SBDC StartSmart was developed by the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center. This year?s program is tailored to being held virtually to facilitate virtual discussion, class engagement, & mastery of content. Participation in StartSmart will also allow access to online business planning software. The program is facilitated by specially trained SBDC consultants and a long-term relationship with the SBDC and follow-up consulting is available and encouraged.
Whether you are a new business (in business 2 years or less), or are still in the planning phase, building a business takes the right tools?and a lot of hard work. SBDC StartSmart will equip you to be successful!
SBDC StartSmart helps attendees to:
Evaluate & refine your business concept
Improve your knowledge of business concepts
Research markets and competition
Develop a financial forecast to improve chances of success
Develop a thorough, practical business plan
Course Outline
Eight modules cover critical issues for new businesses:
MODULE 1: Business Success ? How do we get there?
MODULE 2: Opportunity & Solutions
MODULE 3: Marketing for Success
MODULE 4: Digital Marketing & Online Strategies
MODULE 5: Navigating Human Resources
MODULE 6: Operations & Managing by the Numbers
MODULE 7: Management with a Plan
MODULE 8: Plan, Run, Review, Revise
SBDC StartSmart programs include 16 hours of instruction delivered over a period of four weeks. Sessions will be held twice a week for 2 hours each. Check your preferred location for details on when their 2021 program will be held.
Learner Outcomes
Owning your own business is the American dream. Building it to withstand the test of time requires a unique set of tools. SBDC StartSmart? provides the resources, support, and motivation to put your dream within reach.
SBDC StartSmart provides the tools to:
Evaluate your concept and develop plans to move forward.
Improve knowledge of business fundamentals.
Build an infrastructure for business operations and processes.
SBDC StartSmart graduates acquire:
An actionable business plan and access to business planning software
Access to financial and business resources.
A network of entrepreneurial peers and professionals.
Notes
A Public Service and Outreach Unit of the University of Georgia. Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All programs of the UGA SBDC are open to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.
Testimonials
''I cannot thank you enough for the stellar StartSmart program. This experience has transformed the way I do business, both now and in the future.?
''I look forward to following up with my SBDC Consultant to build on this program and continue to strengthen my business plan and practices.'' The DeKalb Chamber Governmental Affairs Committee speaks on behalf of the business interests of DeKalb County industry ensuring that DeKalb County remains a place that is competitive locally and statewide.
This committee meets monthly on the 1st Thursday of each month from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. How to Start a Nonprofit
Learn What To Do To Succeed
Starting and growing a nonprofit business can be a wonderful way to give back to your community and help those in need; however, it takes more than just an idea to start. There are a number of actions that must be taken to launch your nonprofit.
This Live Online Workshop is an overview of what is needed to form a nonprofit. Presented will be specific information for planning, structuring, managing, and financially sustaining a nonprofit organization.
Participants will learn how to:
Legally structure a nonprofit
Develop a board
Maintain compliance
Develop a nonprofit budget
Research and source grants
Market their nonprofit
DURATION: 2 Hours
Fee: $20
About Our Instructor
Cheryl Smith, MPA is the CEO of Dewlyn Nonprofit Services, a Metro Atlanta based nonprofit consulting firm, where she helps US nonprofit organizations build sustainability through training, coaching, and grant-writing.
Cheryl is the author of the book, ''21 Ways to Fund a Nonprofit,'' as well as a member of the American Grant Writers' Association; a nonprofit trainer for SCORE serving the North Metro Atlanta Counties; a guest speaker/trainer for Point University, the Cobb Collaborative, World Changers Church; and, she supports nonprofits reaching out to Georgia's Small Business Development Centers.
Originally from Michigan, Cheryl earned her Bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and completed her Master's Degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Administration from Kennesaw State University in Georgia. As a champion for the nonprofit community, Cheryl trains hundreds of nonprofit organizations each year, and she has successfully secured millions of dollars in government and private foundation grants for organizations that she has aligned with. Broadly, Cheryl's specialty is building capacity in people and organizations, helping each to reach their highest and best potential. In this dynamic and empowering talk, MJ Impastato will guide participants through the complex world of leadership in the post-pandemic business world. With a focus on how women are uniquely skilled to lead, as organizations continue to evolve, MJ will encourage you to reinforce and grow your voice as a leader.
Webinar - StartSmart (8-class series)
Governmental Affairs Committee Meeting
Webinar - How to Start a Nonprofit
Chamber In Heels Women's Luncheon: Falling In Love With Leadership
