Foundations is designed to expose new and aspiring entrepreneurs to the basic business principles needed to run a successful company. 

This program is ideal for individuals who have an idea for a business or who are in the beginning stages of business development and need exposure to the basic principles needed to run a successful, sustainable company. 

Entrepreneurs who complete FOUNDATIONS have the opportunity to: 

–          Join a community of like-minded professionals.

–          Complete a proven business development curriculum.

–          Apply for a $25,000 business loan from First Horizon Bank.   

FOUNDATIONS is offered on a quarterly basis in the evenings at the Nashville Business Incubation Center. The course is offered for free for all participants.

ENTREPRENEUR TRAINING PROGRAM

Participants will become equipped with the necessary tools to start their own business. Each participant will investigate strengths and weaknesses in the personal traits assessment, learn the different facets to becoming an entrepreneur, and complete a business plan during the 12-week session.

Many people have dreams of starting their own businesses. These dreams go undeveloped for years due to fear and various obstacles that plague startups. Lack of access to capital and funding, limited business training, and the absence of critical resources tend to get in the way of dreams and the appeal of possibility. Those in low-income, low-wealth communities have a more difficult time acquiring funding for their businesses due to a shortage of capital and limited access to financial services.

This intensive 12-week course, rooted in entrepreneurship training, allows participants to learn and master critical business basics and topics.

Designed to empower aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools and skills to successfully navigate the path to small business ownership, the Entrepreneurship Training Program combines business training, personal development, access to professional services, and financial counseling through partnerships with a direct network.

Our goal is to remove the fears associated with small business ownership caused by the many obstacles, barriers, and limitations one may meet.

Networking and Training Materials will be supplied.

Agenda

WEEK 1: Tuesday, February 2, 2021 – Class: Evaluating Feasibility

WEEK 2: Tuesday, February 9, 2021 – Class: Selecting A Business Name

WEEK 3: Tuesday, February 16, 2021 – Class: Business Plan Outline

WEEK 4: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 – Class: Market Research and Advertising

WEEK 5: Tuesday, March 2, 2021 – Class: Required Start-Up Money (Budgeting)

WEEK 6: Tuesday, March 9, 2021 – Class: Financial Statements

WEEK 7: Tuesday, March 16, 2021 – Class: Suppliers and Distribution Channels/ Credit and Access to Capital

WEEK 8: Tuesday, March 23, 2021 – Class: Time Management

WEEK 9: Tuesday, March 30, 2021 – Class: Finacial Lab

WEEK 10: Tuesday, April 6, 2021 – Class: Lab 

WEEK 11: Tuesday, April 13, 2021 – Class: Lab

WEEK 12: Tuesday, April 20, 2021- Presentations/ Graduation 

Student Learning Outcomes

The Participant will:

1. Evaluate feasibility to see if they are ready to start their own business

2. Create a business plan

3. Review financial statements

4. Discuss marketing and advertising techniques

5. Learn what’s needed to start a business

6. Compile a resource binder

7. Deliver a well-organized presentation with skill and ease, using visual data where appropriate

8. Turn in a written presentation

FAQS

Will this class be offered virtually or in person?

Due to Covid-19, this class will be offered virtually via Zoom.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Please email nbic@nbiconline.com for general information. To learn more about specific opportunities with NBIC, email Arnella Williams-Foster at afoster@nbiconline.com.