Business Start Bootcamp – for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Are you ready to take action completing your business plan?

The Business Start Bootcamp is an innovative program that investigates entrepreneurial attitudes and tests whether the business idea will work. This 6-week series helps entrepreneurs get their business ideas out of their heads, down on paper, and take action. Participants gain access to tools that help them arrive at crucial decision points in starting their business while also getting tips, tricks, and strategies from other local business owners.

Each session focuses on key sections of a business plan. Participants will formally present their business concept at the end of the program.

Featured Guest Speakers:

• Local RVA Business Owners
• Industry Professionals
• Resource Providers

January 24, 2023 – Session 1 (in-person or virtual): Business Mindset & Defining Your Business Concept

In this session, we will assess critical qualities and skills needed to successfully launch a business, along with creating a personal vision for your business. We will also discuss ways to research a business idea to develop a clear, concise statement about your product or service that will serve as the foundation of a business plan.

January 31, 2023 – Session 2: Evaluating Your Product or Service
Participants will define their product/service features, benefits, and other vital attributes. Students will also identify the governmental approvals needed to operate their specific business. Participants will also learn about intellectual property associated with their proposed venture and determine how to protect it.

February 7, 2023 – Session 3: Management and Operations Planning
This session will cover business formation to help participants determine which legal structure is best suited for their business, along with the key advantages and disadvantages of different legal structures. They will also recognize the importance of building a solid management team, effectively staffing a business, and creating an organizational structure and culture aligned with their entrepreneurial aspirations.

February 21, 2023 – Session 4: Reaching Your Target Audience
Participants will discuss their image or brand identity for their product or service to help them reach their identified target market. Participants consider strategies to promote and sell to their target market, including social media strategies, publicity, promotions, and a sales/service process. Participants consider the marketing dollars they need to achieve their sales goals.

February 28, 2023 – Session 5 Financial Planning and How to Navigate Small Business Resources
Participants will learn common financial terminology and concepts used in determining the feasibility and developing a profitable venture. Participants will become acquainted with the benefits of budgeting, the sources of financial information, and the role of personal credit. We will also cover how to navigate free or low-cost small business resources.

March 7, 2023 – Session 6 (in-person): Business Plan Presentations
During this capstone session, participants will present their business plan to their peers and a panel of guest advisors for feedback.

This is a hybrid program, some sessions will be in-person (virtual option available). All sessions are 6:00pm – 7:30pm. Participants who complete at least 85% of the program will receive a certificate of completion

Sessions are FREE to attend, however you have the option to purchase the digital course workbook and materials for $30. Copies of the presentations and other supplemental materials will only be shared to those who purchase the program materials.

Workbook Contents:

• Session Presentations
• History of the Black Dollar paperback book
• Blank Business Plan template
• Sample Business Plan templates for various industries
• Sales Forecast template
• Business Model Concept worksheets
• Target Customer Profile
• Financial Statements template
• Business Certifications Overview
• …..and MORE

Send an email to [email protected] to purchase the workbook. We will send you an invoice via email to pay online. The Winter 2023 edition will be available to participants on Monday, January 23. Have Questions? Contact the WBC Richmond at [email protected]