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Chatham SPARK
January 21, 2023 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Get assistance with developing a business plan and gaining insight into financing, legal considerations, marketing, bookkeeping, and taxes for your business. Apply to join the Chatham SPARK program by Jan. 31st.
Central Carolina Community College’s Siler City Center, 400 Progress Boulevard, Siler City, and will run from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
CLASS ONE: Starting a Business/Building a Plan
Monday, March 13, 2023, 6 – 9pm
This session offers an introduction to the program, the basics of starting a business, and how to put together your business plan. Discussions will include developing an entrepreneurial mindset and evaluating the feasibility of your business idea. You’ll also discover the resources available to help you start and successfully operate your business. This seminar will teach you the important components of a business plan and help you lay the foundation for a winning plan. Discover how a business plan is used by potential lenders, the dos and don’ts of writing a plan, and the steps for making the process easy.
CLASS TWO: Legal Considerations of Starting a Business
Monday, March 20, 2023, 6 – 9pm
This session will address the potential legal issues facing small business owners. Discussion will include business structure, licensing, zoning, protecting your business assets, employer responsibilities and business insurance. (Business plan review)
CLASS THREE: Business Taxes
Monday, March 27, 2023, 6 – 9pm
Gain a solid understanding of taxes required for small business owners and develop the best tax strategy for your business. Become familiar with the latest tax forms and procedures for both state and federal taxes. Discover how everyday business decisions can have tax implications that can affect your bottom line. This seminar is important for both new and experienced business owners. (Business plan review)
CLASS FOUR: How to Find Your Customers (Market Research)
Monday, April 5, 2023, 6 – 9pm
Market research is a critical and ongoing process for every small business. Discover a variety of market research tools that will provide decisive information about your industry, competitors and target market.
CLASS FIVE: Financing Your Business
Monday, April 17, 2023, 6 – 9pm
Financing continues to be a challenge for many small business owners. Get to the heart of business financing in this seminar that answers your questions. Explore the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of funding sources and how to choose the right one for your needs.
This seminar will also include information about the importance of maintaining a good credit score, how to check your credit score, and how to build or repair your credit. (Business plan review)
CLASS SIX: Marketing Your Business
Monday, April 24, 2023, 6 – 9pm
Marketing for the 21st Century small business is more dynamic and challenging than ever. Discover how to most effectively and efficiently use the many marketing tools available. Gain insights to understand and reach your customer, analyze your industry and business environment and differentiate between branding, advertising, and grassroots marketing techniques. Explore the components of an effective marketing plan in this comprehensive seminar. (Business plan review)
CLASS SEVEN: Basics of Bookkeeping and Understanding Financial Statements
Monday, May 1, 2023, 6 – 9pm
Gain a workable knowledge of how to properly record financial transactions for your business. Discover the three most important financial reports and how to use them to make the best-informed business decisions. (Business plan review)
CLASS EIGHT: Class Presentations and Graduation
Monday, May 8, 2023, 6 – 9pm
Participants will give a short presentation on their business idea and receive feedback on their plan. Graduation follows with certificates, photos, and press releases.
