Small Business Academy

VIP: Very Important Planning

Thinking about starting or growing a business? Join our 6-week, no-cost Small Business Academy designed to guide entrepreneurs from idea to profitability. This series covers essential topics including entrepreneurial readiness, business planning, launching and legally establishing your business, marketing and social media strategies, financial fundamentals, profitability analysis, and acquiring capital while managing risk.

This event will be held in person at The Borra Center for Health Sciences at Rhodes State College, located at 8 Town Square, Lima, OH 45801. Sessions will be simulcast live to additional in-person locations, including:

• Bluffton Middle School
• Findlay - Hancock County Public Library
• Northwest State Community College - Van Wert Campus
• Wapakoneta Chamber of Commerce
• Wright State University – Lake Campus

Tuesday, March 3rd:

So…. You Want to be an Entrepreneur

• Traits
• Expectations
• Requirements
• Business Plan

Tuesday, March 10th:

Launch & Grow Your Business

• Market Research
• Getting to Market
• Legally Establishing your Business

Tuesday, March 17th:

Marketing & Social Media

• How can you reach your market
• Effective use of Social Media Platforms
• Marketing on a shoestring budget

Tuesday, March 24th:

Financial Accounting 101

• Break Even Analysis
• Income Statements
• Profit & Loss Statement
• Balance Sheet

Tuesday, March 31st:

Profitability Analysis

• Cost of Goods Sold
• Markup
• Expenses
• Sales
• Net Profit
• Cash Flow

Tuesday, April 7th:

Acquiring Capital & Risk Management

• Loan Options
• Lender Expectations
• 4 C's of Credit
• Mitigating Risk