It might still be summer, but classes are in session at GROW. Whether you're starting, building or scaling a business, these events offer some of the best information to help you toughen your trade, strengthen your skills and gain knowledge.
Intro to GROW
If you're not sure exactly what GROW is, or how GROW could help you, this one's for you. Intro to GROW is a prerequisite to all other GROW assets, and provides an orientation on resources GROW offers entrepreneurs at every stage of their business. You'll also take a business readiness self-assessment to help identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to your business or business idea.
Intro to GROW is available for free on August 3, from 12 to 1 p.m. or 6 to 7 p.m., and August 17, from 12 to 1 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m.
Small Business GPS
Finances got you down? The Small Business Growth and Planning Series offers three classes on navigating the financial aspect of your business. Cost is $60 for the cluster, which includes three classes:
• Financial Strategies for your Personal and Business Finances – Discover the connection between your personal finances and business finances—and why it's important. Learn how personal financial statements, credit scores and tax returns can affect your business.
• Financial Reporting and Analysis: How to Run your Business by the Numbers – Understanding the financial side of your business can help you with effective strategy development, decision-making and results analysis. Learn how to read and interpret your core financial statements to position your business for long-term success.
• Navigating Business Banking – Opening a business account is just the first step in developing a relationship with your bank. Learn what financial institutions can do for your business, and what you need to know when choosing a bank.
Start Smart
Have business ideas? Bring 'em along for an engaging, hands-on class that will equip you to take abstract ideas and turn them into a concrete model. The workshop uses the Business Canvas Model, a strategic tool that can be used to develop a new business model or document as existing one. Learn the who, what, when why and how of the Business Model Canvas and how it can help you throughout the life of your business. Start Smart runs on August 9, from 6 to 9 p.m., and the cost is $25.
Los Negocios Hispanos y la Contabilidad
Quickbooks and the Hispanic Business offers an introduction to QuickBooks—getting you set up, working with lists and bank accounts, using other accounts, entering sales information, receiving payments, making deposits, and entering and paying bills. The class runs August 22, from 6 to 9 p.m., and cost is $60. You'll leave with the confidence that your numbers are right.
Protecting Your Brand
Your brand is a valuable asset uniquely representing your company—and driving customers to your door. But do you know if your brand really belongs to you? Do you know how to protect it?
Avoid costly disputes or rebranding. Attend GROW Connects: Protecting Your Brand on Thursday, August 24, from 9 to 11 a.m. Join facilitator Laurel Romanella, owner of Vantage360, and learn about trademark, service mark, copyright and website terms of use.
Courtesy of West Michigan Woman.