The Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center has revamped its business plan writing workshop offering updated curriculum and participant-tailored scheduling. With each session focusing on a different topic, attendees can choose to participate in the whole series or individual sessions.
The new format launches with a series from 9 a.m. to noon four consecutive Saturdays: April 23 and 30 and May 7 and 14, at the Purdue University Calumet Academic Learning Center, 9900 Connecticut Drive, in Room 233. The cost is $175 for all four sessions or $50 per session. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. To register, visit: http://isbdc.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=11830 and follow instructions for payment or contact the NWI SBDC office at 219-644-3513.
Sessions break down the business plan writing process. Session 1 looks at the first steps to moving forward with an idea from company description and mission and goal setting to plan development strategies and market analysis. Session 2 focuses on the competitive assessment to determine if the idea can translate into sales. Highlights include business location decisions, sales strategies and customer analysis.
Session 3 showcases the operating plan and how entrepreneurs should organize, including DBA/sole proprietorship vs. incorporation and a management plan. The final session concentrates on financing and cash flow. Expert guest speakers will add another dimension to the classroom learning experience and attendees are encouraged to work on their business plans between class sessions.
The revised format emerged from feedback and as a new way to guide would-be entrepreneurs or business owners who are lacking this essential tool.
“We have focused on elements that will challenge students in the areas of idea and business concept, plan development and key plan components,” said Todd Dickard, NWI SBDC business adviser and workshop instructor. “We have also incorporated elements into the four sessions that are most often cited or asked about during the one-day feasibility class.
“We tailored this class to help us address those who have an idea and who showcase the potential to grow that idea and launch the business. It's really the next step from the feasibility class.”
Serving seven counties, the NWI SBDC offers free assistance for entrepreneurs starting or expanding their businesses. Through one-on-one consulting, the NWI SBDC helps guide small businesses toward their goals by offering referrals, workshops, training opportunities and other essential business tools. It is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Small Business Administration, the State of Indiana and other local partners.
For more information, visit www.nwisbdc.org.