DURANGO, Colo. – NxLevel™, a 12-session intensive training program for entrepreneurs organized through the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), is set to begin Sept. 4 at Fort Lewis College.

The program is designed to encourage business expansion and focuses on teaching the art of better business practices, in conjunction with producing a comprehensive business plan. Sections of the business plan are also evaluated during the course, helping to alert participants to any weaknesses in his or her business plan development, ultimately moving them toward keeping and growing a successful venture.

Classes will be held 6 to 9 p.m. at the Fort Lewis College Education Business Hall, Room 118. Tuition is $280 for the 12-week class and $395 for the class plus college credit. A $50 fee will be charged for individual sessions. A schedule of class dates and topics follows below.

For further information, contact the Small Business Development Center, 1000 Rim Drive, Education Business Building, Room 140, Durango, CO 81301; 970.247.7009 or  sbdc@fortlewis.edu.

Session Outline

Sept. 4—Introduction, Overview & Entrepreneurship: gain understanding of the NxLevel™ Business Plan and start developing the business mission statement, goals, and objective.

Sept. 11 —Planning & Research: Entrepreneurial Essentials: begin market/industry research through identification and usage of research resources.

Sept. 18—Organizational Matters: Management & Legal Structure: explore legal and organizational topics including: legal structures, government taxes and regulations, risk management and employee issues.

Sept. 25—Marketing-“Behind the Scenes”: Analysis & Understanding: learn key concepts of analyzing your market including customer profiling and competitive analysis.

Oct. 2—Marketing-“On Stage”: Strategies, Tactics & Implementation: develop marketing strategies around the product, pricing, promotion and distribution elements of your business.

Oct. 9—Financial Overview: Books, Records & Controls:
understand basic financial statements and their uses.

Oct. 16—Managing Your Money: Financial Planning, Budgets & Assumptions: understand how to develop and derive feedback from budgets.

Oct. 23—Managing Your Money: Developing and Using Cash Flow Projections: learn to prepare and use the ultimate “management tool”—cash flow projections.

Oct. 30—Understanding and Using Your Financial Statements: take the mystery out of the income statement, balance sheet, and other financial statements by learning how to use the numbers.

Nov. 6—Financing Your Business: Alternative Sources of Money: evaluate financing options and determine which are best for you.

Nov. 13—The Deal Making Process: Negotiating in the Real World: develop and understand the negotiating process and techniques.

Nov. 20—Your Business Future: Managing Growth and Plan Completion: what’s next? Growth? Expansion? What’s your business’ future?

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