Business Plan Basics Training

Related links: REAP Women's Business Center

REAP Women's Business Center
Business Plan Basics Training
Hands-on exploratory sessions designed for small business owners.

A business plan will give lenders and financial backers a full picture, give a "road map" for a future direction, help anticipate capital and equipment needs, and help you measure progress and anticipate problem areas.

Primary topics covered in the training include:

1. Marketing
    Define your trade area.
    Identify customers and competitors.
    Identify new products/services and the demand for these products/services.

2. Customer Relations
    Learn how to increase your customer base.
    Learn how to work with all personalities.
    Learn how to use word-of-mouth as part of your advertising plan.

3. Financial Management
    Review bookkeeping systems that will work for you.
    Learn to understand what the numbers are telling you.
    Learn to understand balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.

4. Advertising/Promotion
    Explore options for affordable advertising.
    Learn how to schedule advertising for the greatest impact.
    Review what works for other businesses.
    Design promotional activities.

5. Goal Setting
    Learn the benefits of goal setting.
    Develop goals for your business and personal life.
    Find more time in your schedule
    Turn your goals into reality.

REAP and the Women's Business Center uses the NxLevel Business Plan Basics for MicroEntrepreneurs curriculum and works in collaboration with the Nebraska EDGE program on curriculum delivery. Check for REAP Basic Business Plan trainings available in your area or for Nebraska EDGE classes offered near you.

The REAP Women's Business Center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). All opinions, conclusions, or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of SBA.

the REAP Project and the REAP Women's Business Center are programs of the Center for Rural Affairs. Established in 1973, the Center for Rural Affairs is a private, non-profit organization working to strengthen small businesses, family farms and ranches, and rural communities.

Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact REAP Women's Business Center Director, Monica Braun, 402.643.2673, with your request.

Center for Rural Affairs -- Rural Enterprise Assistance Project
145 Main St. PO Box 136 Lyons, Nebraska 68038
Voice: (402) 687-2100 FAX: (402) 687-2200 E-Mail: REAPinfo@cfra.org