New Small Business Academy supports budding entrepreneurs

The Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce's new Elgin Area Small Business Academy launches Thursday, Jan. 21.

Modeled after the chamber's highly successful Elgin Area Leadership Academy, it is designed to help budding entrepreneurs or existing small business owners learn more about small business ownership fundamentals as well as assist in expanding networks of contacts.

The academy, which meets once per month from January through June, is led by area small business professionals.

The following is an overview of the syllabus for the inaugural EASBA. All classes begin at 6:30 p.m. unless noted:

• Session One: "Starting a Small Business" on Thursday, Jan. 21. Do you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur? This initial session will lay out the goals of the six session academy, introduce several successful entrepreneurs who will share their stories and then start a conversation about what it takes to run your own business.

• Session Two: "Nuts and Bolts" on Thursday, Feb. 18. Business plans and operations - what are the pieces and how do you put them all together? Explore the components of a business plan, hear from successful entrepreneurs to learn what has and has not worked for them, and conclude with a focused discussion on small business components and where to get help to structure your business.

• Session Three: "Creating Demand" on Thursday, March 17. What are you selling and how are you getting the word out? This session will introduce local marketing professionals, who will help the group explore their brand, their marketing plan and the various avenues for creating demand through advertising and social media.

• Session Four: "Nobody Likes to be Sold But Everybody Likes to Buy" on Thursday, April 21. Focused on selling, selling and selling as well as how do you get more from your sales team through a disciplined and effective approach to sales.

• Session Five: "Management is Doing Things Right, Leadership is Doing the Right Things" on Thursday, May 19. Whether you have part-time, full-time or independent workers, your success will depend upon hiring, motivating and compensating your employees. This session will focus on managing them and creating a motivated and harmonious team.

• Session Six: "Success Requires Learning" on Thursday, June 19. Explore continuous improvement, taking advantage of community resources and maximizing the value of your new academy network.

If you are an eager entrepreneur looking to take the first step or a newer small business owner looking to take the next step, the Elgin Area Small Business Academy is accepting applications now.

Registration is available online at www.elginchamber.com/easba and the registration fee for the entire six-month program is only $100. Deadline to apply is Friday, Jan. 15.