If your business is ready for growth, SBDC GrowSmart gives you the tools and strategies to reach your goals. GrowSmart was developed by the UGA SBDC to meet the needs of growing businesses. Combining the latest ideas with timeless principles, GrowSmart will propel your business forward! UGA SBDC training has helped thousands of business owners build a foundation for growth. GrowSmart is the product of our experience and commitment to Georgia?s small businesses.
This program gets results! In full or half day weekly sessions, learn to analyze and manage your business like a seasoned CEO.
35 hours of class time covering all areas of business operation Evaluate your business, competition, and target markets
Hands-on, interactive program promotes sharing of best practices Expert speakers add insights to the topic of the day
Step-by-step development of your company?s strategies for growth
Combined with long term one-on-one consulting with SBDC professionals, learn to apply course principles and build a business for today?s challenging times. SBDC GrowSmart is a dynamic program for owners and senior managers of growing businesses.
Course Outline
Module 1: Planning for Growth
Making strategic decisions requires careful consideration of internal and external factors. You will examine your operating environment, document company vision and goals, and develop growth strategies based on a thorough assessment of your company?s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
Module 2: Marketing: Research, Planning and Implementation
Thoroughly analyze your core competencies and competitive advantages?matching them to needs in the marketplace. Learn to protect your business from competition and develop strategies for effective, profitable pricing. Connect with customers using the latest marketing and communication tools.
Module 3: Leadership & Management
Focus on your changing role as the leader of your company. Identify people resources and leadership strategies that will be necessary to achieve your growth plan. Explore proven methods for hiring, compensating, and motivating your team.
Module 4: Financial Analysis, Tools & Resources
Learn how to analyze your company?s financial condition and develop strategies to improve profits and cash flow. Create a financial plan that quantifies the results of your marketing and management strategies. Determine how much money it will take to grow the business as well as how to fund it.
Module 5: Operations & Implementing Your Plan
Documented, consistent processes are a key to building a scalable, well managed company that has lasting, transferrable value. Assess your current operations and learn methods to document and streamline processes. The program concludes with a short presentation of your one page plan?and a challenge to put the program?s lessons to work in your business!
Learner Outcomes
Whether you?ve been in business for twenty years or two years, SBDC GrowSmart? can align your vision for your business with the steps to get you there. Create a framework to improve the performance of your business and shape the success of your business for years to come. Work ON your business, not just IN your business!
A step-by-step evaluation of your business and markets.
A hands-on, interactive forum that promotes sharing of best practices. Tools to build your business, both now and for the future.
SBDC GrowSmart? graduates gain:
A strategic business plan with a long-term vision and strategies. A mastery of key business concepts.
A network of entrepreneurial peers and professional resources.
Learn to analyze, plan and manage your business like a seasoned CEO. This workshop discusses traditional and no-traditional financing options to finance a start-up or growing business. Presenter Antonio Barrios of the UGA Small Business Development Center at Kennesaw State University explains different financing options, such as bank loans, SBA guaranteed loans, non-bank lenders, private investors and the myths and realities of grant funding, and how to pick the right financing options.
This is a hybrid class. You will have the opportunity to select whether you plan to attend in-person at the Kennesaw Campus or by zoom with the webinar link provided.
Course Outline
Steps to get a business loan
Financing Options
bank loans
SBA guaranteed loans
non-bank lenders
private investor
The myths and realities of grant funding
Picking the right financing options
Importance of a Business Plan
How to professionally present your proposal.
Learner Outcomes
Attendees will gain an understanding of:
Business loan process
Financing options
Developing financial needs and projections
Presenting a funding proposal A customized step by step integrated action plan that is essential to the success of your business.
Who should attend: Launch (businesses 0-2 years), Growth (businesses 3-5 years), Expansion Startups (businesses 5+ years)
Course Outline
Sections of a Business Plan
Format of a Business Plan
Balance Sheet
Financial Projections
Capital Equipment List
Sources of Capital
Learner Outcomes
Use the business plan tool or template that works for you.
Have a clear understanding of who your customer is.
Start with your company description and proceed step-by-step.
It?s OK if you don?t have all information for each section. You can go back and fill in missing parts later.
Start with a strong financial foundation. Projections are key!
GrowSmart DeKalb
Webinar - Financing Alternatives for Starting or Growing Your Business
Webinar - How to Write a Dynamic Business Plan