business financial health.

Meet the Director Gaynor Cheokas, Director 229-931-2726 phone 229-931-6917 fax gcheokas@canes.gsw.edu Georgia Southwestern State University School of Business – Suite 212 800 Georgia Southwestern State University Drive Americus, GA  31709