Building Blocks for Starting Your Business

When: Tue, Jul 21, 2026, 2 – 3:30 PM

Location: Zoom

Get the foundation you need to launch your small business with confidence. This interactive workshop walks you through the essential steps every entrepreneur should take before opening their doors—from validating your idea to making it official.

In this session, you’ll learn how to:

• Understand the small business landscape and avoid common pitfalls
• Conduct market research to determine if there’s real demand for your product or service
• Define your target customer and craft a clear value proposition
• Build your “BAIL” team (Banker, Accountant, Insurance agent, Lawyer) for professional support
• Navigate business structures, registration, licenses, and legal requirements
• Develop a simple business plan using practical tools like the Business Model Canvas
• Calculate your startup costs, operating expenses, and break-even point
• Access federal, state, and local resources to support your launch

Whether you’re still in the idea stage or ready to take the leap, this class will give you a roadmap and the confidence to move forward. Come with questions—this is a learning space designed for interaction and practical application.

Who Should Attend: This session is designed for entrepreneurs in Central New York (Onondaga, Oneida, Madison, Oswego, Jefferson, Cortland, and Cayuga counties) and surrounding areas. If you’re located elsewhere in the U.S., we welcome you to attend, but encourage you to also connect with your local Women’s Business Center for ongoing support in your region. Find your nearest center at https://awbc.org/wbc-locator.

After registering, you will receive an email from Eventbrite with a link to access the webinar. Please save this email and be sure to check your SPAM folder if you don’t see it in your email inbox.

Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact Carolyn Tucker at wisecenter@syr.edu to make arrangements.