The most valuable tool a small business owner can have is knowledge.
Education on business fundamentals and topics that answer common questions among business owners and entrepreneurs is a valuable investment. We provide training to entrepreneurs and business owners that empowers them to lead successful businesses. Knowledge is Key and when you "Know better, you do better!"
We provide group training sessions and one-on-one sessions.
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Supporting Opportunities for Aspiring Rural Entrepreneurs
S.O.A.R is an 8-week business program specially designed for rural first-generation entrepreneurs who aspire to start their own businesses. The program aims to not only provide them with essential business startup knowledge but also focuses on cultivating them as successful business owners through the development of soft professional skills. Participants will be guided through a journey of self-discovery, business planning, operational strategies, goal setting, networking, and resource utilization. The program is structured to ensure that participants receive the necessary support and incentives to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.
Fall 2023 Cohort starts September 21, 2023
Deadline to apply September 10, 2023
In-person cohort
SOAR Program Curriculum
Week 1: Discovering Your Entrepreneurial Purpose
● Introductions and Program Overview
● Curriculum and Expectations Review
● Understanding the Entrepreneurial Mindset
● Entrepreneur Self-Evaluation
● Discovering Your "WHY" as an Entrepreneur
● Cultivating Professional Soft Skills
● Ideation and Business Model Canvas
● Partner Spotlight: Center for Homeownership and Economic Development
● Accountability Assignment
Week 2: Building a Solid Foundation
● Accountability Check-in (Review Assignment)
● Importance of Personal Credit for Entrepreneurs
● Exploring Business Plans
● SWOT Analysis for Proposed Business Idea
● Tools and Resources for Business Planning
● Let’s Talk Personal Credit
● Partner Spotlight: Operation Hope
● Accountability Assignment
Week 3: Navigating Business Operations
● Accountability Check-in (Review Assignment)
● Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Business
● Understanding Business Structures
● State Creation Filing and Legal Considerations
● Obtaining EIN, DUNS#, and State Tax IDs
● Setting Up Business Bank Accounts
● Operating Agreements
● Accountability Assignment
Week 4: Crafting a Targeted Marketing Strategy
● Accountability Check-in (Review Assignment)
● The Importance of Marketing for Startups
● Identifying Target Customers and Customer Personas
● Developing a Budget-Friendly Marketing Plan
● Utilizing Online and Offline Marketing Channels
● Accountability Assignment
Week 5: Setting and Achieving Business Goals
● Accountability Check-in (Review Assignment)
● Setting SMART Business Goals
● Developing 6-Month and 12-Month Business Goals
● Measuring Success: Deciding on Metrics
● Financial and Client Goals
● Partner Spotlight: Grow with Google
● Accountability Assignment
Week 6: Organizing for Efficiency
● Accountability Check-in (Review Assignment)
● Organizing and Creating Processes for Efficiency
● Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
● Basic Bookkeeping and Recordkeeping
● Tools and Resources for Business Organization
● Accountability Assignment
Week 7: Leveraging Networking and Resources
● Accountability Check-in (Review Assignment)
● The Power of Networking for Business Growth
● Utilizing Local and Statewide Resources
● Leveraging Networking and Resources for Results
● Accountability Assignment: Prepare for vendor event
Week 8: Showcasing Your Business to the Community
● Vendor Opportunity and Community Showcase
● Participants present their products/services to the community
● Celebrating Entrepreneurial Achievements
Learn More about our Program Partners
Program Incentives
Participants who attend at least 6 of the 8 classes will have access to exciting incentives,
including:
● 1-on-1 support with an NC Grow with Google coach to get their business online
● A free landing page website for their business
● Access to up to $15,000 to fund their business idea
● The opportunity to present their product or service as a vendor during Global
Entrepreneurship Week
● Ongoing support in the form of free business mentoring and credit counseling with
Operation HOPE
● Select participants may qualify for up to $1,500 from CHOEDC