Great Services for Small Business Entrepreneurs from DSLBD and DC Chapter of SCORE
The DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) and the Washington DC Chapter of SCORE are offering free business mentoring sessions. Businesses will be able to attend small business workshops offered through SCORE. The program addresses the needs of start-ups and existing small business through direct, confidential assistance, along with information on how to start, operate, and grow a business with the District of Columbia. Workshops are structured to provide an introduction to key business management topics as well as offer courses for government contractors. Each session features presentations by SCORE mentors with ample time for business-specific questions and feedback from participants. To learn more, please contact Shara Gibson at shara.gibson@dc.gov or call (202)-727-3900.
Simple Steps to Business: Boosting the Creative Economy
In partnership with the Washington DC Chapter of SCORE, DSLBD will launch a 5- week training series aimed to boost small businesses in the creative industry. This initiative addresses the need to foster the development of resources that will directly serve this growing sector.
Simple Steps to Business provides a practical overview of the fundamentals required to start a small business.
Targeted Sectors:
- Arts and Heritage: Performing and visual arts, including theaters and galleries; spectator sports; independent writers and performers; promoters; agents and managers; museums; and zoos and gardens.
- Culinary Arts
- Information and Technology: Internet publishing, broadcasting and portals, media and broadcasting companies, recording industry, news syndicates
- Graphic design services, interior designers, Advertising and public relations, fashion design
Program Modules:
Module 1: Start-up Basics
This introductory workshop focuses on the basics of testing your business idea and identifying the key factors that influence start-up success.
Module 2: Business Concept
The second module focuses on your business concept and step-by-step guidance in researching your idea, your market, and your competition.
Module 3: Marketing Plan
The third module provides you with an introduction to marketing communication methods and tools to maximize your customer reach.
Module 4: Financial Projections
This module reviews sales and prices, financial risks and rewards, true start-up costs, ongoing operating expenses, setting benchmarks for tracking progress and the organization of all your financial information.
Module 5: Funding Sources and Next Steps
In this module, discussions include sources of funds, accounting the five C's of credit, banking relations, ratio analysis, and monthly preparation and review of financial statements.
Classes begin Wednesday, June 3 and will meet weekly through July 1. All sessions are 9:00am – 12pm. Qualified applicants are confirmed on a first-come first served basis. Session are held at 441 4th St NW, Suite 805S.
Interested applicants should apply online at http://tinyurl.com/m2p8cub