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The Business Services Group connects the knowledge resources of the University of Nevada, Reno to the needs of our businesses, industries, and government – to grow and strengthen our communities. You will find a wealth of University programs that offer services and assistance here.

 

NxLeveL for Start-up Micro Businesses – Las Vegas

 

Event: NxLeveL for Start-up Micro Businesses – Las Vegas

Presenter: Lu Torres, NMI President & CEO

Description:

In 2012 the Nevada Microenterprise Initiative and the Nevada Women’s Business Center joined forces with the Nevada Small Business Development Center to provide a new NxLeveL curriculum, NxLeveL for Micro Entrepreneurs. This 15–session course presents options and strategies for achieving self-sufficiency through self-employment, with an emphasis on learning and meeting professional standards for financial management, marketing and customer service. Whether participants wish to explore self-employment options or turn a hobby into a reliable income source NxLeveL’s practical “learn it today, use it tomorrow” approach will help them build a solid foundation for success.

 Topics taught include:

  • Keys to your business success
  • Assessing your business idea
  • Business planning: think ahead & grow
  • The marketing plan
  • Government regulations
  • Management
  • Market analysis
  • Product and price
  • Placement and promotion
  • E-commerce
  • Selling Success
  • Where’s the cash?
  • Managing the money
  • Financial Tips and Tools
  • Bringing it all together

Learning Objectives include:

Session One

  • The importance of professionalism
  • Self-assessment: communication skills, time management and other business skills
  • The value of networking
  • Preparing an action plan for your microbusiness

Session Two

  • What kind of business is right for you?
  • What is your business niche?
  • Who are your customers?
  • Contingency planning

Session Three

  • Why planning is essential
  • Setting realistic business goals and objectives
  • The NxLeveL Micro-Entrepreneur Business Plan

Session Four

  • Elements of a marketing plan
  • The basics of market research
  • Useful types of market data
  • Understanding your place in your industry

Session Five

  • Laws and regulations that affect microbusiness
  • Getting help with regulations
  • Understanding contracts and leases

Session Six

  • Managing your microbusiness
  • The challenges of running a home-based business
  • Hiring and managing employees
  • Business insurance and other expenses

Session Seven

  • How to describe the features and benefits of your products
  • How to find out who and where your customers are
  • How to research your competitors
  • How to estimate your market potential

Session Eight

  • Effective microbusiness marketing strategies
  • How packaging affects success
  • Creating a brand identity
  • Pricing and your break-even point

Session Nine

  • Delivering your product or service
  • How location and distribution affect price and profitability
  • Promoting your microbusiness
  • Developing a marketing budget

Session 10

  • The basics of online promotion
  • Online sales and order fulfillment
  • E-commerce options for microbusiness

Session 11

  • Basic selling concepts
  • What customers need and expect from your business
  • Developing a customer service philosophy

Session 12

  • Understanding cash flow projections and budgeting
  • Developing realistic sales and expense forecasts
  • Preparing a cash flow projection for Year 1
  • The purpose of Income Statements and Balance Sheets
  • Calculating start-up costs for your microbusiness

Session 13

  • Making ethical business decisions
  • The importance of bookkeeping and recordkeeping
  • How and when to use common business forms
  • Getting professional help

Session 14

  • Financing your microbusiness
  • Choosing between debt and equity financing
  • Unconventional financing options
  • What lenders expect from a start-up
  • How ratios measure the financial health of a microbusiness
  • Credit and collection basics

Session 15

  • Negotiating with partners, employees, customers and vendors
  • Preparing for growth
  • Next steps: Using your NxLeveL Action Plan to get your microbusiness up and running

About the Presenter:

As CEO and President of the Nevada Microenterprise Initiative and the Women’s Business Center Lu has over 25 years of non-profit leadership. Lu has been successful in several start-ups including a travel agency, real estate property inspection, business consultation and the creative side as an artist displaying her work throughout the western United States. Lu received her BS in Human Services graduating Suma cum Laude, and her Masters in Organizational Management. In 2011 Lu was an “In Business Women to Watch Honoree”. She believes that through strategic partnerships and the development of small business we will be able to put Nevada back to work.

Please note that classes will be held at the Henderson Business Development Center, for 15 consecutive Tuesday evenings, from 6:00 – 9:00 pm, starting March 6 and ending on June 12, 2012.

Date: March 6, 2012 - June 12, 2012

Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Location: Henderson Business Development Center - 112 Water Street, Suite 120

City: Henderson

Fee: This course costs $395. Please call the Nevada Microenterprise Initiative/ Women’s Business Center at (702) 734-3555 or mail payment with completed form (PDF brochure downloadable below) to: Nevada Microenterprise Initiative, 112 Water St., Suite 108, Henderson, NV 89015

Register Here: http://www.4microbiz.org/