FREE Business Planning Course

RISE

A rural incubator for startups and entrepreneurs of the Upper Valley and beyond!

Oct 11, 2023 – Dec 13, 2023

Wednesdays 6:00pm-9:00pm

CORE: FROM AN IDEA TO A BUSINESS

Accepting rolling applications for RISE: Core’s 10-week business program, powered by CO.STARTERS. RISE: Core offers a variety of FREE business support programs through The Space On Main. Made possible with support from the US Department of Agriculture and the Vermont Community Foundation. Have a business idea that you’ve always wanted to try? We’ll provide everything you need to figure out how to turn your idea into a reality. RISE: Core is offered both in-person (Bradford, VT) and remote via Zoom.

Everything you need to build and grow your business in 10 weeks:

• Prototype & refine your product/service
• Identify your customers
• Develop your marketing message
• Learn accounting & tax best practices
• Legal advice on best structure for your business
• Explore funding opportunities
• Define a strategy to scale your business

This program is designed for any aspiring entrepreneur or small business owner. Our only requirements are:

• You have an idea you’re ready, willing, and excited to pursue!
• You are willing to study and refine that idea with others.
• You will commit to our 10-week program.

10 weeks. 1 day a week. 3 hours at a time. Here is what we’ll cover:

• Session 1 – Knowing Yourself
  Assumptions, Working Styles, Team Building, Obstacles
• Session 2 – Knowing Your Customer
  Customer, Problems, Alternatives, Idea Testing
• Session 3 – Finding the right solution
  Solution, Benefit, Advantages, Starting Small, Brand Identity
• Session 4 – Getting the Relationship Right
  Marketing & Message; Getting, Keeping & Growing Customers
• Session 5 – Building Blocks
  Distribution, Revenue, Typical Offering, Price
• Session 6 – Structures and Systems
  Legal and Accounting Considerations
• Session 7 – Discovering the Bottom Line
  Startup & Ongoing Needs, Fixed & Variable Costs, Break-Even Point
• Session 8 – Financial Modeling 
  Break-Even Point, Sales Projections, Cash Flow, Raising Capital
• Session 9 – Planning for growth
  Growth Plans, Goal Setting, Preparing for Celebration Night
• Session 10 – Celebration Night