Each of the seven class sessions focuses on a different part of the business plan and includes time for participants to apply what they’ve learned to their own plans. The course will use LivePlan, a business plan authoring tool, which graduates will have access to for 3 months at no additional charge. 

What to expect

It’s hands-on. This program is NOT a webinar series. Be prepared to participate in every session and engage with your instructors, peers, and community presenters. 

It’s challenging. You’ll need to commit to 2 hours a week of “in-class” time, as well as another 2-3 hours to research, write, and revise your business plan.

It’s concrete. Throughout the program, you’ll learn about different sections of the business plan and how to approach them, then spend time writing that section on your own. You’ll have opportunities for feedback throughout, and, if you put in the effort, can walk away with a workable business plan.

Here are other program highlights:

• Instructor-led classes that are hands-on and participatory
• Weekly in-class time to work on your business plan and get feedback
• One-on-one feedback from our business counselors
• A complete business plan you can use to attract lenders and create an effective growth strategy

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

• Explain the elements of a basic business plan
• Apply those concepts to different businesses and scenarios
• Evaluate your own business ideas and decide on the best approach
• Create your own business plan

Syllabus

• Session 1: Problem & solution, target market, competition
• Session 2: Operations, company overview
• Session 3: Pricing, marketing, and sales
• Session 4: Financial forecasting
• Session 5: Financing, benchmarking, milestones, and metrics
• Session 6: Executive summary and the pitch
• Session 7: Pitches & presentations