Cancelled - Simple Steps for Starting Your Own Business: A Six-part Series

NOTE: The Library has cancelled all programs through March.

Want to start a business but don’t know where to begin? This workshop series, conducted by a team of professionals from SCORE's Fairfield and Western CT Chapters, will give you the boost to get you on your way! Snow dates are scheduled for the following day (Wednesday).  Ridgefield Library - Check in is at 5:45 PM - The programs start promptly at 6:00 PM

Session 1 - Self-Assessment / Business Plan - Tuesday, February 18

Led by successful business start-up entrepreneurs, this presentation portrays the risk and reward of starting a business in today’s competitive marketplace.  The traits and character of successful entrepreneurs will be discussed for the purpose of assessing one’s innate and acquired ability to start and manage a successful business.  In addition, the session will focus on structuring a dynamic Business Plan, which is the heart of any successful business.  

Session 2 - Marketing Research & Strategy - Tuesday, February 25

The presentation focuses on the importance of market research and planning to start and build a competitive and successful business enterprise.  Emphasis will be on sound market positioning of a small business’s products or services within its target market that will enhance profitable sales and success.

Session 3 - Website and Social Media Marketing - Tuesday, March 3

How a start-up business is able to execute successful marketing efforts constitutes the core of a presentation.  The successful use of online-based marketing tools, including website positioning and key social media platforms, will be extensively discussed.  

Session 4 - Financial Reporting & Planning - Tuesday, March 10

This presentation reviews a business’s key financial statements and then walks the participants through the development of a comprehensive Financial Plan that is required to develop a successful start-up business.  The importance of understanding the key financial drivers of the business will be a center- piece of the discussion.  

Session 5 - Your Business Plan - Tuesday, March 17

This session will focus on using the specific concepts discussed in the first four sessions to help you create the first draft of the business plan for your business.   This session will give you the opportunity to obtain initial feedback from the presenters and from other participants.    

Session 6 - Funding Sources / Conversations with Entrepreneurs - Tuesday, March 24

This session will focus on funding structures required for start-up businesses today, including a presentation from lending sources specializing in start-up and small businesses.  The session will conclude with a discussion and Q&A session with several start-up business entrepreneurs.

This program is co-sponsored by Ridgefield Library, Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce, Fairfield County SCORE, Western Connecticut SCORE and Ridgefield Economic and Community Development Commission.

The series is free. Please register.  By registering for the first session you are automatically registered for all six sessions.