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 Are you ready to run your restaurant at high efficiency, lower operational cost and have more time on your hands?
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In this 90 minute webinar, learn how Al is being used across the restaurant industry today-not in theory, but through real, accessible tools and platforms that can be implemented immediately. This workshop breaks down complex technology into practical applications across labor management, food cost control, guest experience, and revenue optimization. You'll see real-world AI examples and case studies. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how to build an Al-powered restaurant operating system-without needing technical expertise.
LEARN HOW TO:
Understand AI in practical terms
Evaluate available AI Tools: top AI applications that directly improve margins
Improve operational core metrics: Labor, Cogs, Customer Service, etc.
Build an AI Tech Stack: POS > Data > AI > Execution
Implement AI Step-by-Step
Measure ROI and perfomance The DeKalb Chamber Small Business Committee assists the Chamber with recruiting, educating, and mentoring small businesses. Create and identify opportunities for growth and facilitate partnerships to improve small business programs. Help identify opportunities in the public and private sector.
This committee meets monthly on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
Workshop - StartSmart (8-class series)
Workshop - AI in Restaurant Operations: Driving Profit, Efficiency and Scale
Small Business Committee Meeting
