Launch That Business

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Last Updated: Nov 27, 2024, 02:24 PM

graphic-for-web.jpgLaunch that Business Starting Sept. 5th! 

Equipping Entrepreneurs With What They Need to Launch and Thrive 

Accelerate your entrepreneurial journey with our 10-week "Fast Track" business course tailored for micro entities, including home-based or small businesses. This program equips entrepreneurs with practical steps to register their businesses, transforming them into legal entities, and provides valuable tips and tools for ongoing business maintenance.

Throughout the course, participants will attend weekly classes, engage in assignments, and receive personalized mentorship from an SBDC Small Business Advisor, ensuring they're well-guided in their journey to open or expand a business.

Classes meet for 1-2 hours weekly, with the first hour dedicated to targeted lessons covering different practical topics. The second hour allows participants to work on assignments, meet with mentors/advisors, and address any questions. The course offers flexibility with your preferred learning mode: in-person, virtual, or a hybrid approach, tailored to your needs and resource availability.

Ready to turn your business dreams into reality? Join 'Launch That Business' and fast-track your way to entrepreneurial success! For event details, call 618-536-2424.

The in-person location to be held at 1740 Innovation Dr, Carbondale. Times for next cohort Feb. 15, 2024

Our Course

  • Fall Session - Open for Applications

    • Deadline to apply for the next cohort is August 1, 2024
    • Class starts September 5th, 2024

    Apply Today!

  • Ideal Candidates

    • Operate a business but haven't registered with the state yet.
    • Have a business concept and are prepared to register as an LLC or establish as a Sole Proprietor.
    • Recently initiated their LLC but require guidance on the subsequent steps.
    • Have a product or service-based business.

  • Eligibility

    • Participants must be at least 18 years old or attend the course with a parent or guardian who will register the business in their name.
    • Participants must have a business idea or an existing business

  • Application Process

    • Those interested in this program will complete an online application 
    • Complete a feasibility checklist. Participants do not need to know all the answers to these questions yet, the idea is that they have begun to think about these items. This can be completed with the assistance of an SBDC advisor.

    Those who meet the criteria will be selected for an interview (those who don't will be referred for one on one counseling)

  • Program Requirements

    Applicant must make satisfactory progress to receive credit for this course. This includes:

    • Attending all sessions or making arrangements to get missed information to complete assignments
    • Complete all assigned tasks by completion of the program.

Program Agenda

Week 1 - Planning

Participants will hear about the purpose of creating a business plan. They will hear information about how to write a business plan and must complete one by the end of this course.

Week 2 - Formation

Participants will learn about entity types, EIN, sales tax, and business banking. If the participant does not have these things in place, they start the process during this class and complete it by the conclusion of the course.

Week 3 - Financials

Participants will learn how to manage their business finances, track profit/loss, banking, budgeting, and the importance of an accountant. They will also learn to better understand their credit score and how to more bankable.  Participants will create a budget for their business, create a budget for how they will utilize funds, and create a system to keep track of their expenses and income.

Week 4 - Organization

Participants will create a system for storing files, record keeping, and bookkeeping

Week 5 - On the Web

Participants will register their business with Google, learn how to create and manage a website, and how to navigate various social media platforms. They will also learn about SEO and some steps they can take to make their business searchable.

Week 6 - Marketing and Branding

Participants will learn tips on how to brand and market their business. They will also learn about trademarks. As a part of this course, they will at minimum do a common law trademark for their business name and logos. They will also create a marketing plan.

Week 7 - Pitches

Participants will learn tips on how to brand and market their business. They will also learn about trademarks. As a part of this course, they will at minimum do a common law trademark for their business name and logos. They will also create a marketing plan.

Week 8 - Business Etiquette

Participants will learn the importance of being consistent, response time, customer service, how they represent their brand/company, and other tips to use beyond selling something.

Week 9 - Business Tools

Participants will learn the importance of being consistent, response time, customer service, how they represent their brand/company, and other tips to use beyond selling something.

Program Wrap Up

Participants will receive any final instructions, can set up appointments with advisor(s), and will learn more about opportunities to celebrate achievements at a graduation ceremony where you will receive a certificate of completion.