West Valley College
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What's New! Entrepreneurship Academy
cost: $899.00
West Valley College, Saratoga, CA, Business Room 5
Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30, August 6, August 13
This course is designed for current small business owners who would like to grow their enterprises to the next level.  Participants will attend five sessions that emphasize key elements for growing a small business.  The small business owners leading each session will offer their experiences and recommendations for business growth, productive stakeholder relationships, and adaptability in changing economic times. Participants will earn an Advanced Small Business Certificate.

  • Session 1: Business Development

    July 9
    Detailed business development plans and strategies for growth will be developed.

  • Session 2: Advanced Marketing

    July 16
    Today’s ebusiness venues offer tremendous opportunities for reaching customers and growing small businesses. Participants will learn techniques for sending consistent brand messages and for attracting customers via social networking, websites, and internet advertising.

  • Session 3: Small Business Law and Vendor Management

    July 23
    Participants will gain an understanding of the various laws surrounding small businesses and how to ensure compliance. Particular emphasis will be placed on business to business contracts.  This session will also detail the principles for effectively managing suppliers for operational efficiency.

  • Session 4: Human Resources & Compliance Concerns

    July 30
    This session will focus on understanding how, when, and why small businesses should add or reduce staff and the various legal issues affecting human resources and labor laws. Participants will learn the dos and don’ts of hiring and firing staff as well as the strategic implications of staffing for growth.

  • Session 5:  Advanced Finance

    August 6
    Participants will learn how to apply advanced cash flow, accounting and financial analysis to their businesses in order to position them for growth. Principles of advanced financing such as raising capital and partnering with banks and credit unions will be reviewed. Participants will learn what bankers look for when approving loans and how to adjust their business operations to comply.

  • Session 6:  Sustainable Business Growth

    August 13
    This capstone session will provide participants with the specific plans they need to grow their businesses to be both profitable and sustainable. The course facilitator will work with participants to develop action plans and next steps for growth.

Optional mentoring and networking opportunities will be provided from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. after to sessions 2, 3, 4, and 5.
Course Prerequisite: One year experience as a business owner or co-founder.

For more information contact:
Heidi Diamond
Heidi.diamond@wvm.edu
(408) 741-2426

To register:

  • Click for registration
  • On the Community Education Registration Website, click “Register and Pay for Community Ed Classes”
  • On the “Register and Pay for Community Ed Classes” page, in the Course Code Number box (second text box), type in 14142
  • Click the box for CECAR*3204*14142 (014142) Small Business Academy and proceed to checkout.

Tuition

$899 must be paid in full prior to the first day of class.

Refunds

  • Students dropping prior to the first class meeting are eligible for a 80% REFUND
  • Students dropping after the first class meeting are eligible for a 50% REFUND
  • Students dropping after the second class meeting are NOTeligible for a refund.
  • Students dismissed from the Program for any reason are NOT eligible for a refund.