Leading Edge Business Seminar in Moffatt, Colorado

Valley’s Leading Edge Course Gives Lessons in Proven Business Methods


How can I manage my business like a true business professional if I don’t have any formal business training, and I don’t have time to go to college?

How can I plan for the growth of my company? How can I explain to my lender my need for financing and increase my chances of getting the loan approved?

If you have asked yourself questions like these, or you are an entrepreneur with a great idea for a business but no idea where to start, then you may want to consider enrolling in the Small Business Development Center’s Leading Edge course.

Leading Edge uses the NxLevel© curriculum and is one of the best and most affordable entrepreneurial training programs on the market today. It aims for these results:

1. Provide basic business skills training, including preparing a business plan.

2. Provide practical guidance in marketing, financial projections and negotiating with lenders.

Over 600 communities in 48 states use the NxLevel© training material, with an average graduation rate of 65%. Existing businesses that have completed the program see a 28% increase in sales, and on average, create one additional job within one year of graduation. Of those graduates not in business, 40% go on to start a new venture.

From a recent San Luis Valley participant’s evaluation:
“If someone has an idea about starting a business, this is the class for you. You have to start somewhere. I know I am going to start a business soon; I am thankful for the Leading Edge Course because it got my wheels turning.”

Leading Edge has been orchestrated in the San Luis Valley for over 25 years. Current classes are being conducted by the Small Business Development Center and participants are from all six counties in the SLV. Many local banks, businesses, government entities and educational institutions have contributed their resources to the success of this program.
Schedule for the Fall of 2010
Class will be co-taught between Certified Trainers Kim Smoyer, Lisa Cyriacks & Donna Wehe.  To register, contact Kim Smoyer at (719) 655-0104 or ksmoyer@centurylink.net

Classes will be on Wednesday evenings from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Moffat School on Hwy 17, Moffat, Colorado.  The 12 week seminar costs $250 per business.  Up to 3 people per business may attend.  A possible $100 back-end scholarship may be available.

Schedule subject to change.

September 1     Introduction to Entrepreneurship
                          Understand business ownership, develop goals, objectives and mission statement
September 8     Planning and Research - this class will be at Adams State College Library in Alamosa
                           Use the resources at ASC to learn more about your industry, trends & demographics
September 15   Legal Structure and Management
                           Learn from an attorney and CPA how the legal structure chosen for your business
                          may help mitigate tax and other liabilities
September 22   Marketing Analysis
                            Use market analysis to develop your customer profile and analyze the competition
September 29    Marketing Strategies
                            Realize the importance of business image; learn what influences price/quality
                            relationship, and examine tools used to promote your business
October 6         Financial Overview
                           Gain an understanding of the basic financial statements and how they are used
                            Pricing your product strategies
October 13      Managing Money & Selling (Marketing)
                            Learn how budgets, sales forecasts and other tools provide performance feedback
                            Learn effective sales techniques from experienced business owner
October 20     Money Cash Flows & Effective Signage (Marketing)
                         Learn the concept of break-even, internal operation controls over cash &
                         develop cash flows (hands on activity to understand profit and loss statement)
                         Watch and discuss a 20 minute video about effective signage
October 27     Financial Statements & Ratios
                         Develop a pro forma balance sheet; learn and practice the important financial ratios
November 3    Financing Your Business (Lender Panel)
                         From Angel Investors to traditional commercial loans, discussion with a panel of
                        experts over ways to finance your business
November 10    Green Business & Human Resources & Insurance
                           Learn the necessity of "going green," employer responsibilities, business insurance
                           and financial planning options
November 17     Future Growth/Graduation
                            Now what?  Growing pains that face businesses and how to handle them; hear
                           the succes story of a local small business and how they got there.