Classes held at:

Improving Enterprises, One Easton Oval, Suite 175, Columbus, OH 43219

Semi-Finalist Interviews

September, 11th (6:00pm-9:30pm)

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

Week 1 - Orientation, Credit Education Seminar & Mastering the 60 second Pitch

Monday, September 23rd (6:00pm-9:00pm)

In the first half of class we will review the BGV program, goals, expectations, and the journey ahead. The second half of class will include a Credit Education Seminar and a workshop on mastering your 60 second pitch.

Week 2 – Essential Components of a Business Plan

Monday, September 30th (6:00pm-9:00pm)

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 3 - Accounting I: From Start-up to Cash Flow

Monday, October 7th (6:00pm-9:00pm)

Without proper planning, managing cash flow can be disastrous. This class will help you understand cash flow management by helping you understand the importance of anticipating events so that you can manage your business and not allow your business to manage you.

Week 4 – Legal Structureing

Monday, October 14th (6:00pm-9:00pm)

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

Week 5 – Marketing Essentials & Branding

Monday, October 21st (6:00pm-9:00pm)

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 6 – Leveraging Web & Social Media

Monday, October 28th (6:00pm-9:00pm)

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 to optimize your online marketing strategy.

Week 7 – Pricing Your Product or Service

Monday, November 4th (6:00pm-9:00pm)

Pricing your products and services requires you to take many things into consideration. This class is designed to help you understand and determine at what prices to offer your products and services by considering your product base, your competition and what the market will bear.

Week 8 – Accounting II:  Essentials 

Monday, November 11th (6:00pm-9:00pm)

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 9 – Financing your Dream

Monday, November 18th (6:00pm-9:00pm)

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.