Simple Steps for Starting Your Business

In essence, the goal of the program is to generate a deeper, higher-level conversation between the client and mentor as to whether the client is ready to start a business.

Simple Steps for Starting Your Business is a five-part series of pre-business workshops to help clients reach a “go or no-go” decision for a start-up. The content is designed to work in conjunction with mentoring and includes homework for the client to complete. The program is not designed to provide all of the information needed to start a business, but rather to help the client decide whether he or she is ready to take the next step towards becoming an entrepreneur.

Last Updated: November 2014
(Updated with new sponsor, Canon. All content reviewed and updated. A summary of changes is below.)

• Download all PowerPoints and Handouts in English
• Download all PowerPoints and Handouts in Spanish
• Download Summary of Changes to the Workbook and PowerPoint slides
• Download the Marketing Toolkit for promoting this workshop in English
• Download the Marketing Toolkit for promoting this workshop in Spanish

Chapter Resources

• Simple Steps Volunteer Contacts
• Chapter Guide
• Chapter Prep Presentation

Contents (English | Spanish)

Session 1

Start-up Basics (.pptx) 

• Business Concept Feasibility Assessment
• Ann's Nursery Background and Feasibility Plan
• Vision Statement Template
• Workshop Feedback

Session 2

Business Concept (.pptx) 

• Business Concept Outline
• Competitive Data Collection Plan
• Workshop Feedback

Session 3

Marketing Plan (.pptx) 

• Competitive Comparison Chart
• Marketing Expenses Strategy Chart
• Marketing Message Outline
• Pricing Strategy
• Product Ideas and Description
• Target Market Comparison
• Target Market Research
• Workshop Feedback

Session 4

4.1 Financial Projections (extended) (.pptx) 

4.2 Financial Projections (shortened) (.pptx) 

• Financial Projections Template
• Financial Projections Template Guide
• Financial Projections - Ann's Nursery
• Financial Projections Glossary
• Workshop Feedback

Session 5

Funding Sources and Next Steps (.pptx)

• Business Concept Feasibility Assessment
• Workshop Feedback

Student Webpage

• Link: https://www.score.org/getstarted
• Page has downloadable links to all session handouts and homework forms.
• Page is not indexed on the SCORE site. The only way someone would find it is if they obtain the link from the student manual and/or if you tell them about it.