The NxLevel for Entrepreneurs Course is a 12‐session intensive training program designed to encourage business expansion in a community. The course focuses on teaching the art of better business practices, while producing a comprehensive business plan. Sections of the business plan are then evaluated throughout the course. This coordinated process provides a method for alerting you to any weaknesses in your business plan development, and ultimately moves toward keeping and growing a successful venture.
The course starts Wednesday, September 5, and each session runs from 6 to 9 pm at Fort Lewis College, Education Business Hall Room 108, Durango. Tuition is $280 for the 12‐week course, or $50 per session.
To register for the NxLevel training, download the two‐page registration form from this website. Then, e‐mail, fax, mail, or deliver to: Small Business Development Center 1000 Rim Drive, EBH 140 Durango, CO 81301
Cash Awards
Students who complete the NxLevel Entrepreneurial Training and create an acceptable business plan will receive a $100 completion award; attendance rules will be covered at the first class. Business plans submitted will be judged, and cash prizes will be awarded for the top 3 business plans (1st place=$500, 2nd place=$250, 3rd place=$100).
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE. For more information, contact the Small Business Development Center, 140 Education Business Building, 1000 Rim Drive, Durango, Colorado 81301; Phone: (970)247‐7009; Fax: (970) 247‐7205; e‐mail: asano_l@fortlewis.edu; website, click here.
Session Outline
1. Sep 5—Introduction, Overview & Entrepreneurship: gain understanding of the NxLeveLTM Business Plan and start developing the business mission statement, goals, and objective.
2. Sep 12—Planning & Research: Entrepreneurial Essentials: begin market/industry research through identification and usage of research resources.
3. Sep 19—Organizational Matters: Management & Legal Structure: explore legal and organizational topics including: legal structures, government taxes and regulations, risk management and employee issues.
4. Sep 26—Marketing‐“Behind the Scenes”: Analysis & Understanding: learn key concepts of analyzing your market including customer profiling and com‐ petitive analysis.
5. Oct 3—Marketing‐“On Stage”: Strategies, Tactics & Implementation: de‐ velop marketing strategies around the product, pricing, promotion and distribution elements of your business.
6. Oct 10‐ Financial Overview: Books, Records & Controls: understand basic financial statements and their uses.
7. Oct 17—Managing Your Money: Financial Planning, Budgets & Assumptions: understand how to develop and derive feedback from budgets.
8. Oct 24—Managing Your Money: Developing and Using Cash Flow Projections: learn to prepare and use the ultimate “management tool”—cash flow projections.
9. Oct 31—Understanding and Using Your Financial Statements: take the mystery out of the income statement, balance sheet, and other financial statements by learning how to use the numbers
10. Nov 7—Financing Your Business: Alternative Sources of Money: evaluate financing options and determine which are best for you.
11. Nov 14—The Deal Making Process: Negotiating in the Real World: develop and understand the negotiating process and techniques. 12. Nov 21 —Your Business Future: Managing Growth and Plan Completion: what’s next? Growth? Expansion? What’s your business’ future?
