Planning and Evaluating Your Business Idea
- Do you want to start a business?
- Do you want to see if your business idea will be profitable?
- Do you want to know if your business idea will meet your personal objectives?
- Do you want to get financing to start your business?
If your answer is “YES” to any of these questions, then you are likely ready to take the Next Step Starting a business is something that many residents dream of — it’s one of the distinguishing characteristics of our nation's free enterprise system and critical to the success of the Yampa Valley economy. Turning this dream into reality, however, is not an easy task. People are free to start businesses, but they are also free to fail. The decision to start a business is an intensely personal one — no one can make it for you. This program will teach participants planning tools, new processes and skills that will improve your chance of success. Below is an outline of the topics that will be covered in this program. Business Plans and Feasibility Studies
- Demographics and customer data
- Proforma Financial Statements
- Revenue/expense projections with exercise
Financial Basics
- Start Up and Operating Expenses
- Contingencies and Reserves
- Cash Flow Issues
Business Organization Decisions
- Sole Proprietorship
- S-Corporations
- Limited Liability Corporations
- Partnerships
Paperwork, Permits and Taxes
- State Tax Licenses
- Sign Permits
- Building Permits and Zoning
- Employer ID #
- Liquor Licenses
- Payroll Withholding
- Self Employment Taxes
- Health Department permits
Insurance
- Workers Compensation
- Unemployment Insurance
- General Liability (Product/Public)
- Property and Casualty
- Bonds
- Automobile Coverage
Location, Location, Location
- Size, Cost Visibility
- Terms and Lease Conditions
- Build Out
Where is the money?
- How much do you need?
- Credit Issues
- Small Business Lending Resources
Business Measurement Tools
- Bookkeeping
- Sales and Expense Management
- Return on Investment
- Performance Benchmarking and Goals
- Day to Day Commitment
Getting Open and Marketing Your Product/Service
- Realistic Timelines
- Setting a Calendar
- Opening Budget
- Setting a Marketing Budget
- Internet for Your Business
Things Change!
- Product and Service Changes
- Cost Estimate Revisions
- Reacting to Change Positively
Up Coming Next Step Workshop in 2008 The next program will be offered on the evenings of May 6th, 8th, 13th and 15th from 6:00pm until 9:00pm For information call (970)870-4491 or email rrudasics@coloradomtn.eduThe cost of this program is $100 but you will receive a $40 discount if you have attended the 1st Steps program within 12 months of this Next Steps Seminar. Advance registration is required for this program. The program is developed and taught by SCORE volunteers with many years of practical business experience. Bogue Hall Business Enterprise Center 1370 Bob Adams Drive Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 Map and Driving Instructions to Bogue Business Enterprise Center |
