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Course Virtual

Foundations Business Planning Class

Name: Foundations Business Planning Class
Start: 2021-09-16T09:30:00-04:00
End: 2021-09-16T12:00:00-04:00
Location: Virtual

with Christine DiBenedetto

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Dates

Thursdays

Sep 16 - Oct 28

Time

9:30 am - 12:00 pm

Price

$375

Location

Online — Zoom, NC

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.

This is a virtual class that will take place via Zoom. Videoconferencing details will be sent upon registration. Please email millie@mountainbizworks.org with any questions or concerns. Class will meet every Thursday, September 16th – October 28th from 9:30am – 12pm, with no class October 21st.

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.

To inquire about adding your name to a waiting list for full classes, contact Millie Smith, millie@mountainbizworks.org or (828) 253-2834 ext. 10

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.

Christine DiBenedetto

Christine is a multi-faceted business owner and entrepreneur. Co-owner of a large and successful salon that started as a two person business and grew into a large company with 20 employees that has influenced salons throughout the southeast. Her entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen gave way to a successful theatre group, profitable blog, thriving business, specialty education, real estate investing, and now as a life and business coach. She is mother of two children.

Photo by Nicole McConville (www.nicolemcconville.com)

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

Christine DiBenedetto

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

Christine DiBenedetto

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

Christine DiBenedetto

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

Week 4

Mission & Markets

Christine DiBenedetto

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

Christine DiBenedetto

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

Week 6

Goodbye & Good Luck

Christine DiBenedetto

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