Starting A Small Business VBS101

PLANNING FOR SUCCESS

The course covers all the basics to plan a business and start its first steps. It contains and explain what are the elements associated with profitability and business success. You not only learn how to start a business, but under the guidance of a professional business expert, you plan and initiate development of a business venture. There are two parts to the course:

1. In the first part you learn about how to run a business.
2. You then either start a business (this may be very small, or larger), or review the running of an established business.

Over several lessons your tutor guides you through several stages to assess, analyze and improve operations in this “real life situation”. Twelve lessons cover marketing, planning, budgeting, reviewing progress, improving profit and more. If you want to give yourself the best chance to succeed in a new business, this course is for you.

COURSE STRUCTURE

There are 12 lessons in the course are:

1. Introduction to Small Business
   Types of business and communication, types of language, office equipment.
2. The Business World
   Consultancy services, law and business, the landscape industry, business letters, communication systems.
3. Your alternatives – different types of ventures
   Buying and starting a business.
4. Marketing
   What is involved in marketing, advertising, selling, communication.
5. Planning
   Organising and planning to ensure the success of the business.
6. Basic Bookkeeping
   Financial statements, balance sheet, profit and loss statement,insurance.
7. Sales Methods
   Selling, sales method, telephone canvassing.
8. Budgeting
   Assets and liabilities.
9. Developing a 12 month business plan
   Protection, planning and production.
10. Implementing a business plan
    Communication with employees, planning the development of the business.
11. Reviewing progress in a new business
    Research, evaluate and decide on business plan updates.
12. Improving profitability
    Increase profit and reduce expenditure.

AIMS

• Discuss the nature of small business and the skills required to run one successfully
• Explain the legal requirements, restrictions and the costs of running a small business
• Describe the different aspects and considerations associated with starting a new or buying an existing business.
• Explain the marketing process.
• Explain the importance of planning in the running of a successful business.
• Explain the importance of record keeping and the principles of bookkeeping.
• Determine sales and promotions strategies in small business.
• Explain the importance of budgets.
• Develop a business plan.
• Implement a business plan.
• Identify factors that affect profitability.