Network with DeKalb business owners and representatives, exchange ideas, and make new business contacts at Coffee & Connections.
Come prepared to hand out your business cards!
Coffee & Connections is FREE for DeKalb Chamber members to attend and $25 for non-members. Light refreshments and coffee will be provided. 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.'' This Live Online Workshop is a beginner level course and is a must for anyone thinking about or already doing business with the government.
The workshop provides a general overview of how the government purchases goods and services. This ?Intro? class outlines seven steps that are essential to achieving success in the government marketplace.
The seven steps that will be discussed are:
Registering in Government Databases
Creating a Marketing Plan
Knowing the Right People
Developing a Reference Library
Searching for Opportunities
Bidding and Performing
Marketing to State and Local Governments In today's dynamic business landscape, securing the right funding is crucial for growth and sustainability. This specialized course is designed to empower small business owners with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complex world of loan applications successfully.
Presenter Antonio Barrios, UGA SBDC Business Consultant and former loan officer, will demystify the loan application process and share insight into what lenders look for and how to present your business in the best light. Discussion includes:
the importance of risk management in the lending process
how to assess your business's risk profile
key financial concepts essential for loan approval.
This workshop will explore traditional loans, SBA loans, and non-traditional funding sources and guide you through the pros and cons of each. Join us and learn how to master the loan application process.
Course Outline
Agenda:
Key financing considerations for loan approvals
Understanding and navigating the loan process
Risk management and assessing your business's profile
Sources of capital
Finding the right financing alternative for your business
Learner Outcomes
Attendees will gain an understanding of:
The loan approval process
What lenders look for
How to assess your business's risk profile
Sources of capital and how to find the right one for you. This course is designed for businesses ready to move from the proposal stage to successful execution and fulfillment.
It focuses on the crucial post-award phase, where participants will learn how to effectively manage and deliver on government contracts. The course emphasizes ensuring compliance, achieving profitability, and fostering long-term success. Participants will gain the tools and insights necessary to optimize contract performance and maximize profitability in the federal marketplace.
LEARN HOW TO:
Research and identify contract opportunities that align with your business capabilities
Develop skills to effectively manage government contracts
Master the art of crafting winning proposals and navigating the competitive bidding process
Understand the regulatory landscape and ensure your business stays compliant with federal contracting rules
Improve cost control, maximize profit margins, and leverage successful contracts as a foundation for scaling your business 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
Coffee & Connections Networking Event at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center
Workshop - StartSmart (8-class series)
Workshop - Introduction to Government Contracting
Workshop - Access to Capital: Loan Application Mastery
Workshop - From Proposal to Profits: Fulfilling Your Government Contracts
Workshop - How to Start a Business in Georgia
