Community Education - Rochester, Minnesota

Do you have a business idea but don’t know where to begin? This free three-week training program is designed to show you steps on how to move from just an idea to “NOW OPEN!” You will walk away with skills and information on how to:

• Register your business and everything needed to get started 
• Find money to start your business
• Let people know about your business
• Grow your business and set prices
• Take care of your money, pay required taxes, and more!

Session 1 - Introduction to Starting a Business

Objective: Understand what it takes to own a business, set up and register your business to operate legally, know the type of license you may need, and all other relevant information.

• Getting started
• Business structure: LLC, S-Corp., Sole Pr., etc.
• Business registration
• Business ID: EIN, MN Revenue ID
• Business license

Session 2 - Money Matters

Objective: Learn how to find the money needed to fund your business, what a loan involves, having a business bank account, paying taxes, and keeping your money.

• Funding and funding sources
• Loan fundamentals
• Setting up a business bank account
• Bookkeeping
• Getting paid (payment systems)
• Taxes

Session 3 - Business Model

Objective:Get the information you need on how to set prices, market your business, what you need to start your business, and reach different people.

• Business planning
• Value proposition: Why should we buy from you?
• Marketing: Target market, customer segments, and marketing outlets
• Products and services pricing
• Business needs: building, equipment, partner, insurance