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. 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 loan process for small business owners can be stressful and confusing.
Most lenders examine business loans with an extensive process that includes, but not limited to, a complete review of the business financial statements (past and present), projected financial statements, the business owner(s)/guarantor(s) financial position, personal credit reports, and loan collateral evaluation. By the end of this session, the participants will understand the business loan process, how their personal credit and financial position is viewed by the lenders, how business loans are structured, and understanding of other business loan related items like term sheets, debt service coverage, etc.
Course Outline
1. An in-depth dive into the 5 C's of credit.
2. Key information on understanding your personal credit in the business loan process.
3. Understanding the business loan approval process and the terms/documents associated with business loans.
4. How to develop a strong loan pack and establish solid banking relationships.
5. Q & A
Learner Outcomes
Obtain a better understanding the business loan process.
How lenders view business loans and an understand an outline of the approval process.
Understanding how personal credit/financial position is important as a business owner and loan guarantor.
Tips for developing a better loan package and growing the banking relationship. This course is designed for existing small business owners considering applying for certification in the U.S. Small Business Administration 8(a) Business Development Program.
The goal of the session is to enhance the knowledge of how to apply and be accepted into the 8(a) program, consistent with the program requirements and guidelines.
This class will be presented in a way to demystify the myths about the 8(a) program and outline a practical process for the potential applicant.
Course Outline
- A clear understanding of program entry requirements
- 8(a) checklists and guidelines to follow when applying
- Sample narratives on how to demonstrate a socially dis-advantage claim
- Overview and examples of why companies are denied entry
- The latest and up-to-date news concerning the 8(a) program
Learner Outcomes
- Gain insights into the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program application process.
- Understand the perspective of what SBA looks for when reviewing applications
- Identify strategies to think about to get the most out of the 8(a) program Leveraging Video as a Crucial Component of Small Business Success
Video is vital for Small Business Success. By 2025, 95% of internet traffic will be Video. Attend this session to understand the importance of Video and how to leverage it in your business.
This 2 Hour Session topics that will be covered include:
Why video is important for business?
What are ways to use video in your business?
Is video cost effective?
How and When to use video
Best Practices
The Future
About our Instructor
B. Zachary Bennett, the principal behind Reformation Productions, a full service marketing agency located in Gwinnett county, comes with a 20+ year career in marketing and advertising, working to grow major companies like Bank of America, The Limited, Vectren Corporation, TruGreen-ChemLawn, Dick's Sporting Goods, Lowe?s Home Improvement, Campbell's Foods, Gwinnett Medical Center, Victoria?s Secret, St. Vincent's Medical Center, Home Depot, BP, and more.
Since starting his own boutique agency providing marketing expertise and skills to Reformation Productions? clients, he has dedicated his time and efforts to the pursuit of helping educate local and regional business professionals on the ways that the marketing process has been perfected by Fortune 500 companies, yet in ways that they can afford. As a speaker, he provides lectures and interactive workshops throughout the South.
Reformation Productions is dedicated to helping companies market their businesses in the most effective and efficient ways possible with a process used by Fortune 500 companies called Straight Line Marketing. Reformation Productions Join the DeKalb Chamber for a ribbon cutting at Visionworks. Visionworks is on a mission to simplify eye care. This means easy appointment scheduling, stores organized for finding perfect pairs easily, and our 100-day guarantee. Join the DeKalb Chamber for a ribbon cutting at Nothing Bundt Cakes - Atlanta. To find the perfect recipe for joy, you need the perfect ingredients. Our Bundt Cakes are handcrafted in a variety of delicious flavors and sizes. Are you thinking about becoming your own boss? Our Starting a Business Course covers all areas that are involved in starting your own business. This class will cover important tools and resources a business owner needs to establish a solid foundation during its early formative years. Often, new business owners ''don't know what they don't know''. This class will equip you to be able to ask all the right questions as you are planning and forming your brand new business.
Course Outline
Getting Started
Is your Business Idea Feasible?
Financing Your Business
Building Your Team
Operating Your Business Legally
Putting it all Together
Learner Outcomes
Detailed understanding of how to determine the feasibility of your business idea or framework using market research and competitive analysis
Basic knowledge of how to estimate start-up expenses for your business and overview of options for start-up financing, and requirements to pursue financing options
Ability to differentiate between different legal structure options for business formation
Overview of important individuals to include on your team when making plans and executing business formation Join the DeKalb Chamber for a ribbon cutting at Holiday Inn & Suites Atlanta Perimeter - Dunwoody. Introducing the ''Best Kept Secret'' in the Atlanta area, this beautiful hotel was designed and is owned by a person who had a vision of hospitality unique within itself. Holiday Inn & Suites Atlanta Perimeter - Dunwoody is also home to Spice & Sky, a rooftop indoor/outdoor restaurant and patio bar, where they offer an ambiance second to none. 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.
GrowSmart DeKalb
Membership Committee Meeting
Webinar - Small Business Loans Deciphered - In-Depth Look into the Commercial Loan Process
Webinar - 8(a) Certification Step-by-Step
Webinar - Leveraging Video as a Crucial Component of Small Business Success
Ribbon Cutting at Visionworks
Ribbon Cutting at Nothing Bundt Cakes - Atlanta
Webinar - Starting a Business
Ribbon Cutting at Holiday Inn & Suites Atlanta Perimeter - Dunwoody
GrowSmart DeKalb