Plan for Success Business Workshops

Business Planning for New and Established Entrepreneurs

(9/11/09) The Franklin County CDC is sponsoring a twelve-week (36 hours) class for business owners to complete a business plan for starting and sustaining a business. Developing a business plan can save time, resources and minimize the risk involved with expanding a current business or starting a new one. This class provides an opportunity to reexamine or explore a new product or direction for an existing business. New enterprises can gain a better understanding how to start a business. A business plan is also used for obtaining financing. The instructor Amy Shapiro MBA, Business Assistance Director, Franklin County CDC has been teaching for 5 years and brings personal experience as a business owner and was raised in a family business.

 Topics Include: Exploring your business idea & entrepreneurship, analyzing personal resources, developing a mission statement, legal structures, market research tools, marketing strategies, financial overview, income expense projection, cash flow projections, balance sheet projections, financing alternatives, executive summary & supporting documents. Guest speakers compliment the material. Individual assistance is provided. This class will also be offered in the spring at FCCDC Greenfield.

Date:    Tuesdays, Sept. 22- Dec. 8

Time:   6:00 – 9:00 pm

Place:  Generation Sustain, McCuskers Market 3rd Floor 

Cost:   $250 with sliding fee         

To Register: Call or Email Amy Shapiro 413-774-7204 ext 107                  

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Other upcoming workshops of interest to area businesses include:

Securing Business Financing Workshop

This 1 ½ hour session informs people about developing a plan for obtaining financing. Topics include: Developing a finance strategy, the loan process, determining the right bank, documents included in a loan application and business resources.

Sept. 23, 3:00 - 5:00pm: FCCDC, Greenfield

Oct. 20, 3:00 - 5:00pm: Shelburne Falls

Explore Going into Business and Resources

This 1 ½ hour session informs people interested in going into business or taking a hobby to the next level. Topics covered include: Is business ownership right for you? Business Resources available and the importance of developing a business plan.

First Wed. each month 3:30-5pm FCCDC, Greenfield

For more classes and workshops or to set up a meeting with a business counselor visit: www.fccdc.org

Workshops made possible by a grant from the USDA Rural Business Enterprise.