Starting a business can be overwhelming, especially when you don?t know what you don?t know.
Whether you?re just starting to brainstorm your idea or ready to turn your passion into a profitable venture, this class will give you a roadmap to success. You?ll learn what you need to start a business in Georgia, from assessing the feasibility of your idea to marketing, finding financing, building a team, and operating legally. You?ll leave with actionable steps, essential tools, and resources to start your business on a strong foundation. Small businesses are the backbone of America; this class will help you start yours.
LEARN HOW TO:
Determine the feasibility of your business idea using market research and competitive analysis
Estimate start-up expenses for your business and identify requirements for pursuing start-up financing options
Differentiate between different legal structure options for business formation
Identify who you should include on your team when making plans and executing business formation
Navigate the steps to start your business in the State of Georgia SBDC StartSmart provides the resources, support, and motivation to put your dream within reach.
StartSmart is tailored to be held virtually to facilitate virtual discussion, class engagement, & mastery of content. Participation in StartSmart will also allow access to LivePlan, an online business planning software. The program is facilitated by specially trained SBDC consultants and a long-term relationship with the SBDC and follow-up consulting is available and encouraged following the program.
Whether you are a new business (in business 2 years or less), or are still in the planning phase, building a business takes the right tools?and a lot of hard work. SBDC StartSmart will equip you to be successful!
SBDC StartSmart helps attendees to:
Evaluate & refine your business concept
Improve your knowledge of business concepts
Research markets and competition
Develop a financial forecast to improve chances of success
Develop a thorough, practical business plan
SBDC StartSmart includes 16 hours of instruction delivered over a period of 4 weeks. Sessions will be held twice a week for 2 hours.
LEARN HOW TO:
Evaluate your concept and develop plans to move forward.
Improve knowledge of business fundamentals.
Build an infrastructure for business operations and processes.
SBDC StartSmart graduates acquire:
An actionable business plan and access to business planning software
Access to financial and business resources.
A network of entrepreneurial peers and professionals
Eight modules cover critical issues for new businesses:
MODULE 1: Business Success ? How do we get there?
MODULE 2: Opportunity & Solutions
MODULE 3: Marketing for Success
MODULE 4: Digital Marketing & Online Strategies
MODULE 5: Navigating Human Resources
MODULE 6: Operations & Managing by the Numbers
MODULE 7: Management with a Plan
MODULE 8: Plan, Run, Review, Revise October is Cybersecurity month! Grab your lunch!
Key insights:
Understanding the criminal mindset
Cyber insurance need-to-knows
Unbelievable cybersecurity surprises that are real
Why ''when it happens'' is the right posture in 2025
What a PROPER cyber risk assessment really means (and why you need one now) Ready to grow your small business beyond borders?
Exporting Essentials is your step-by-step introduction to the world of international trade. Designed specifically for small business owners, this course breaks down the exporting process into clear, manageable steps?no prior experience required. Whether you're exploring your first overseas opportunity or looking to scale your operations globally, this course will give you the tools and confidence to take your business to the next level.
LEARN HOW TO:
Identify global markets for your products
Navigate export regulations and documentation
Understand shipping, logistics, and payment methods
Avoid common pitfalls and reduce risk Did you know that 60% of small business franchises fail within 3 years?
This webinar inspects franchise opportunities for profitable purchases. During the webinar, participants will discuss the technical skills required of operators to survive the first year and the proper steps to complete due diligence. Join us for a program designed to give business owners the knowledge to discover successful concepts that fuel their future passions.
This program teaches business owners how to survey franchise opportunities and open challenging conversations with managers and staff. Business consultants will outline indicators for financial risks in the first year and how to identify great workplace sentiment in an established business. These factors encourage operators to examine their buying propositions and explore new workforces.
LEARN HOW TO:
Research and source local businesses for purchase
Develop technical skills to manage employees
Interview franchise staff to assess workplace culture
Analyze financial risks in desired locations. In this session, Christopher Seabrook, Market Developer for Thrivent will share his perspective on recruiting the best team, preparing for the what ifs and succession options. Do you want to find new customers using LinkedIn, the world?s largest professional network? This interactive session demonstrates how. You will receive practical tips and tools that B2B companies ? businesses that sell to other businesses ? as well as consultants and marketing and sales professionals use to increase their visibility and thought leadership on LinkedIn.
This Live Online Workshop covers:
Key elements to be included in your LinkedIn profile
Items to be incorporated in your company page
Comparing your social selling score with others in your industry and network
Leveraging mobile app features ? video cover stories, name pronunciation, QR code connections
Growing the size and quality of your network
Getting more mileage from your posts (from hundreds to thousands of views)
Attendees will receive a checklist of best practices for enhancing their profile.
About Our Instructor
LinkedIn marketing expert Sheryl Cattell, MBA, CSM, MCLC is a certified lead instructor at BizHack Academy and the creator of the LinkedIn Business Edge, a course designed to help businesses drive sales and build strategic partnerships using LinkedIn. https://bizhack.com/lbe
Sheryl has spent more than 25 years in digital marketing, is the founder of South Florida Interactive Marketing https://sfima.com, and is a Master Certified Life Coach.
Workshop - How to Start a Business in Georgia
Workshop - StartSmart (8-class series)
Lunch and Learn: Cyber Things (Stranger Things?) Prepare for the Scare
Workshop - Exporting Essentials: Master the Basics of Exporting
Workshop - Franchise Ownership: Finding the Right Business
Business @ Breakfast - 3 Things to Do for Business Success (Small Business Solutions)
Workshop - Leverage LinkedIn to Enhance Your Business Profile
