Action Learning Group 1 -  Entrepreneurship
for Start Ups & Emerging Entrepreneurs

Step I Clarify & Focus the Entrepreneur's Vision

THREE 5-hour sessions and ONE hour of individual coaching for those who are seriously considering having their own business. You will begin to experience the entrepreneur's inner journey, the entrepreneur's Big Picture outer journey and create the foundation for your company's major strategies for success. 

You will:

• Complete two Creatrix® Inventory tools: assess your innovation orientation, creativity and risk taking drivers; assess your entrepreneurial leadership competencies.
• Examine the importance of goal setting and peak performance.
• Write 3-5 year goals in the following areas:  personal, relational, business, professional development. 
• Create a professional development plan.
• Explore, clarify, define, and describe your company's mission, vision, core values and type of business.
• Examine your end game strategies and corresponding business models.
• Define & experience the strategic thinking/planning process.
• Complete a personal financial statement & 1-year personal budget.
• Present your company and learnings for peer review & constructive feedback
• Assess your resources – time, energy & money for your business; address the Key Decision Points

1. What are my gifts/talents and challenges as an entrepreneur?
2. What is my vision, purpose, and core values?
3. How does my business provide better solutions for its customer's problems and needs?
4. What resources are available for my business?

Step II Feasibility Study & Analysis

THREE 5-hour sessions and TWO hours of individual coaching on market research, marketing, and forecasting including a forum with a marketing expert, creating the foundation and outline for your business plan. 

You will:

• Conduct market research for your business.
• Document industry, target markets, competitive analysis and trends; create a customer profile.
• Identify your market niche, and USPs (Unique Selling Propositions).
• Create 3-5 key open-ended questions for your customers.
• Develop a 3-5 year marketing plan with key marketing strategies and tactics.
• Complete a 3-5 year financial forecast, including start-up costs and capital expenditures.
• Determine the company's milestones of  break even and profitability.
• Write & present your Feasibility Study for peer review & constructive feedback; address the Key Decision Points

1. What are the company's target markets and who are its customers?
2. How is the company different from its competitors?
3. Does this make sense financially?
4. Is this congruent with my goals?

Step III Business Plan Writing & Analysis

THREE 5-hour sessions and TWO-hours of individual coaching on business associations and legal issues, insurance, 3-5 year operations plan, financial plan and accounting systems including a forum with a small business attorney and Certified Public Accountant.  You will:

• Discuss various forms of business associations, legal issues, tax and non tax implications.
• Select a business association for your company.
• Define, review and read financial statements – balance sheets, income statements and cash flow.
• Review accounting software options, payroll and tax liabilities.
• Create 3-5 year cash flow projections.
• Finalize start up costs and capital requirements.
• Examine the need for insurance and explore options &  resources.
• Write and present your Business Plan for peer review & constructive feedback; address the Key Decision Points

1. How much cash (working capital) does the company need to grow and operate?
2. Does the company need debt and/or equity financing?  How much and for what?
3. What are my personal and business insurance needs?
4. How does the company deliver its products/services?

Step IV Entrepreneur's Monthly Meeting

TWO hours per month for shared learnings amongst peer entrepreneurs, addressing the following questions;

1. What has been your latest strategic home run?
2. What are your key issues?
3. What do you need help with from the group?

You will:

• Monitor “plan” versus actual performance of your business.
• Identify critical issues, and create 30 day action plans.
• Build business and critical thinking skills.
• Continue to organize, plan and manage the company.

Step V Small Business Growth & Development

Financing Your Business
ONE 6-hour session introducing debt & equity money sources for start up, growth, working capital and capital expenditures; risk & financial return analysis and financial management & ratios including a forum with a commercial banker discussing banking relationships and SBA-backed loans.