In this 3-part, virtual, training series, you’ll learn how to avoid a common pitfall of entrepreneurship—no customer, no business. You’ll validate your idea through customer discovery and ensure your business concept solves real problems for real, paying customers before investing a lot of time and money.

Entrepreneurs often jump straight into building and branding their business, only to find themselves stuck in the Startup Loop of Despair—facing low sales or market indifference. In “Proof to Profit,” you’ll learn how to gather proof through interviews, surveys, observations, and small experiments. We tap into the wisdom of All in Startup by Diana Kander to learn the how to do customer discovery, prove your concept, and turn it into sustainable profit.

This class is a prerequisite to StartSmart, Growth360, and Tech Venture.

Sr. Business Development Consultant, Joel Barrett, leads the course.  He is a serial entrepreneur and business owner. Since 2017, he has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs annually and taught a wide array of training sessions at the SBDC.

Included with the class:

  • A digital copy of All In Startup by Diana Kander
  • Group discussion and coaching
  • Tools and resources to gather proof of concept
  • One-on-one business coaching sessions

Register here no later than January 10, 2025!

Session Dates:
January 14 – 4:00pm-7:00pm – Virtual
January 16 – 4:00pm-7:00pm – Virtual
January 21 – 4:00pm-7:00pm – Virtual

 

Starting a business is an exciting journey, but it’s essential to lay the groundwork for success. StartSmart: Your Business Foundations is a dynamic, hands-on, interactive course designed for aspiring entrepreneurs who are ready to turn their ideas into thriving businesses.

You will learn how to:

– Validate that there’s a market for your product or service
– Conduct effective customer discovery and market research
– Craft a compelling elevator pitch to attract interest and investment
– Build a customer persona to better understand your audience
– Navigate legal structures and essential considerations for your business
– Understand the basics of accounting, bookkeeping, pricing, and sales
– Explore HR essentials, from hiring to managing contractors
– Develop strategies to ensure long-term profitability and growth

Class Includes:

– Proof2Profit access (curriculum + virtual sessions – live beginning January 7 or previously recorded)
– A comprehensive binder packed with worksheets and resources to expand on what you learn in class
– Group learning, lively discussions, and coaching in a collaborative environment
– One-on-one coaching sessions with an SBDC business coach for personalized guidance
– Access to the LivePlan toolkit for writing your business plan and creating 3 years of sales projections
– Networking opportunities with other entrepreneurs and business owners
– Access to four single-session classes right for any phase of business: Reading & Understanding Financial Statements, Show Me the Money! Navigating Funding Options for Your Business, Social Media for Small Business, and Branding 101 (must be completed no later than March 31, 2025).

Each session is packed with real-world applications, interactive activities, and expert guidance. You’ll leave with practical tools and a clear roadmap to take your business from concept to launch.

Whether you’re at the idea stage or have just started, **StartSmart: Your Business Foundations** will give you the confidence and knowledge to succeed. Secure your spot today and get ready to turn your vision into reality!

Register here by January 10!

StartSmart sessions (if you attend all available to you with this package)
January 14 – 4:00pm-7:00pm – Proof2Profit – Virtual
January 16 – 4:00pm-7:00pm – Proof2Profit – Virtual
January 21 – 4:00pm-7:00pm – Proof2Profit – Virtual
January 28 – 1:00pm-5:00pm – StartSmart – In-Person, 4747 Troost Ave
February 4 – 1:00pm-5:00pm – Reading & Understanding Financial Statements – In-Person, 4747 Troost Ave
February 11 – 4:00pm-7:00pm – Show Me the Money! – Virtual
February 18 – 1:00pm-5:00pm – StartSmart – In-Person, 4747 Troost Ave
February 25 – 1:00pm-5:00pm – StartSmart – In-Person, 4747 Troost Ave
March 4 – 1:00pm-5:00pm – Branding 101 – In-Person, 4747 Troost Ave
March 11 – 9:00am-12:00pm – Social Media for Small Business – In-Person, 4747 Troost Ave

Reading and Understanding Financial Statements (virtual/Zoom) Learn how to identify key business information that is captured on an income statement and balance sheet in this basic financial class. Participants will learn to calculate several ratios and understand what those ratios mean in terms of business productivity and success. Leave this session with a greater understanding of how to read and interpret financial documents and how to use that information to drive business decisions.
Dates: July 1 OR October 14, 2025
Times: 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Fee: $79
Make your payment on our Marketplace. *Page may be temporarily disabled if the registration deadline has passed.

Every business needs fuel to grow, and funding is one of the most critical ingredients. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to scale, this dynamic course will walk you through a wide range of funding sources to help power your business. Explore traditional options like bank loans and SBA loans, while also diving into alternative solutions such as micro-loans, crowdfunding, investors, and grants.

We’ll break down the 5 C’s of bank lending criteria so you understand exactly what lenders look for when evaluating your loan application. You’ll also discover how to leverage owner investment, credit cards, and other creative funding pathways to meet your capital needs. From determining the right fit for your business to crafting a funding strategy that aligns with your goals, this class equips you with the tools to secure the financial support you need to thrive.

Join us and take the next step toward fueling your entrepreneurial journey!

Dates: Feb 11, 2025
Times: 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Fee: $79
Make your payment on our Marketplace

Build Your Brand and Marketing Plan Blueprint

Marketing as a small business can feel overwhelming, but this course provides a solid foundation for long-term marketing success. By focusing on your brand identity and marketing strategy first, you’ll ensure that your marketing resonates with your target audience, creates consistency and drives breakthrough results. Plus, it allows you to measure and refine your efforts over time to continuously improve your outcomes.

In this session, you’ll begin by understanding what brand identity is, why it matters, and the essential components that make up your brand “DNA.” Once you have clarity on your brand, we’ll dive into creating a marketing strategy tailored to your business. Key topics include setting clear objectives, identifying your target audience, prioritizing messages, and more. You’ll also learn time-saving tips and AI tricks that will simplify your marketing efforts.

By the end of the session, you will have a brand identity and marketing plan template in hand, leaving you well on your way to effective, results-driven marketing.

Dates: March 4, July 15, October 28.
Times: 9:00am – 12:00 p.m.
Fee: $79
Make your payment on our Marketplace

Social Media for Small Businesses

  • Determining your strategy for social – before you get on social, you have to know why you’re on it, who you’re trying to reach and where to find them.
    • Defining your objective
      • Determine why you’re on social and what you’re hoping it does for your brand
      • Know what success looks like
    • Knowing your target audience
      • Define your niche and determine what you know about them
    • Determining the right platforms for you
      • The differences between LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok
      • How to know which ones you should be on
  • Optimizing your profile for success – now that you know your key strategies, let’s make sure you’re showing up on social with a good first impression. Is your profile set up to attract and convert users?
    • Best practices for your Instagram profile
    • Equation for an effective Instagram bio
    • Best practices for your LinkedIn profile
    • Equation for an effective LinkedIn headline
  • Creating content efficiently – now that you’re ready to show up, let’s tackle one of the toughest challenges for small businesses – how to consistently post on social when you don’t have a team or plenty of time.
    • Content creation tools and supplies
      • Social media templates
      • Posting platforms

Date: March 11, July 22, OR November 4, 2025
Times: 9:00am – 12:00 p.m.
Fee: $79
Make your payment on our Marketplace

Rebecca has been an amazing mentor to me through our business consulting relationship. Her insight is invaluable and she never hesitates to tell you the truth – even if it’s difficult to hear. That’s what makes her stand out. She’s always going to support you and do what’s needed to help you succeed but she’s not afraid to tell you if something is amiss. She’s quirky and brilliant. She’s your biggest cheerleader but also your unbiased critic. I’m so grateful to have her. Dani Hatch Founder/CEO Glownar