Classes held at:

The Art Academy of Cincinnati - Room N204

Semi-Finalist Interviews

March, 11th, 5:15pm - 9:30pm

Fourteen applicants give business pitches to the BGV selection committee to determine the 10 finalists.

Week 1 - Orientation, Essential Components of a Business Plan

Saturday, March 23rd (9:00am - 12:00pm)

In the first portion of class you will review the BGV program, goals, expectations, and the journey ahead. The second half of class, you will review the structure of the business plan and how to develop your plan. This class will help you understand the basic components and address the important questions and issues about developing your Business Plan.

Week 2 – Credit Education Seminar & Mastering the 60 second Pitch

Saturday, April 6th (9:00am - 12:00pm)

This class will teach you the basics of credit and how it influences your company. You will also learn how to confidently and effectively pitch your business to anyone.

Week 3 – Leveraging Web & Social Media

Saturday, April 13th (9:00am - 12:00pm)

You have seen it, you are probably doing it, but are you doing it right? Are you measuring your returns from social media? Are you sure your customers are finding you at the right place and time? This class will help you optimize your online marketing strategy.

Week 4 – Marketing Essentials & Branding

Saturday, April 20th (9:00am - 12:00pm)

Knowing what products and services your customers are looking for is a key component in any business. This class will help you understand the importance of knowing your competition as well as knowing and reaching your consumer base. Some of the questions you will be exploring in this class include: who is your target market, what is your message, and how often do you deliver the message?

Week 5 – Accounting I: From Start-up to Cash Flow

Saturday, April 27th (9:00am - 12:00pm)

This class will help you understand cash flow management by teaching the importance of anticipating events so that you can manage your business and the essentials of how to interpret and understand your financials.

Week 6 – Legal Essentials

Saturday, May 4th (9:00am - 12:00pm)

Understanding and implementing the appropriate legal structure is imperative from the very beginning. Learn which structure suits your business and how to set this structure with the Secretary of State. Learn the basic legal skills necessary to negotiate and sign contracts, lease property, and act on behalf of your business.

Week 7 – Accounting II:  Accounting Essentials

Saturday, May 11th (9:00am - 12:00pm)

Learn the basic accounting principles to manage your business. This class will provide you with tools to manage your accounting and the know-how to use these tools effectively, as well as instruction on creating a three year financial projection. The last hour of class will focus on how to pitch your business to investors.

Week 8 – Pricing Your Product or Service  

Saturday, May 18th (9:00am - 12:00pm)

Pricing your product or service requires you to take many things into consideration. This class is designed to help you understand and determine the best price for your product or service by considering your product base, your competition and what the market will bear. 

Week 9 – Financing your Dream

Saturday, May 25th (9:00am - 12:00pm)

Defining your dream and understanding credit are important elements to obtaining your goal of entrepreneurship. This class is designed to help you identify your gifts, talents and interests, while learning to communicate your business idea to people in the interest of building financial and consumer support. Meet a panel of financing experts as they explain financing options that may fit your business.