The DeKalb County Small Business Summit is sponsored by the Office of the CEO, along with partners the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce and the Decide DeKalb Development Authority. This important summit will feature four informative panels, each focusing on key areas of interest for small businesses. SBDC StartSmart provides the resources, support, and motivation to put your dream within reach.
StartSmart is tailored to be held virtually to facilitate virtual discussion, class engagement, & mastery of content. Participation in StartSmart will also allow access to LivePlan, an 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 following the program.
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
SBDC StartSmart includes 16 hours of instruction delivered over a period of 4 weeks. Sessions will be held twice a week for 2 hours.
LEARN HOW 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
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 This workshop is designed to help businesses and nonprofits navigate the grant landscape.
Learn where to find funding opportunities
Craft compelling applications
Implement strategies to increase chances of success
Key areas to be covered:
Ensuring your mission statement and funder priorities align
Developing measurable goals
Preparing for application submission
Networking
Tracking and reporting performance
Structuring for sustainability
For clarity's sake:
Please be aware the great majority of grants are awarded to nonprofits.
Registrants who have for profit businesses will learn how the same steps are generally applicable to be best prepared to approach financial institutions. The DeKalb Chamber Executive Committee meets to discuss the important issues impacting the Chamber and the business community as well as approve upcoming business. Optimal pricing drives increased business and profitability.
Setting your pricing is the most important decision you will make. Your prices create a value perception in your customers? minds and will determine if you will be profitable. In this webinar you will learn the key factors that go into your pricing decisions, the factors that affect customers? price sensitivity, and the how to calculate pricing that is right for your business. Many business owners don?t understand the true value they provide, and what customers are willing to pay for that value. After this class you will have a path to pricing that allows you to profitably compete and win.
LEARN HOW TO:
Understand and define your business value
Identify your target audience
Analyze your competitors? value
Build a marketing strategy that accelerates your business growth Learn about the basics of intellectual property (IP) and explore ways to protect your innovations as you move from idea to product.
This session will introduce the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and provide an overview of the four main types of intellectual property: patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Participants will gain an understanding of why protecting intellectual property is important for innovators and entrepreneurs, as well as how a strong IP strategy can support business goals and serve as a key component of overall business success.
LEARN HOW TO:
Identify what type of intellectual property you have
Determine what you need to protect
Next steps in your entrepreneurial journey A business plan is more than just a document ? it?s your roadmap to success.
A strong business plan helps keep you focused, reach your goals and is critical if you plan to seek financing for your business. Many business owners don?t have a business plan because they just don?t know where to start. This class breaks down each section of the business plan, from the executive summary to financial projections, with tools and resources to guide you along the way. Whether you?re just starting a business, need funding, or just finally have time to focus, this class will help you create an effective business plan to guide your business for years to come.
LEARN HOW TO:
Use the business plan tool or template that works for you
Understand and explain who your target customer is
Start with your company description and proceed step-by-step to finish your business plan
Strategically position your business using a written plan
Incorporate a strong financial foundation into your business plan Join us for a ribbon cutting at Juici Patties. Founded in Jamaica in 1980, Juici Patties is a growing U.S. franchise. Their Decatur location serves authentic Jamaican patties, coco bread, and Caribbean favorites, with catering for all occasions. Exclusive Brain Health Spa Experience at CerebroFit Integrated Brain Health for Founders with employees or HR professionals employed by a company. Starting a business can be overwhelming, especially when you don?t know what you don?t know.
Whether you?re just starting to brainstorm your idea or ready to turn your passion into a profitable venture, this class will give you a roadmap to success. You?ll learn what you need to start a business in Georgia, from assessing the feasibility of your idea to marketing, finding financing, building a team, and operating legally. You?ll leave with actionable steps, essential tools, and resources to start your business on a strong foundation. Small businesses are the backbone of America; this class will help you start yours.
LEARN HOW TO:
Determine the feasibility of your business idea using market research and competitive analysis
Estimate start-up expenses for your business and identify requirements for pursuing start-up financing options
Differentiate between different legal structure options for business formation
Identify who you should include on your team when making plans and executing business formation
Navigate the steps to start your business in the State of Georgia
DeKalb County Small Business Summit 2026
Workshop - StartSmart (8-class series)
Workshop - Grants 101: How to Find, Apply For, and Win Grants
DeKalb Chamber Executive Committee Meeting
Workshop - The Power of Price to Drive Growth and Profits!
Workshop - What's to Protect? Intellectual Property 101
Workshop - Writing a Business Plan
Ribbon Cutting at Juici Patties
Brain Health Spa Pop-Up Experience
Workshop - How to Start a Business in Georgia
