ONLINE COURSE! SBDC Business Plans That Get Results

BUSINESS PLANS THAT GET RESULTS

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Creating a compelling business plan is a critical step for entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their ventures. The "Business Plans That Get Results" workshop is meticulously designed to guide aspiring and established business owners through the process of developing a strategic business plan that not only sets a clear direction for their business but also captures the attention of investors, partners, and lenders. This workshop serves as a powerful brainstorming session, providing participants with the tools and insights needed to refine their business ideas and strategies.

What to Expect:

• Components of an Effective Business Plan: Understand the critical elements that make up a successful business plan, including executive summary, company description, market analysis, organization and management structure, marketing and sales strategy, service or product line, funding request, financial projections, and appendix.
• Strategic Planning for Growth: Learn how to use strategic planning to set your business in the right direction, identify growth opportunities, and establish clear, achievable objectives. Gain insights into conducting competitive analysis and market research to inform your strategies.
• Financial Planning and Projections: Master the basics of financial planning, including how to create realistic revenue forecasts, budgeting, and financial projections that demonstrate the profitability and growth potential of your business. Understand the key financial statements you need to include in your business plan.

INSTRUCTOR

Jeff Bernstein

In 1973, Jeff opened a retail floor covering store in Milwaukee, Wisconsin while completing his B.S.B.A. in Accounting. When he graduated he decided to forego a career in accounting and continue to devote his full time to his business. “I grew that business for the next 23 years into the largest single-store flooring retailer in Milwaukee,” he shares. He also served as vice chairman of the Wisconsin Floor Covering Association. In 2000, he decided to close his business and accept a role as vice president of sales and operations for his biggest competitor, a five showroom retailer/wholesaler. “I was able to double the revenues of this 50-year-old company during the next 12 years. I also earned a Flooring Executive Certification from the World Floor Covering Association.” Jeff left Milwaukee for a short time in 2012 to become VP for a similar business in Chicago. His children had moved to San Diego years earlier, and he decided he wanted to be closer to them and their families. He accepted a VP position with the largest retailer in the Coachella Valley (Palm Springs area). During brief periods of retirement he volunteered to provide advising services to the Coachella Valley SCORE (another partner of the SBA) chapter, eventually becoming vice-chair of the chapter. He also volunteered for the Coachella Valley Women’s Business Center as a workshop presenter and periodic business advisor. In 2019, he and wife decided to move to San Diego. Coincidentally, the East County Business Development Council had decided to host a new SBDC office just around this time. “They needed a workshop presenter, and I received strong referrals from both the CV SCORE chapter and the CVWBC. I was hired to present workshops but over time, many of my workshop clients asked me to advise them. Today, I have assisted over 80 clients, many of them on an on-going basis.” Jeff continues that the work has been extremely gratifying, even more so during the pandemic. “When I can help struggling businesses survive these challenges, there is no better feeling.”