BUS 1010 - Starting a Small Business

Description

This on-demand course is designed for aspiring individuals who want to launch their own business but need practical guidance, foundational knowledge, and a step-by-step plan to get started. Whether you’re exploring a side hustle, building a full-time venture, or seeking to validate an idea (making sure an idea is worth pursuing), this course will equip you with the tools and confidence to act.

Individuals who submit a completed business plan will receive feedback from one of our expert course facilitators to ensure you're plan is prepped and ready to share with potential investors, partners, and the community.

Outline

This program is comprised of 30 chapters, containing videos, readings, and activities--all directed toward components of your business plan.

Chapters 1 - 7: Introduction, Approaches to Starting Small Businesses, Identifying a Good Business Idea

Chapters 8 - 10: Defining your Business' Mission, Vision, and Values

Chapters 11 - 13: Identifying your Products, Services, and Pricing Strategy, and Protecting your Intellectual Property

Chapters 14 - 19: Defining your Target Customers and Conducting a Market Analysis

Chapters 20 - 21: Financial Planning for your Small Business

Chapters 22 - 24: Setting Milestones for your Small Business

Chapters 25 - 27: Bringing it all Together in your Business Plan

Chapters 28 - 29: Concluding the Course

Chapter 30: Bonus Guide for Registering a Business in the State of Kansas.

Throughout the program, you'll be introduced to an example small business, Josh's KC BBQ, and you'll be able to use this example as inspiration for your own business plan. In addition, you'll hear from three small business owners to understand how they defined and structured their business, products and services, and funded their small businesses. 

Program Objectives

Throughout the course, participants will:

• Identify and evaluate business opportunities by analyzing community pain points and testing potential solutions.
• Develop a comprehensive business foundation by articulating a clear company description, mission, vision, and core values.
• Define and position products or services by describing features, benefits, and applying appropriate pricing strategies based on market conditions.
• Analyze target customers and markets by creating customer personas and conducting basic market research and competitive analysis.
• Design effective marketing, sales, and operational strategies that align with target audiences and support business growth.
• Apply fundamental financial planning concepts by estimating startup costs, managing cash flow, and maintaining basic financial records for decision-making.
• Create a complete small business plan by integrating key components—including problem statement, company description, products/services, market analysis, marketing strategy, operations, and financial projections—into a cohesive document suitable for stakeholders or potential investors.

Notes

Written feedback on your business plan is included in your registration.

Book a one-on-one coaching session with one of our small business experts for personalized guidance on your business idea or business plan. Use this time to ask questions, work through challenges, get feedback on specific areas of your plan, or discuss next steps for moving your business forward. The conversation will be tailored to where you are in your business journey and the support you need most. Each coaching session is one-hour. It is recommend you have completed our Starting a Small Business course prior to coaching.