EntrePlan™ An Interactive Course for both New & Existing Businesses

An 8 to 10 session course to starting and managing a successful small business, designed with today's technology for the business of tomorrow.

The EntrePlan™ Course is used in conjunction with the local or state versions of “The Interactive Guide to Starting a Business” CD now available in Virginia and North Carolina. The course includes a 130 page EntrePlan™ workbook and a specialized EntrePlan™ Business Plan and Resource Guide CD that allows each student to produce a working business plan during the course. The course features seven guest speakers, each are experts in their particular field.

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EntrePlan™ Overview  |  Course Sessions  |   Instructor Resources |   Registration/Patches

EntrePlan™ Overview Return to the top of the page.

The EntrePlanT Course to Starting and Managing a Small Business is an 8 week course taught in 8 three-hour sessions, designed as an evening course.The EntrePlan™ Course to Starting and Managing a Small Business is an 8 week course taught in 8 three-hour sessions, designed as an evening course. The course may also be offered as a daytime course in 4 six-hour sessions. The content is designed around the “Interactive Guide to Starting a Business” CD-ROM, produced and distributed by Interactive Educational Concepts, Inc. in coordination with and under license to the John Tyler Community College Foundation.

Each course packet includes an Instructional Guide and Workbook, an EntrePlan™ Business Plan CD, and a copy of the CD-ROM specific to the state (or town, county, or city, where available) where the course is offered.

The course includes active participation by seven small business related speakers offering “real-world” presentations pertinent to that session’s subject matter. At the conclusion of each class all participants will have produced a completed business plan.

Each 3-hour session will include:

15 minutes peer review
15 minutes review of prior class & homework
60 minutes instructor presentation
30 minutes Guest Speaker presentation
60 minutes instructor presentation

Course Sessions Return to the top of the page.

Click on the Sessions below for Full Description.

    1. Session One: Overview of Small Business
    2. Session Two: The Business Plan
    3. Session Three: Business Organization Types
    4. Session Four: Identifying the Market
    5. Session Five: Pricing your Product or Service
    6. Session Six: Employees
    7. Session Seven: Business Financials (Part One)
    8. Session Eight: Business Financials (Part Two)

 

EntrePlan™ Session One: Overview of Small Business

EntrePlanT Session One: Overview of Small BusinessSession Content (2 Hours): This session provides a general overview of what makes a successful entrepreneur. It will introduce you to the instructor, his background, and his involvement with entrepreneurs and the business and educational communities. He will lay out what to expect from the course, the importance of completing each session’s homework, and what you should gain on your path to success by completing the course.

The lecture portion discusses elements that are critical to becoming a successful Entrepreneur and focuses on the qualities each individual has and the need to find other individuals to fill the gaps usually present with most Entrepreneurs when starting a business. The lecture portion discusses:

Objectives: The purpose of this section is to provide a starting place for the entrepreneur. It lays the ground work for the building of a business. It also explains how this course and the EntrePlan™ CD will help an entrepreneur.

Goals: At the end of this session, you will have an introductory knowledge about what it takes to be an entrepreneur. You will have formed a mission statement for your business. You also will have reviewed the EntrePlan™ CD and have an understanding of how it works.

Peer Review (30 Minutes): This first class will allow each a chance to share a bit of personal history of yourself and what type of business you hope to start or expand.

Guest Speaker (30 Minutes):The guest speaker for this session will be a successful local entrepreneur who is volunteering time to share his or her story with the class.

Homework: Review the contents of the business plan tutorial on the EntrePlan™ CD on your personal computer. Review the County, City, or State version of the “Interactive Guide to Starting a Business CD.”

Using the Business Plan portion on the EntrePlan™ CD, write your Cover and Mission Statement parts of the plan and save them to your computer. Print them out to bring to class at the next session for peer discussion. Remember that your business plan will probably change as it is developed – so don’t be too concerned with getting it “just right” at this point.

NOTE:When developing and saving the Business Plan portion of the course on your computer, you will be using the “EntrePlan™” CD only. The “Interactive Guide to Starting a Business CD” will also be used extensively during the class for research and information specific to your business type and the locality where your business will be located.

Bring to the Next Session:Print out a draft of your “Mission Statement” for Peer Discussion at the next session.

Course Session index ˆ  | top of page ˆ

EntrePlan™ Session Two: The Business Plan

EntrePlanT Session Two: The Business Plan Session Content(2 Hours): This session continues the introduction to the Business Plan begun in Session One. It discusses why a Business Plan is essential to the long-term success of most enterprises and how it is an ongoing tool that allows planning through research. It shows you how the Business Plan software works and how to use the various sections of your “Interactive Guide to Starting a Business CD” to learn what is required for each section of the business plan.

It discusses the importance of accurate research to produce the data required to properly project what your business may do going forward and shows you where to go to get most information you will need. It provides instructions on how to research your business type and industry. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) and the Standard Industrial Classification System (SIC) will be described, along with information about finding out the classification type for your business.

 

Objectives: The purpose of this section is to:

  • Provide a thorough understanding of the Business Plan;
  • Provide a general understanding of the EntrePlan™ software; and
  • Instruct the user on how to research the chosen business type and industry.

Goals: At the end of this session, you will understand what a Business Plan is and why you need one. You will know what is included on the EntrePlan™ CD, and how it can help you generate a business plan. You will know more about your business type and industry, including your NAICS code.

Peer Review (30 Minutes): Review “Mission Statements.”

Guest Speaker (30 Minutes):The guest speaker for this session will be a Business Librarian who will discuss how to locate information at your local library.

Homework: Using your County, City, or State version of the “Interactive Guide to Starting a Business CD,” read the sections on Market Research and Analysis. Research the SIC and NAICS code(s) for your particular business, then research both the Industry and your Market Demographics and Psychographics.

Using the Business Plan portion on the EntrePlan™ CD, write your Personal Background, History, and Short and Long Term Goals portions of the plan and save them to your computer. Print them out to bring to class at the next session for peer discussion.

Print out both of the Surveys (Customer and Market) and develop surveys to “fit” your own business using the printouts as a guide.

NOTE: When developing and saving the Business Plan portion of the course on your computer, you will be using the “EntrePlan™” CD only. The “Interactive Guide to Starting a Business CD” will also be used extensively during the class for research and information specific to your business type and the locality where your business will be located.

Bring to the Next Session: Print out drafts of your Personal Background, History, and Short and Long Term Goals portions of the plan for Peer Discussion at the next session. Bring your draft versions of your Customer Survey and Market Survey.

Course Session index ˆ  | top of page ˆ

EntrePlan™ Session Three: Business Organization Types

EntrePlanT Session Three: Business Organization TypesSession Content (2 Hours): This session discusses:

  • The different types of business entities such as proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies, and the pros and cons of each type of entity.
  • The steps that lead to each type and the requirements mandated by certain types of businesses, including forms.
  • The related business requirements such as unemployment insurance requirements and worker’s compensation obligations related to business ownership.
  • The importance of an advisory board and the types of individuals that should make up the advisory board will be discussed.

You will learn where to go to access information on each type of business and where to obtain, and file, the various forms required on local, county, state, and federal levels.

Objectives: The purpose of this section is to guide the entrepreneur’s decision about what type of business organization to choose.

Goals: At the end of this session, you will have a better understanding of the legal aspects of starting a business and the different legal ways to organize your business. You will have chosen an organization type for your business. You also will have started your Business Plan by using the EntrePlan™ CD, and completed the sections on 1) Background, 2) History, 3) Mission Statement, 4) Industry Background, 5) Short and Long Term Goals, and 6) Organizational Matters.

Peer Review (30 Minutes): Review “NAICS and SIC Industrial Codes, Short and Long Term Goals, personal Background, and History” from the Session Two homework assignment.

Guest Speaker (30 Minutes): The guest speaker for this session will be a Business or Corporate Attorney who will discuss the legal aspects of business ownership.

Homework: Using your County, City, or State version of the “Interactive Guide to Starting a Business CD,” read the sections on Business Organizational Types and determine what type of entity your initial business will be. Print out and fill out all required forms for the county, state, and federal requirements stated in the tutorial. Review the sections (and links) pertaining the unemployment insurance and worker’s compensation, and print out all requirements that may affect your business. Research special requirements and permits that may be required for your business. Determine who will be your advisory board members.

Using the Business Plan portion on the EntrePlan™ CD, research and write your Industry Background (Step 2) and complete Organizational Matters (Step 4) portions of the plan and save them to your computer. Print them out to bring to class at the next session for peer discussion.

NOTE: When developing and saving the Business Plan portion of the course on your computer, you will be using the “EntrePlan™” CD only. The “Interactive Guide to Starting a Business CD” will also be used extensively during the class for research and information specific to your business type and the locality where your business will be located.

Bring to the Next Session: Print out drafts of your Industry Background and Organizational Matters portions of the plan for Peer Discussion at the next session. Find a newspaper or internet article relating to your business or industry to relate how it may affect your business in the future.

Course Session index ˆ  |  top of page ˆ

EntrePlan™ Session Four: Identifying the Market

EntrePlanT Session Four: Identifying the Market Session Content (2 Hours): This session provides a general idea about market research and analysis. It discusses how to identify who your customers are, how much they will pay for your product or service, and how often and when they will purchase your product or service. It shows methods of determining how those numbers can be used to produce assumptions for projecting income, variable and fixed expenses, and cash flow. The session also helps you choose a location for your business. Finally, it discusses the need to determine who your competitors are and how they will affect your business. It provides information about competitive analysis, including how to conduct a SWOT analysis.

 

 

 

Objectives: The purpose of this section is to provide information related to marketing and to guide the entrepreneur’s initial marketing decisions related to his or her business.

Goals: At the end of this session, you will

  • Have a beginning knowledge about how to market your business, and you will have made some important, initial decisions related to marketing your business.
  • Know who your customers are
  • Know where you should locate your business
  • Have Identified who your competition is

In addition, you will have completed the following sections of your Business Plan by using the EntrePlan™ CD: 1) Description of Products and Services; 2) Location; 3) Features; 4) Optional Products and/or Services; 5) Pricing Structure; and 6) The Marketing Plan.

Peer Review (30 Minutes): Review “Industry Backgrounds and Organizational Matters” portions of the business plan from the Session Three homework assignment.

Guest Speaker (30 Minutes): The guest speaker for this session will be a Small Business Consultant and/or a Specialist with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Homework: Using your County, City, or State version of the “Interactive Guide to Starting a Business CD”, read the sections on Market Research. Analysis, Strategies and Implementation, and Competitive Analysis. Print out all market research and competitor related forms, and fill them out. Print out the SWOT analysis forms as needed and complete one for yourself, one for your business, and one for each competitor you have identified.

Using the Business Plan portion on the EntrePlan™ CD, complete numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 under the Description of Products and Services (Step 3) portions of the plan and save them to your computer. Print them out to bring to class at the next session for peer discussion.

NOTE: When developing and saving the Business Plan portion of the course on your computer, you will be using the “EntrePlan™” CD only. The “Interactive Guide to Starting a Business CD” will also be used extensively during the class for research and information specific to your business type and the locality where your business will be located.

Bring to the Next Session: Print out drafts of the Description of Products and Services, numbers 1,2,3,4 portions of the plan for Peer Discussion at the next session. Bring your completed SWOT forms described above.

Course Session index ˆ  |  top of page ˆ

EntrePlan™ Session Five: Pricing your Product or Service

EntrePlanT Session Five: Pricing your Product or Service Session Content (2 Hours): This session discusses:

  • How to determine pricing for the products or services your business will be providing.
  • The difference between fixed and variable expenses and Cost of Goods Sold (COGS).
  • How COGS is determined for individual products or services, and how that may fit into the pricing structure.
  • An overview of a Break-Even Analysis and the importance in determining this on the road to profitability.

Objectives: The purpose of this section is to guide the entrepreneur’s decision-making process related to choosing a price for his or her product or service.

Goals: At the end of this session, you will have conducted research and analysis related to picking a price for your product or service. Based on this research and analysis, you will have a pricing strategy in place and know what you will charge for what you are selling. In addition, you will have completed the following sections of your Business Plan by using the EntrePlan™ CD:

  1. Competitive Analysis
  2. Employee Expense Forms
  3. Start-up Expenses
  4. Operating Expenses.

Peer Review (30 Minutes): Review “Description of Products and Services” portion of the business plan from the Session Four homework assignment. Compare SWOT analysis sheets and discuss.

Guest Speaker (30 Minutes): The guest speaker for this session will be a Commercial Banker.

Homework: Using your County, City, or State version of the “Interactive Guide to Starting a Business CD,” read the sections on Who are my Competitors? Using the Interactive Links at the bottom of that section, read both articles. Make a list of all direct competitors and what each charges for competitive products. Using a SWOT analysis, determine the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats of each competitor.

Using the Business Plan portion on the EntrePlan™ CD, write your Description of Products and Services (Step 3, numbers 5 and 6), and The Marketing Plan (Step 5), and Competitive Analysis (Step 6) portions of the plan and save them to your computer. Print all completed sections to bring to class at the next session for peer discussion.

NOTE: When developing and saving the Business Plan portion of the course on your computer, you will be using the “EntrePlan™” CD only. The “Interactive Guide to Starting a Business CD” will also be used extensively during the class for research and information specific to your business type and the locality where your business will be located.

Bring to the Next Session: Print out drafts of your Description of Products and Services (Step 3, numbers 5 and 6), The Marketing Plan (Step 5), and Competitive Analysis (Step 6) portions of the plan for Peer Discussion at the next session. Bring the SWOT analysis prepared on each of your competitors.

Course Session index ˆ  |  top of page ˆ

EntrePlan™ Session Six: Employees

EntrePlanT Session Six: Employees Session Content (2 Hours): This session provides both general and specific information related to employees. It will discuss all issues related to finding, hiring, training, and keeping good employees, as well as provide an overview of employee terminations. It will provide information regarding employment law on local, state, and federal levels. It will also discuss other matters related to having employees, such as worker’s compensation and unemployment insurance issues, taxes, forms, and the difference between contractors and employees.

 

 

 

Objectives: The purpose of this section is to:

  • Guide the entrepreneur’s decisions related to employees;
  • Instruct the entrepreneur about how to hire and keep good employees; and
  • Provide information about federal and state requirements, including taxes, and forms related to employment.

Goals: At the end of this session, you will know how to hire the right employee(s) for the job and how to keep them working with your business. You will understand the legal requirements at the state and local level related to employment, including the forms that you will need to use. In addition, you will have completed the following section of your Business Plan by using the EntrePlan™ CD: 1) COGS worksheets on all products.

Peer Review (30 Minutes): Review “The Marketing Plan” portions of the business plan. Compare SWOT analysis sheets on competitors.

Guest Speaker (30 Minutes): The guest speaker for this session will be a representative from the U. S. Internal Revenue Service, Small Business Section.

Homework: Using your County, City, or State version of the “Interactive Guide to Starting a Business CD”, read the sections on Managing Employees. Review and print out all forms (local, state, federal) related to being an employer or specifically related to employees, including applications for worker’s compensation and unemployment insurance. Determine the actual cost of each employee you intend to hire when factoring in all additional factors such as FICA, Benefits, Worker’s Compensation, and Unemployment Insurance.

Using the Business Plan portion on the EntrePlan™ CD, review the Financial Plan (Step 7) portion of the plan. Under the Projected Sales, Projected COGS, and Projected Income sections of the Financial Plan (Step 7), read the Help portions that explain what is being performed at each step. Print them out to bring to class at the next session for peer discussion.

NOTE: When developing and saving the Business Plan portion of the course on your computer, you will be using the “EntrePlan™” CD only. The “Interactive Guide to Starting a Business CD” will also be used extensively during the class for research and information specific to your business type and the locality where your business will be located.

Bring to the Next Session: Print out drafts of your Employee Worksheet portions of the plan for Peer Discussion at the next session.

Course Session index ˆ  |  top of page ˆ

EntrePlan™ Session Seven: Business Financials (Part One)

EntrePlanT Session Seven: Business Financials (Part One) Session Content (2 Hours): This session will discuss the Financial Plan Portion of your Business Plan, starting with projecting Sales, COGS, Operating Expenses, and how those go together to make an Income Statement (projection). It will also review the factors that make up a Balance Sheet. The session will discuss the importance of a Break-Even Analysis in properly managing the business and determining how much cash can safely be taken out of a business.

Objectives: The purpose of this section is to help the entrepreneur project expenses, sales, income and cost of goods sold, with the ultimate goal of determining whether the business will be profitable in the future.

Goals: At the end of this session, you will have conducted an in-depth analysis of financial matters related to your business. You will create a balance sheet for your business, and know whether your business can make a profit. In addition, you will have completed the following sections of your Business Plan by using the EntrePlan™ CD: 1) Sales Projections; 2) COGS Projections; 3) Income Statements; 4) Break-Even Analysis; and 5) Balance Sheet.

Peer Review (30 Minutes): Review “Employee Worksheets” to discuss true costs of each employee. Discuss situations of which type employees might be either fixed expenses or variable expenses when factoring into an income statement.

Guest Speaker (30 Minutes): The guest speaker for this session will be a Small Business Accountant.

Homework: Using your County, City, or State version of the “Interactive Guide to Starting a Business CD” and “the EntrePlan™ CD”, read the sections on The Business Plan.

Using the Business Plan portion on the EntrePlan™ CD, under the Financial Plan (Step 7), complete your Projected Sales, Projected COGS, Operating Expenses, and Income Projections portions of the plan and save them to your computer. Print them out to bring to class at the next session for peer discussion. Review the Break-Even Analysis portion and complete the analysis using the data entered above.

NOTE: When developing and saving the Business Plan portion of the course on your computer, you will be using the “EntrePlan™” CD only. The “Interactive Guide to Starting a Business CD” will also be used extensively during the class for research and information specific to your business type and the locality where your business will be located.

Bring to the Next Session: Print out drafts of your Projected Sales, Projected COGS, Operating Expenses, and Income Projections portions of the plan for Peer Discussion at the next session. Bring your draft print-out of the Break-Even Analysis.

Course Session index ˆ  |  top of page ˆ

EntrePlan™ Session Eight: Business Financials (Part Two)

EntrePlanT Session Eight: Business Financials (Part Two) Session Content (2 Hours): This session discusses the importance of projecting cash flows as an ongoing tool for successful businesses. It shows how seasonality plays a part in the budgeting process, and how to obtain and use data to produce accurate cash flow projections.

The session concludes with discussion on financing a business enterprise, and includes an overview of state and federal guarantee programs, MBE specific programs, and equity financing.

 

 

 

Objectives: The purpose of this session is to:

  • Help the entrepreneur project cash flow into and out of the business on a monthly basis; and
  • Help the entrepreneur decide on a financing option(s) for the business, if necessary.

Goals: At the end of this session, you will have conducted a cash flow analysis and be able to project how much money will flow into and out of your business on a monthly basis. You will also know more about financing options, and choose a financing source for your business, if applicable. In addition, you will have completed the following sections of your Business Plan by using the EntrePlan™ CD: 1) Cash Flow Projections; and 2) Executive Summary. Finally, you will print your entire business plan. You will have a completed Business Plan!

Congratulations! After you complete Session 8, you will have graduated!!

Graduation (Last 30 Minutes)

Peer Review (30 Minutes): Review “Projected Sales, Projected COGS, Operating Expenses, Income Projections, and Break-Even Analysis” and discuss how assumptions were reached that produced the numbers used in the projections.

Guest Speaker (30 Minutes): The guest speaker for this session will be a representative from the SBA, SCORE, or State Business Assistance Organization.

Homework: Using your County, City, or State version of the “Interactive Guide to Starting a Business CD”, complete ALL forms and applications (local, state, federal) required to start and run the business. Incorporate copies into the “Appendix” portion of your business plan.

Using the Business Plan portion on the EntrePlan™ CD, Complete the Executive Summary portion of the Business Plan; update and complete ALL portions of the business plan and save them to your computer. Print out the entire Business Plan for submission to the instructor.

Note: A COMPLETED Business Plan is required to be submitted to receive a Certificate of Completion of the EntrePlan™ Interactive Business Course. Your final business plan will be reviewed by the instructor and returned to you with suggestions for improvement (if any), along with the Certificate of Completion.

 

For More Information, contact: Return to the top of the page.

Stu Neal
Phone: 804-521-4320
Fax: 804-521-4300
Email: sneal@interactiveconcepts.org