::COURSES

Roadmap to Success: How to Write a Business Plan*

Receive a practical, step-by-step instruction in how to develop a business plan for a small business start-up or expansion. Upon completion this Plan can be submitted to a financial institution or private investor for funding or used for implementation. Emphasis on importance of the plan components, format, marketing and financial projections and analysis.

This course is taught in two-day format. Each session is three hours.

Upon completion of this course, the participant should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the purpose, guidelines and components of a business plan
2. Explain the planning process
3. Follow the guideline for preparing a business plan
4. Understand the role and importance of the Balance Sheet, Profit and Loss Statement, Break Even Analysis and 12 and 24 month Cash Flow Statements in the Plan
5. Understand how to research target markets, demographics, and competitors
6. Relate each of the major elements of a business plan to his/her present or contemplated business
7. Access local and internet sources of help and guidance for Small Business Start Ups (including the City of Austin Small Business Development Center)

Understanding the various components that comprise a business plan is necessary for any small business owner to establish a road map and direction for their business and secure financing for staffing, operations, materials, equipment and future growth. This course will enable students to review all components of a Business Plan and apply learned concepts in developing a plan for their own business.

This class eligible for Small Business Success Certificate Program. Participants who complete six of the classes marked with an asterisk will receive a framed gold seal Small Business Success Certificate jointly from both The University of Texas at Austin Professional Development Center and City of Austin Small Business Development Program.

• One three-ring loose leaf binder (1-1/2 inch) with clear plastic cover insert
• 12 tab table of contents

Email instructor a short bio of work experience, education, area of interest for starting a small business (if known) and projected time frame

Short Course -- 6 hours

SESSION I (3 Hours)

Part 1: Laying The Foundation -- 1.5 hours

• Introductions
• Overview of Course
• Why Develop a Business Plan?
• Strategic Planning -- A Brief Overview
• Components of Your Business Plan
• Presentation -- Your Plan's Curb Appeal

Part 2: Your Business Plan -- 1.5 hours

• Cover Sheet
• Table of Contents
• Executive Summary (Write this part last!)
• Company Overview
• Product and Service Description -- Why Your Business Exists

SESSION II (3 hours)

Part 3: Your Business Plan (continued) -- 1.5 hours

• Market Analysis
• Marketing and Sales Strategy
• Internet Strategy
• Management and Personnel Plan -- Your Success Team!

Part 4: Your Business Plan (continued) -- 1.5 hours

• Financial Projections
• Start up Costs
• Balance Sheet
• Cash Flow Projections -- The Lifeblood of Your Business
• Break Even Analysis
• APPENDIX: Supporting Documents

Download this course syllabus in PDF format.

City of Austin Small Business Development Center

August 11 and 13, 2009
6:00 p.m. -- 9:00 p.m.
International Center (ICA)
201 East Second Street
Austin, Texas 78701

September 16 and 17, 2009
6:00 p.m. -- 9:00 p.m.
International Center (ICA)
201 East Second Street
Austin, Texas 78701

October 13 and 15, 2009
9:00 a.m. -- Noon
International Center (ICA)
201 East Second Street
Austin, Texas 78701

November 10 and 12, 2009
6:00 p.m. -- 9:00 p.m.
International Center (ICA)
201 East Second Street
Austin, Texas 78701

Instructor(s)