Start Your Own Business - 21/01/2027:

Objectives:

The purpose of this course is to equip participants with the theoretical knowledge and teach them to apply it in a practical way, to be prepared to start their own businesses.

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the essential components involved in starting a business, including being an entrepreneur, market research, competitor analysis, and identifying target customers, and developing an offering that suits the market.
• Develop the skills to create a solid business plan that encompasses financial projections, marketing strategies, and operational considerations.
• Acquire the knowledge to assess the viability and potential risks associated with a business idea, enabling informed decision-making.
• Learn effective strategies for developing a competitive advantage and positioning the business within the marketplace.
• Enhance financial literacy and gain proficiency in financial management, including budgeting, cash flow analysis, and funding options.
• Cultivate essential leadership and management skills necessary for successfully running a business, such as team building, conflict resolution, and effective communication.
• Understand the legal and regulatory requirements involved in setting up and operating a business, ensuring compliance and mitigating legal risks.
• Access valuable networking opportunities, connecting with industry experts, mentors, and fellow entrepreneurs to foster ongoing support and collaboration.

Course Content:

Session 1 - The Entrepreneur

• Introductions
• Elevator Pitch for the Digital Era
• What it means to be self-employed
• Traits of an Entrepreneur
• Entrepreneurial Self-Assessment
• Networking - building support systems

Session 2 - Business Planning

• SWOT Analysis
• Creating a Vision for your Business
• Legal Structures for Start-Ups
• Registering a Company or a Business 
• The Business Plan step-by-step
• Sustainable Business Planning

Session 3 - Marketing 

• LEAN Model Canvas - Problem/Solution Messaging
• Importance of Effective Marketing to SME's
• The 5 W's of Marketing Communications
• The 7 P's of the Marketing Max
• Defining a USP or value proposition
• Branding
• Market Research for SME's
• Presenting and Pitching Your Business
• Creating a Brand and Developing an Online Presence
• Creating a Persona for your Customer
• Social Media Marketing and Applying for Trading Online Voucher
• Creating a Marketing Strategy and Measuring Success. 

Session 4 - Managing Your Business

• Introduction to HR - Hiring V's Outsourcing
• Automation - Maximising sales/billable hours
• Skills Map and Gap Identification
• Value Proposition
• Key Performance Indicators
• Motivating Employees

Session 5 - Tax

• VAT, Income Tax
• PRSI, USC, CT and ROS
• Difference between Profit and Cash
• Allowable Expenses
• Credit management and Budgets 

Session 6 - Operations

• Introduction to LEAN Manufacturing Principles
• Operation Map
• Production/Service Delivery Map
• Process Flow Mapping
• Automation and Digitalisation of Processes
• Green considerations in Ops and Production
• Start-Up Task List/Timeline

Session 7 - Sales

• Understanding the Sales Approach
• Key Sales Messages - Customer/Client Centric
• Handling Objections
• Closing a Sale
• Creating and Managing a formal Sales Process
• Creating a Sales Strategy
• Setting and Managing Sales KPI's

Session 8 - Getting Started

• The Start-Up Road Map
• Grant Chart of Start-Up Timeline
• Start-Up Costs
• Funding Strategies
• Registrations and Certifications
• Record Keeping
• Cash Flow Management Best Practice
• Projecting Cash Flows
• Projecting Profit and Loss
• Profit Performance Measurement
• State Support for Start-Ups. 

Dates:

Trainer:

Seamus Murphy Kilsea Ltd., T/A Gateway Consulting 

To see Seamus' full bio as one of our specialised mentors, please visit our Financial Management Mentors website section