Lesson 1: Starting Your Business

• Entrepreneurship - Is It For Me?
• Do You Have the Right Skills/Personality to Become an Entrepreneur?
• Analyzing the Feasibility of Your Business Idea
• Initial Cash Requirement for the New Business
• Calculating the Break-Even Point

Lesson 2: What Form of Organization to Use

• Your Business Structure
• Four Types of Business Organizations
• Quick Reference Guide to Legal Business Formations

Lesson 3: Writing a Business Plan

• What Is a Business Plan
• Why Is A Business Plan Essential
• Structure of a Business Plan

Lesson 4: Developing a Marketing Plan

• The Marketing Process
• The Marketing Concept
• The Marketing Plan
• Sample Market Analysis

Lesson 5: Financial Plan Statements

• The Financial Statements
• Financial Statement Definitions
• Common Financial Term Definitions

Lesson 6: How and Where to Get Capital To Start

• Obtaining the Financing You Need
• The Realities of Grants
• How to Obtain Your Free Credit Report
• Sources of Financing
• What Information Does the Lender Need to Know

Lesson 7: Professionals For Your Team

• Outside People Resources
• Internal People Resources
• The Accountant, Attorney, Banker, Insurance Agent, and SBDC

Lesson 8: Government Regulations

• Coping With Regulations and Paperwork
• Permits and Licenses
• Chautauqua County Certificate of Business Name
• NYS Sales Tax Authority
• Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• Employer Responsibilities

Lesson 9: Essentials of Good Record Keeping

• Record Keeping
• Determine Your Record Keeping Needs
• Sales Tax Returns
• Self-Employment Tax

Lesson 10: SBDC Services

• Helping Your Business Grow
• Small Business Websites