Create change. Make a difference.

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 – Reno

 

Event: NxLeveL for Start-up Micro Businesses – Reno

Presenter: Kathy Halbardier

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

Clicking on the link below where it says, “To Register” will take you to the NMI website that provides contact information; on-line registration is NOT available.

To register, please complete the registration page of the brochure (PDF brochure downloadable below) and mail your money order or check to:

Nevada Microenterprise Initiative
1301 Cordone Avenue, Suite 100
Reno, NV 89502

Questions? Call Kathy Halbardier at the Nevada Microenterprise Initiative/Nevada Women’s Business Center at (775) 324-1812

About the Presenter:

Kathy Halbardier recently served as a business advisor, economic development specialist and business education instructor/trainer for the Nevada Small Business Development Center for more than a decade. She and her former business partner started Tahoe Ridge Winery and Marketplace 20 years ago, growing the business into one of the most prestigious establishments in the Carson Valley region.

Kathy is well known for her strategic partnering efforts and contributions in countless projects throughout northern Nevada that have affected our state’s business climate and economic development. She is enthusiastic about small business, has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs and continues to provide invaluable counsel and assistance to Nevada’s business communities.

Please note that classes will be held at the Redfield Campus, for 15 consecutive Wednesday evenings, from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, starting May 9 and ending on August 22, 2012.

Date: May 9, 2012 - August 22, 2012

Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Location: Redfield Campus, 18600 Wedge Parkway - Nell J Redfield Bldg A, Room 230

City: Reno

Fee: This course costs $195 and includes all materials. NMI IS NOT POSITIONED TO ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS.

Documents:

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