Start Your Own Business: Entrepreneurship Essentials

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Transform your big idea into a thriving business. In this hands-on, in-person course at Nicolet College, you'll build a complete business plan, craft a compelling pitch, and gain a mentor to guide you every step of the way.

Facilitator at a Grow North meeting talking to six seated adults with laptops in a classroom.

Who Should Attend?

  • Aspiring entrepreneurs ready to move from idea to launch
  • Early-stage business owners seeking structure and growth strategies
  • Side hustlers looking to formalize and scale their value

What You'll Receive & Create

  • One-on-one mentorship
  • Launch-ready business pan
  • Pitch presentation to potential funders
  • Clear Action Plan and start-up roadmap
  • Weekly business journal
  • SWOT and market analysis

What You'll Need

  • A laptop with Microsoft Office
  • Commitment to learn, explore, and act
  • Willingness to work beyond class sessions

For More Information Contact:
Ellen Mathein 
715.365.4915

What You'll Learn in the Weekly Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Entrepreneurship

  • What is entrepreneurship? myths vs. reality
  • Entrepreneurial traits & mindset
  • Knowing your strengths and skills
  • Evaluating your level of readiness & preparing for the journey
  • Defining your entrepreneurial desires

Module 2: Foundations of Your Business

  • Business types
  • Business name and logo
  • Legal and tax considerations
  • Federal ID & other requirements
  • Business vs. personal funds
  • Reporting and documentation
  • Legal documents and agreements

Module 3: Market & Competitive Research

  • Problem identification and solution to solve it
  • Defining target market for your business
  • Evaluating the size of the market and competitors
  • Defining human resources needed and how you will secure them
  • Creating a strong value proposition and key differentiators
  • Establishing pricing and determining margins
  • Drafting your mission, vision and values

Module 4: Business Plan Review and Development

  • Elements of a successful business plan
  • Review of example business plans
  • Making your plan compelling
  • High-level goals and aspirations
  • Overview of financial elements of business plan
  • The executive summary

Module 5: Continuation of Business Plan Development

  • Continuation of business plan development
  • Strategic positioning and risk analysis
  • Marketing plan and sales strategy
  • Detailed discussion on financials for the business
  • Action plan and timeline for your business

Module 6: Pitching and Fundraising

  • Crafting a compelling pitch
  • Defining what you need to start, expand and grow your business
  • Understanding the sources of funds and how to obtain them

Module 7: Refinement and Review

  • Further market, competition and industry analysis
  • Filling in the gaps of your business plan
  • Developing your launch or expansion approach

Module 8: Launch and Management of Your Business

  • Managing your business
  • Analyzing business success
  • Leveraging mentors, coaches and advisors
  • Pitch your business vision and associated plans and needs
  • Dealing with setbacks