Table of Contents:

 1. Self Assessment

• Overview

• Self Assessment test

• Characteristics of a successful entrepreneur

• Skills necessary to successfully operate your business

 2. Business Planning

• Getting ready for the planning process

• Writing the Business Plan

• -          Executive Summary

• -          The Company Operating Plan

• -          Manufacturing or Sourcing Plan

• -          The Marketing Plan

• -          The Financial Management Plan

• -          Appendices

3. Government Regulations

• Business Licenses, Fictitious Name Filing

• Building Codes, Permits & Zoning

• Workers Compensation

• Federal and State Taxes

• Employee screening

• Workplace Programs

• Safety and Health Regulations,

• Hazardous Substance Compliance

4. People and Your Business

• Employees

• Independent Contractors

• Outside Advisors

5. Legal Aspects

• Legal Forms of Business

• -          Sole Proprietorships

• -          Partnerships

• -          Corporations

• Copyrights, Trademarks and Patents

6. Marketing and Advertising

• Four “P’s” of Marketing

• Pricing your Product or Service

• Choosing a Location

• Promotion

• Home Office and Small Office Marketing

• Glossary of Marketing Terms
  Sample Marketing Calendar

7. Financing Basics

• Financing Options

• Use of Funds

• Application for Funds

• SBA Loan Programs

 8. Risk Management

• Why you need Insurance

• Who sells Insurance

• Types of Insurance

• Questions you will be asked

• Glossary of Insurance Terms

9. Record Keeping - Accounting

• Types of Records and Retention Periods

• Accounting

• Glossary of Accounting Terms

• Sample Chart of Accounts

• Small Business Accounting Programs - Overview

10. Financial Statements

• Description and Templates of:

• Sales Forecast, Profit and Loss (Income) Statement

• Balance Sheet, Cash Flow, Break-Even Analysis

• Personal Financial Statement

11. Business Taxes

• Federal, State and Local Taxes, Payroll Taxes

• Overview of Returns and Payments, Due Dates

• Helpful Publications from the IRS

12. Technology Uses

• Buying a Business Computer

• Choosing the Right Software

• The Internet and your Business

13. Franchising

• Overview of the Franchising System

• Part I - Evaluating a Franchise

• Advantages/Disadvantages of Franchising

• Checklists for Franchisees

• Part II - Franchising an Existing Business

14. Small Business Support Organizations

• SCORE Chapters and Services

• SBA Entrepreneur Centers and Services

• Small Business Development Centers and Services

• CA Workforce Investment Boards and Services

• Business and Trade Organizations

15. Resources by Subject

• from Accounting – Workshops

16.  Check List