Essentials of Starting a Business: 5 Part In-Person Workshop Series with Your Own Dedicated Business Mentors

Tuesdays, September 8, 15, 22, 29, and October 13 from 5:30-7:30pm @ Stonehill College, Meehan School of Business, 320 Washington Street in North Easton. Essentials of Starting a Business was developed as a series of workshops that build on each other to give you an effective model for launching your venture. You’ll develop a plan, increased knowledge and confidence in running your business, while gaining a dedicated SCORE mentor to help you along your journey. A small fee of only $50 covers all five sessions. It is highly recommended that you attend all five sessions to get maximum benefit from the program.

To sign up, scan the QR code! Questions? Contact Linda Foss at scoresemass@scorevolunteer.org

1. Session 1 – Discovery Tuesday, Sept. 8, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Our presenters will guide you through the crucial first steps in launching your business. Learn how to formalize your business idea and set realistic goals, determine whether you have the entrepreneurial mindset critical to success, create the all-important elevator pitch, and develop personas of your target customers.
2. Session 2 – Validation Tuesday, Sept. 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m. You have quantified your idea and your goals. But is your business feasible? We will show you how to research your target market to determine whether there is an opportunity for your product or service. This session will also cover sales and marketing and teach you how to convert a lead into a sale!
3. Session 3 – Financial Matters Tuesday, Sept. 22, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Your business cannot succeed without effective financial management. This session will cover the essentials of financial accounting, how to understand key financial statements, how to forecast revenue, and a path to building your business’s valuation.
4. Session 4 – Business Planning Tuesday, Sept. 29, 5:30-7:30 p.m. We will educate you on the many structures available for your new business which is right for your venture. This session also covers funding options, including an insider’s view of what lenders are looking for. In addition, you’ll begin a two-week collaboration with a dedicated SCORE mentor who will guide you through developing an Investor Pitch. This critical document is the key to securing the funding you need to make your dream a reality.
5. Session 5 – Investor Pitch Tuesday, October 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m. During this session, you will present your Investor Pitch to your peers, giving you valuable practice for making your presentation to lenders and investors. You will also hear your classmates’ pitches to gain innovative ideas for refining your document.