Services | the-business-advisor

Program Goals and Outcomes:

As a result of attendance in this program, participants will,

1. Assess their desire, experience and aptitude for starting and managing a business,

2. Understand the procedural and legal requirements for establishing a business in Washington state, and the financial and tax implications of being self-employed and owning a business,

3. Know the basic components of creating and executing a business plan,

4. Complete a definition of their business and a basic market analysis, and

5. Learn the foundations of budgeting and financial management.

Business Counseling
Between meetings participants will be required to complete business analysis and planning work sheets. This will raise questions for them. Intensive, one on one business counseling will be available as they confront and resolve these issues. General business counseling consists of help in planning, organizing, coordinating, controlling and directing a business plan and launch. For individuals seeking to establish a professional practice, we will provide counseling that includes not only how to be successful professionally, but also issues of personal accounting, taxes and related issues.

Technical Assistance
Upon the completion of the seminars, participants will be asked to complete those portions of a business plan which are most critical to an immediate launch of their business. The course instructor will be available, as will a group of subject matter specialists to help them with those activities needing it.

Program Schedule

Week 1: Introductions and Orientation. This includes Self Assessment and Validation of your business concept.

Weeks 2-3: Legal, Financial and Organizational Management issues. Make sure your business has a solid foundation.

Weeks 4-6: Validate your market. Establish marketing methods and sales channels.

Weeks 7-9: Create and Operations Plan.

Weeks 10-12: Based on the above, create an budget and financial management plan.

The schedule is highly flexible, based on your past experience. For example, if your past experience is financial, you may need extra help with marketing and sales. All programs are customized.