Starting a New Business: A Self-Paced Course

Overview

This self-paced course equips beginners with the tools to start a business, covering business ideation, location options (brick-and-mortar, separate office, home office), legal structures, domain names, financial planning, marketing, and action planning. The course includes seven modules (2–4 hours each) and a final test, with an estimated total duration of 15–25 hours. Each module provides detailed instructions, workbook exercises, a test with sample answers, and a progress checkpoint to keep you motivated. By the end, you’ll have an action plan to launch your business.

How to Use This Course

• Complete modules in order, as each builds on the previous one.
• Follow step-by-step instructions, using provided resources (e.g., sba.gov, namecheap.com).
• Complete workbook exercises to apply concepts.
• Take each module’s test and check answers against sample responses.
• Reflect at progress checkpoints to stay motivated.
• Finish with the final test to assess your readiness.

Day 1: Defining Your Business Idea

• Objective: Develop a clear business idea and vision.
• Activities:
  • Brainstorm business ideas using a problem-solution framework.
  • Create a mission and vision statement.
  • Conduct a SWOT analysis to evaluate feasibility for different locations.
• Homework: Write a one-page business concept summary.

Day 2: Choosing Your Business Location

• Objective: Understand the pros and cons of brick-and-mortar, separate office, and home office setups.
• Activities:
  • Compare costs, accessibility, and scalability of each location type.
  • Research local zoning laws for home offices or leasing requirements for offices/stores.
  • Group discussion: Match business ideas to ideal locations.
• Homework: Identify the preferred location for your business and list three reasons why.

Day 3: Legal Business Structures

• Objective: Select an appropriate legal structure for your business.
• Activities:
  • Overview of Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, LLC, and Corporation.
  • Case studies: Analyze real-world businesses and their structures.
  • Research local registration processes (e.g., EIN, state filings).
• Homework: Choose a legal structure and outline the steps to register it.

Day 4: Branding and Domain Names

• Objective: Create a cohesive brand identity and secure a domain name.
• Activities:
  • Workshop: Brainstorm business names and check domain availability using tools like GoDaddy or Namecheap.
  • Discuss branding elements (logo, tagline, domain alignment).
  • Ensure domain names comply with legal business name registrations.
• Homework: Reserve a domain name or list three alternatives if unavailable.

Day 5: Financial Planning

• Objective: Develop a startup budget tailored to your location choice.
• Activities:
  • Create a budget template (startup costs, monthly expenses).
  • Analyze location-specific costs (e.g., rent, utilities, home office setup).
  • Explore funding options (savings, loans, grants).
• Homework: Draft a budget for the first six months of your business.

Day 6: Marketing and Launch

• Objective: Plan an effective marketing strategy and launch timeline.
• Activities:
  • Develop a marketing plan (social media, local advertising, SEO).
  • Tailor strategies to location (e.g., foot traffic for brick-and-mortar, digital for home office).
  • Set a launch date and key milestones.
• Homework: Create a one-month marketing plan with specific actions.

Day 7: Building Your Action Plan

• Objective: Consolidate learning into a concrete business plan.
• Activities:
  • Review decisions on location, legal structure, and domain.
  • Create a 30–60 day action plan with measurable goals.
  • Identify resources for ongoing support (e.g., SBA, mentors).
• Homework: Finalize your business plan and schedule a follow-up accountability check-in.