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Course Virtual

Foundations Business Planning Class (Virtual) – FULL & CLOSED

Name: Foundations Business Planning Class (Virtual) – FULL & CLOSED
Start: 2024-01-09T09:30:00+00:00
End: 2024-01-09T12:30:00+00:00
Location: Zoom (Virtual)

with Murphy Funkhouser

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Dates

Tuesdays

Jan 9 - Feb 20

Time

9:30 am - 12:30 pm

Price

$375

Location

Scholarships available

Request a scholarship within the online registration form if you live in a rural WNC location, have a low-to-moderate income, or are an agricultural business. You may qualify for a partial scholarship (discounted rate is up to 80% off for qualifying individuals).

Each class offering has a limited number of scholarships and they are available on a first come, first served basis.

For more information please visit our Scholarship Page.

This class will be held virtually and meet every Tuesday; January 9th – February 20th from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm.

Our Foundations business planning class helps guide ideas from concept to reality in a participatory, supportive learning environment.

Join a cohort of aspiring and existing entrepreneurs to gain an aerial perspective of your vision and the comprehensive business skills necessary to help bring your visions into reality. Participants will gain a clear aerial perspective of their business operations, financials, research and development, and marketing strategies. They will leave the course with a comprehensive business plan, a clear vision for their business, and concrete tasks for future work.

Throughout the class, emphasis will be placed on developing the social capital of the group. Participants will be encouraged to gather feedback from their peers, creating a strong network of deep support and synergy. For more info, visit the Foundations Business Planning overview page.

For questions, contact Holly Rivers holly@mountainbizworks.org.

Registration

Complete our online registration form to hold your seat in the class of your choice. We will follow up with you within a few days. You are welcome to contact us with any follow-up questions or ask about the status of your request.

See the schedule

Facilitator

Meet our facilitator for this course.

Murphy Funkhouser

Murphy Funkhouser is a marketing and brand consultant with over 20 years of experience. She was the co-found...

Murphy Funkhouser is a marketing and brand consultant with over 20 years of experience. She was the co-founder and owner of Kudzu Brands, based in Asheville, for ten years and now owns a private brand and marketing consulting firm, BrandStage Consulting. Her expertise includes creating, launching, and building brands and developing business and non-profit marketing strategies.

Murphy has taught branding and entrepreneurship at UNC-Asheville, AB Tech and Blue Ridge Community College. She is on the UNC-Asheville Management and Accountancy Department Advisory Board. She is a graduate of the Goldman Sach’s 10,000 Small Businesses program at Babson College and a two-time Mountain BizWorks ScaleUp participant.

In 2018, Murphy was awarded the Entrepreneur of the Year from the Asheville Chamber of Commerce. In 2019, she received the Girl Scout’s Woman of Distinction Award for her work with female entrepreneurs.

Murphy is currently obtaining her Master’s Degree in Communications and Storytelling from East Tennessee State University.

In addition to helping her clients tell their stories. Murphy also has some of her own. She shares her personal story as the author and performer of multiple award-winning plays that have been performed across the country.

Additional Course Details

Course Pricing

The course fee is $375; however, we offer a modest discount for virtual classes and needs-based scholarships are available (see below). If you are not applying for a scholarship, a minimum deposit of 50% of the total is due upon enrollment to reserve your seat and will be followed by an email confirmation of your placement within a few business days. A pay link will be included in your email confirmation for submitting any remaining class balances.

Class Schedule

Some classes have a built-in make up class for holidays or inclement weather. Attendance for all classes is recommended to not fall behind in any of the material. Week 1 is required, but if you have a scheduling conflict where you would miss any other classes, please let us know. Additional support may be available for any missed class material.

Schedule

Week 1

Gaining Perspective

Murphy Funkhouser

We start by viewing our business concepts from a high altitude, in order to define our visions and get a good look at the main topics to be addressed.

Week 2

Laying the Foundation

Murphy Funkhouser

Next, we return to the ground level to define our lines of business and analyze financial essentials, from overhead costs to break-even points.

Week 3

Getting into the Flow

Murphy Funkhouser

In the third session, we’ll cover the financial bases of cash flow, sales forecasting, and financial documents.

Week 4

Mission & Markets

Murphy Funkhouser

Then, we’ll revisit our mission, discuss market research, and identify competitors in order to align with our target markets.

Week 5

Get the Word Out

Murphy Funkhouser

Next, we’ll discuss creative marketing strategies and give peer feedback on marketing materials.

Week 6

Goodbye & Good Luck

Murphy Funkhouser

Finally, we’ll present our business plans, share final pitches, and plan for next steps.

1-on-1 coaching

Our dreamers build stronger companies with coaches.

During or following the course, One-On-One Business Coaching may be a great way to reinforce and deepen your understanding of the topics you learn in class and relate them to your business concept.

See how it works

Schedule intake session