For most small businesses, borrowing money from a lender is an inevitability rather than an option. In spite of the necessity of borrowing capital, many small business owners are overwhelmed by what seems like a complex process. In this session, we will help demystify the loan process as we walk business owners and prospective borrowers through the essential components of small business lending and help prepare them with the necessary tools to engage a lender and become a successful borrower.
Course Outline
Understanding the value and advantages of small business loans
The key steps of the loan process
How a lender evaluates a loan request
How borrowing differs for a start-up venture and an existing business
Question and answer session
Learner Outcomes
Knowledge of the specific steps of the loan process
Understand the expectations of the lender
Grasp the timeline from application to closing
Understand borrower?s responsibilities in the loan process Are you Instagram savvy? Meaning, do you know and understand the ends and outs of this social media platform? Did you know that if you use Keywords to update your Account Handle/Name, you can draw more attention to your Instagram account? Have you tried using Reels? Do you know what can help hook your audience? Oh, do you have your Strategic plan ready? With all the trends coming out constantly, it is hard to keep up. When you take this course, you will not only get a full overview of main attributes of Instagram, but you will learn the tricks to enhance your social presence.
We will also discuss SEO(Search Engine Optimization) and how that can help your posts attract the right followers. Grow your business network with this course, and take home strategic plans to tailor to your social media needs. We will have you Insta-savvy in no time!
Course Outline
Overview of Instagram
How to Utilizes stories and Reels
Using Keywords in the Account Name/Handle to attract more followers
SEO(Search Engine Optimization) and how to use it wisely to benefit your account
Strategic Planning and tools
Create quick social media posts and carousels
Questions and Answers
Learner Outcomes
How to organize social media posts early and efficiently
The differences/similarities between Keywords and Hashtags and why they matter
Where to place keywords and how to utilize them for growing your Instagram account
Hooking the right audience with the reels function and carousel posting
Establish clarity with a strategic plan fit for success
Are you getting the most out of your membership?
Did you realize that your Chamber membership comes with a whole host of FREE marketing tools for your business--all in one easy-to-access location? The Chamber's powerful member-focused software provides members with an event tool, a press release tool, a job posting board, and a hot deals/sales/specials tool--all free with your basic membership.
LEARN HOW TO:
Take advantage of the benefits you receive as a Chamber member
Create and update your business's Enhanced Listing in the website business directory
Appear in our Membership Matters newsletter
Create a hot deal (discount) to appear on your listing
Submit a job posting / volunteer opportunity
We'll be hosting a virtual Chamber 101 class the fourth Tuesday of every other month from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM via Zoom to teach you how to use these new features!
New and existing members are invited to attend. 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.''
Webinar - Business Loans Made Easy: Lending Basics
Webinar - Instagram Savvy: Enhance Your Business Account with New and Effective Marketing Trends
Chamber 101 - Virtual
Webinar - StartSmart DeKalb (8-class series)