Attention DeKalb Chamber Members: Join the Morning Leads (Virtual) Group for Business Growth! Financial Fundamentals for Business Owners will aim to improve the financial decision making of small business owners. The program content is designed to educate business owners on the importance of good financial data and how to use that financial data for both tactical and strategic decision making. This program will cover the process around good recordkeeping, the tools to use, the reports to be derived, how to analyze the numbers to improve cash flow and profits. Participants will also gain a better understanding of how banks/lenders evaluate their businesses and capital requests.
Course Outline
Accounting and Record Keeping Basics
Understanding Financial Statements
Analyzing Financial Statements
Improving Cash Flow and Increasing Profits
Establishing Financial Controls
Forecasting
Becoming Bank Ready and Financing Options
Learner Outcomes
Participants will learn how to understand and interpret data on financial statements.
Participants will learn strategies for improving cash flow and increasing profits.
Participants will learn how to implement financial controls in their business.
Participants will learn how to become ''bank ready'' and gain an understanding of financing options.
Course Outline
What COVID-19 has and hasn?t changed for Small Business taxes.
Overview of accounting best practices.
Seven tax tips to help your business.
Learner Outcomes
Understand best practices in business record keeping that?ll help you all year.
Learn the top seven tips for making sure tax season is a breeze. Less than 50 percent of small businesses have their financing needs met.
If thinking about financing your small business makes your head spin, we?re here to help. Join us for Myths and Realities of Small Business Funding.
This program will cover the new State Small Business Credit Initiative program, designed to support small business? access to capital, in addition to covering other various types of financing including: conventional bank loans, SBA-guaranteed loans, private equity, specialty lending programs and grant funding.
Our facilitators will delve into the common myths and misconceptions surrounding the financing of small businesses and provides a comprehensive understanding of the realities entrepreneurs face.
Through a combination of guided facilitation and class participation, participants will explore various financing options, debunk prevalent misconceptions, and gain practical insights into the various ways of financing a successful small business.
Course Outline
Types of capital
Sources of capital
Demystifying the lending & borrowing process
Understanding business & personal credit
Traditional & non-traditional financing options
Grants ? the promise of free money
Getting loan ready
Learner Outcomes
By the end of the class, participants will:
Have a thorough understanding of various avenues of financing their small business
Have the ability to determine the advantages and disadvantages of the different forms of capital as it relates to their business
Be able to analyze their business from a lender?s perspective
Have a high-level understanding of how to create the BIG three financial statements as well as a Personal Financial Statement
Have knowledge of the various specialty lending programs available through the State Small Business Credit Initiative 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.'' The DeKalb Chamber Membership Committee helps to plan and evaluate the Chamber's overall programs and membership offerings including, but not limited to, workshops, seminars, and networking events. Also works to recruit and retain current and new members by managing and auditing the Member Contact Timeline, offer innovative ideas, and ensure all members are having a valuable experience.
This committee meets monthly on the 1st Wednesday of the month from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Some meetings may have been adjusted from their original schedule due to holidays or Chamber events. The CHAMBER IN HEELS program is presented in partnership with the Perimeter Chamber, Sandy Springs Chamber, Brookhaven Chamber and the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce. This program is designed to honor and celebrate women as influential leaders within our community. Through a curated blend of networking opportunities and engaging speaker events, the program aims to foster personal connections and facilitate professional growth. Emphasizing various women-related topics, this initiative serves as a dynamic platform for empowerment and knowledge-sharing. 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.'' 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 an in-person Chamber 101 class the fourth Tuesday of every other month from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM to teach you how to use these new features!
New and existing members are invited to attend.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. In today's dynamic and competitive business landscape, organizations must navigate an ever-evolving environment while striving for long-term success. The ''Introduction to Strategic Planning'' class is a comprehensive two-hour session designed to equip participants with the fundamental knowledge and essential tools required to develop and execute effective strategic plans. In this engaging and informative class, participants will begin to demystify the world of strategic planning, exploring its principles, methodologies, and practical applications. Whether you are a budding entrepreneur, a mid-level manager, or an experienced executive, this course is tailored to cater to a diverse audience with varying levels of strategic planning experience.
Course Outline
What is a Strategic Plan & Why is it Important?
How to Create a Strategic Plan for Your Business
how to monitor your strategic plan and change it as necessary to achieve your strategic objective
Learner Outcomes
At the end of this session, participants will:
have a clear grasp of what strategic planning entails, its significance, and its role in organizational success.
understand how to conduct a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis to assess internal and external factors that impact their business
be able to identify strategies to monitor progress, evaluate results, and appropriately make modifications to their strategic plan. Attention DeKalb Chamber Members: Join the Morning Leads (Virtual) Group for Business Growth!
Morning Leads (Virtual) Group for Business Growth
Workshop - Start-Up Business - Financial Plan
Workshop - Myths and Realities of Small Business Funding
Workshop - StartSmart (8-class series)
Membership Committee Meeting
Chamber In Heels Women's After Hours Networking
Workshop - StartSmart (8-class series)
Chamber 101 - In-Person
Workshop - Introduction to Strategic Planning
Morning Leads (Virtual) Group for Business Growth
