Hands-on exploratory sessions designed for small business owners

A business plan will give lenders and financial backers a full picture, give a "road map" for a future direction, help anticipate capital and equipment needs, and help you measure progress and anticipate problem areas.

Primary topics covered in the training include:

1. Marketing

• Define your trade area.
• Identify customers and competitors.
• Identify new products/services and the demand for these products/services.

2. Customer Relations

• Learn how to increase your customer base.
• Learn how to work with all personalities.
• Learn how to use word-of-mouth as part of your advertising plan.

3. Financial Management

• Review bookkeeping systems that will work for you.
• Learn to understand what the numbers are telling you.
• Learn to understand balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.

4. Advertising/Promotion

• Explore options for affordable advertising.
• Learn how to schedule advertising for the greatest impact.
• Review what works for other businesses.
• Design promotional activities.

5. Goal Setting

• Learn the benefits of goal setting.
• Develop goals for your business and personal life.
• Find more time in your schedule.
• Turn your goals into reality.

See what trainings are currently scheduled.

To arrange for a training to come to your community, contact Monica Braun, REAP Women's Business Center Director at monicab@cfra.org.

REAP and the Women's Business Center use the NxLevel Business Plan Basics for MicroEntrepreneurs curriculum and work in collaboration with the Nebraska EDGE program on curriculum delivery.