Make time to learn and plan before launching your business
Smart Start for Business
This course teaches you how to start a successful business, incorporating research, a business plan, financial/tax requirements, and advice from seasoned business owners.
Twenty percent of new businesses fail in the first two years. Why? Lack of knowledge, resources, and planning. Taking the time to learn and plan is the best first investment a business owner can make. Smart Start for Business will provide you with all the information prospective (and new) business owners need to be successful. You’ll also have the chance to share with other entrepreneurs and get your questions answered from seasoned business owners. We’re here to help you stay out of the twenty percent.
This program is designed for: Anyone looking to start a small business or improve their existing business.
Contact
Abbey Welle
Program Details
Program Format: Online, self-guided
Cost: $99
Length of Program: 5 hours
What You’ll Learn
When you've completed the program "Smart Start for Business," you will be able to:
- Determine whether you are ready for entrepreneurship.
- Conduct primary and secondary research to determine if your business idea is viable.
- Write a business plan.
- Identify financial and tax requirements (state & federal) needed to operate your small business.
- Identify risk management issues with small business operation and the legal and insurance products/services that meet state and federal requirements.
Topics Covered
This program will include:
- Your Suitability for Entrepreneurship
- Viability of your business idea
- Market Research
- Business Planning
- Finance and Tax
- Legal, Insurance and Risk Management
Program Author
Diane McMonigal-Paterson
As the Regional Director of the Small Business Development Center at the University of St. Thomas’ Opus College of Business, Diane is a resource for economic development and small business, where she is passionate about sustainability and innovation as they relate to business. She provides educational and coaching opportunities to diverse clients pursuing small business ownership, encompassing business planning, funding opportunities, financial management and marketing strategy. As a regional expert on business development and a previous business owner, she has spoken to and educated audiences statewide. Her observations and insights on businesses successes, challenges and trends have been published in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, Star Tribune, Pioneer Press, Finance and Commerce and Minnesota Business Magazine, and she was the recipient of the Progress Minnesota Award. A lifelong learner, Ms. Paterson is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor, a Certified Global Business Professional and is certified as an Economic Development Finance Professional and Revolving Loan Fund expert by the National Development Council. She earned her Bachelor Degree in Economics and History and her Juris Doctor from the University of Minnesota.
Program Details
Program Format: Online, self-guided
Cost: $99
Length of Program: 5 hours
What You’ll Learn
When you've completed the program "Smart Start for Business," you will be able to:
- Determine whether you are ready for entrepreneurship.
- Conduct primary and secondary research to determine if your business idea is viable.
- Write a business plan.
- Identify financial and tax requirements (state & federal) needed to operate your small business.
- Identify risk management issues with small business operation and the legal and insurance products/services that meet state and federal requirements.
Topics Covered
This program will include:
- Your Suitability for Entrepreneurship
- Viability of your business idea
- Market Research
- Business Planning
- Finance and Tax
- Legal, Insurance and Risk Management
Program Author
Diane McMonigal-Paterson
As the Regional Director of the Small Business Development Center at the University of St. Thomas’ Opus College of Business, Diane is a resource for economic development and small business, where she is passionate about sustainability and innovation as they relate to business. She provides educational and coaching opportunities to diverse clients pursuing small business ownership, encompassing business planning, funding opportunities, financial management and marketing strategy. As a regional expert on business development and a previous business owner, she has spoken to and educated audiences statewide. Her observations and insights on businesses successes, challenges and trends have been published in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, Star Tribune, Pioneer Press, Finance and Commerce and Minnesota Business Magazine, and she was the recipient of the Progress Minnesota Award. A lifelong learner, Ms. Paterson is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor, a Certified Global Business Professional and is certified as an Economic Development Finance Professional and Revolving Loan Fund expert by the National Development Council. She earned her Bachelor Degree in Economics and History and her Juris Doctor from the University of Minnesota.