To proceed with your registration and attendance on online courses, Longford Local Enterprise Office is required to share your email address with external course facilitators. If you would prefer that your email address is not shared, please let us know immediately and we will remove your registration.

Further information on how your Local Enterprise Office process personal data can be found on Localenterprise.ie/Longford/GDPR or you can also visit Longford County Council’s website at https://www.longfordcoco.ie/services/corporate-affairs/data-protection/

Start Your Own Business Course

Ever thought of setting up your own business? If so, then maybe now is the time to take a Start Your Own Business Course with Longford LEO.

When and Where Does the Start Your Own Business Course Take Place?

This course is entirely online and takes place over three weeks.  Two evenings per week ~Wednesdays & Thursdays ~ May 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st ~ 7:00pm to 9:30pm.

Start Your Own Business Course Content:

1. Getting Started

What it takes to start your own business, the technical, management & personal skills of an entrepreneur.

1. Developing your Business Plan

A simple business plan, with the planning pages based on the BTWEA application (to make application if eligible, easier) But also including the 1-page Lean Canvas Business Plan

1. Identifying, Researching and Understanding the Market (Including AI applications)

Is there a market for your business / idea, is it sustainable?

will it pay the price you need? The STEPLED analysis Opportunities in the Circular Economy. Focus on the Green market.

1. Trading Entity, Taxation, Legislation, Compliance GDPR, Employment Legislation& Insurance,& Planning requirements (Including AI applications)

The pros and cons of different trading entities. The Insurances you need. Identifying the compliance & legislation affects your business / sector.

1. Financial Planning & Sources of Funding (using automated excel tool)

Pricing, costing, cash flow management. Banks, Credit Unions, alternative sources of finance. BTWEA, and other Social Welfare benefits and allowances

1. The Marketing Plan

How will you let your potential clients / customers know what you have to offer. Planning your ‘route to market’

1. Promoting your business (including AI approaches)

Creating a meaningful message, Differentiating yourself. Choosing the right communication channels. Advertising, Social media, PR

1. Basic book keeping

What records to keep, expenses and income, tracking your sales and profits against projections. Preparing for your annual returns, Tax, VAT, PAYE, Income tax, PRSI, Corporate taxation (for limited companies)

1. Sales & Communication Skills

Developing a sales process for your business. Communication Skills.

How to Sell

1. Winning & Keeping Customers (Clients)

Creating a customer centred business, the Customer service journey, the three rings of Customer Service. Word of Mouth Marketing