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.
The “Foundations” Business Planning Class helps aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners to create comprehensive business plans in order to start-up, expand, or enhance their businesses.
Delivered to thousands of entrepreneurs over 20 years at Mountain BizWorks, Foundations has been honored to help entrepreneurs build a solid strategy for business startup and growth. Our partnership with Birds Eye Business Planning & Adventures ensures that the curriculum is continually refreshed and made even more efficient and effective.
Our Foundations business planning class helps guide ideas from concept to reality in a participatory, supportive learning environment.
In 18 hours over 6 weekly sessions, 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.
- Week 1: Gaining Perspective: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: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:In the third session, we’ll cover the financial bases of cash flow, sales forecasting, and financial documents.
- Week 4: Mission & Markets: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:Next, we’ll discuss creative marketing strategies and give peer feedback on marketing materials.
- Week 6: Goodbye & Good Luck:Finally, we’ll present our business plans, share final pitches, and plan for next steps.
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.
Course Pricing
The course fee is $375; some partial scholarships are available (see below). 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. At Mountain BizWorks, we value the human connections and relationships that develop through getting to know you and understanding your business better. A pay link will be included in your email confirmation, but we also welcome you to stop by between 9-5 pm Monday through Friday to pay your balance in person.
Scholarship Info
If you live in the City of Asheville or in rural WNC and have low-to-moderate income, you may qualify for a partial scholarship (valued at $150). Complete the online registration form and access the scholarship application within the form. Each class offering has a limited number of scholarships available on a first come, first served basis.
Class Schedule
The Foundations class is currently being offered at our Asheville office and in the High Country by our partner Ascent Business Network. Class will begin on the start date and will meet on the same weekday and time every week for six weeks. 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 Darby know. Additional support may be available for any missed class material. AM classes are held 9 am – 12 pm. PM classes are held 6 pm – 9 pm. A list of upcoming class start dates follows. To inquire about adding your name to a waiting list for FULL classes, contact Darby McKnight at darby@mountainbizworks.org. You can also contact Jill Kichefski with questions at jill@mountainbizworks.org
Registration
Complete our online registration form to hold your seat in the class of your choice. A confirmation your enrollment will be sent by email once we’ve processed your application. You are welcome to contact us with any follow up question or about the status of your request.
Continue to the Foundations Registration Form »Other Course Offerings
It is common for students to leave their Foundations cohort eager to soak in more knowledge. Therefore, we have additional workshops as well as coaching services to guide you. We’ve refreshed and renamed our previous “Financial Tools” course to be called “Intro to Small Business Accounting.” This is a great next level, 2-3 day class (3.5 hours each specified day- schedule varies) to explain and dive deeper into your financials. Important to note that Intro to Small Business Accounting is a prerequisite for our QuickBooks class.
Foundations is also a great starting point to prepare you for our Test Drive program which is an opportunity for entrepreneurs to vend at local festivals and markets.
