Starting a Small Business

August 17, 2012

Are you interested in starting your own business? Have a great idea, but don’t know how to move forward? Or, are you on your way, but just need a little help with your next step? MCPL may be able to help you out! In addition to all of the great Online Resources we have for small businesses, we are now offering free classes at several of our branch locations:

Evaluate Your Business Idea
"Can my business sell enough products or services to make enough of a profit to be successful?" This program will help you make an educated decision about going forward with your business idea. Working through a relatively short checklist, you will be able to determine if your idea has the potential to create a successful business. Participants will gain insight into their market, competitors, start-up costs, sales, expenses and financing needs, and identifying areas of strength and concern.

Basics of Writing a Business Plan
This program is designed for current and future business owners who need to know how to create a business plan for their organization. Participants will also get tips on writing style to make the business plan easier to understand and more professional in appearance. Participants will leave this session with a greater understanding of what their business plan should look like and how to get started writing one.

First Steps to Starting a Business in Missouri
An overview of the critical first steps associated with starting a business. Each participant will have the opportunity to assess their strengths and weaknesses, learn about the importance of planning, and discuss legal structures and regulatory requirements.

Lenders and Loans: The Five Cs of Financing Your Business
Improve your chances of getting a business loan. Know what to do if your banker says, "No." Learn what you need to know to work with your banker: credit, collateral, cash, capacity, and character. Understand the four parts of a loan, financial statements, interest, federal and state loan programs, alternate funding sources, and how much your banker is really making.

Building a Market: Branding Your Business
Communication is more than advertising. It involves the entire image that you create from your name and logo, to your location and employees, to the way you price your products. This class will give you the tools to evaluate your present position and determine where you want to be. Learn ways to create positive image and build a strong brand that not only brings customers in, but also helps develop loyalty.

We look forward to helping you with your small business goals!

-Amy J. Fisher
Information and Reader Services Manager