FOUNDATIONS is our 8-week program offered in partnership with Operation Hope, Urban League of Middle TN, and First Horizon Bank. It is designed to expose new and aspiring entrepreneurs to the basic business principles needed to run a successful company.

This program is ideal for individual 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.

–          Receive complimentary admission to our workshops and networking events.

–          Have an opportunity to join our collaborative co-working space at a discounted rate.

–          Apply for a $25,000 business loan from First Horizon Bank.
Must be an Operation Hope Graduate
FICO or credit score at 640
You must have at least one year in the business | No current delinquencies or liens | Must communicate               with First Horizon Bank regarding any previous banking relationship

FOUNDATIONS is offered on a quarterly basis in the evenings at the Nashville Business Incubation Center. The course is complimentary 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 do a business plan during the 8 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 shortage of capital and limited access to financial services.

This intensive 8-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, Spetember 15, 2020 – Class: Evaluating Feasibility
WEEK 2: Tuesday,September 22,2020 – Class: Selecting A Business Name
WEEK 3: Tuesday, September 29, 2020 – Class: Business Plan Outline
WEEK 4: Tuesday, October 6, 2020 – Class: Market Research and Advertising
WEEK 5: Tuesday, October 13, 2020 – Class: Required Start-Up Money (Budgeting)
WEEK 6: Tuesday, October 20, 2020 – Class: Financial Statements
WEEK 7: Tuesday, October 27, 2020 – Class: Suppliers and Distribution Channels/ Credit and Access to Capital
WEEK 8: Tuesday, November 3, 2020 – 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