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Classes

Mountain BizWorks classes focus on developing the entrepreneur and their business management skills.
Check our Event Calendar for classes now open for enrollment.

Business Planning

Foundations Business Planning Program
(8 weeks, 24 seat hours)

Learn the business-planning process while building your business skills in our 8-week, 24-hour training program. You'll study and estimate start-up and overhead costs, determine profit goals, study cash flow, develop marketing plans, and learn about necessary licensing and record keeping. Throughout the course, you'll also learn about personal finance management, the requirements of entrepreneurship, and receive direct, supportive feedback on your business plan. At the end of the course, you'll present and submit your business plan to the class and instructor.

For individuals starting or operating agricultural ventures, we also offer Ag-Biz Foundations.  The curriculum is identical to Foundations, and both courses offer additional material for ag-businesses.  Any client may take either course; however, those in ag-businesses may prefer taking the course with others in related businesses.
Ag-Biz Foundations is supported by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA Grant # 2010-49400-21817).

In their end-of-course evaluations, entrepreneurs clearly reflect that their business skills have grown, leaving them better prepared to respond to and plan for the issues and challenges they will face in their businesses. Both prospective and current entrepreneurs can learn from this program.

Express Foundations
(5 weeks, 15 seat hours)

Express Foundations is an accelerated and fast-paced version of the Foundations curriculum.  The course covers all the same content as Foundations, but  uses an integrated approach that emphasizes the cross-development of financial and marketing elements.

Which course is right for me?

Course

Intended Audience

Course Structure
Foundations New and prospective entrepreneurs.  Ideal for those who have a business idea or who have just opened a business.  Best suited for those who prefer a slower pace and more interaction with the facilitator and other class participants. Step-by-step guided workshop where most of the work is completed in class.
Express Foundations
Experienced entrepreneurs.  Ideal for those already in business, have prior business experience, or who have detailed knowledge of the business being planned.  Participants should be computer literate, highly motivated to complete a business plan at a faster pace, and willing to do research and 3+ hours of work outside of class.  Integrated content approach which guides participants to analyze work they complete independently.

Financial Management

Financial Tools For Your Business Using QuickBooks
(5 weeks, 15 seat hours)

Take the fear out of financial accounting! This course gives you the tools to understand the financial health of your small business. This five-session course starts with the basics of bookkeeping and then launches into QuickBooks in order to teach you more advanced financial management systems.  Topics covered are:

  • Bookkeeping basics
  • Set up your own company
  • Customer issues (invoicing and receivables)
  • Vendor issues (payables)
  • Financial statements, review your business

Marketing

Marketing For Your Business
(5 weeks, 15 seat hours)

In this course, you'll develop a solid, focused marketing plan that is essential to the growth and success of your small business.  This course will help you:

  • Stand Out: Develop a focused marketing plan to create measurable results to increase your bottom line.
  • Know Your Customers: Effectively identify,, reach, and influence your target customers using research, planning, and budgeting.
  • Get People's Attention: Translate your message and brand efficiently to attract and retain customers. Define your marketing strategies to gain impact utilizing media options that are right for your business.
  • Succeed in Sales & Customer Service: Maximize sales with positive strategies and tactics, collaborative techniques, and compelling customer service tips.
  • Create a Report Card: Measure your marketing efforts to obtain steady growth, desired results, and increased revenue.


Search Engine Optimization
(3 weeks, 9 seat hours)

Find out what Search Engine Optimization (SEO) means and how it can increase web traffic. Topics include:

  • The difference between On Page and Off Page SEO and why they are both important.
  • How to create an SEO campaign, track the results, and evaluate your efforts.
  • The power of link-building.
  • Keyword research and developing SEO-friendly content for your website.
  • How to increase your exposure on Google, Yahoo, MSN, and more.

Social Media For Your Business
(3 weeks, 9 seat hours)

    Learn how to attract more clients, improve customer retention, and grow revenues.

    • Learn to use Facebook, Twitter, etc. to promote your small business.
    • Discover what social media websites are best for your business.
    • Learn how company contact lists and databases can combine with social media strategies to increase your bottom line.
    • Integrate social media strategies into your current marketing plan.

    The first step to entering the Training program is to attend an Information Session or to meet one-on-one with a resource specialist.

    To register for an Information Session at our Asheville office, CLICK HERE.

    Contact the regional office nearest you for more information:

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    Event Calendar  

    Click here to view upcoming classes and events.

    Expand Your Business 

    Click here to learn more about our new series for expanding businesses - 1st course starts in June!

    Weather Delays

    Classes are running on schedule today. See our Weather Policy here.

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