New Business Basics Program

NOW ONLINE!

COHORT 11 BEGINS APRIL 2025

We will be conducting this course multiple times throughout the year and invite you to complete the PROGRAM INTEREST FORM to be added to the waiting list to be notified about the next available class. Thank you!

The Business Basics course, offered by the Gwinnett Entrepreneurial Center, has helped more than 200 aspiring entrepreneurs pursue their dreams of business ownership.

Traditionally conducted as an in-person evening program, this three-module course is now transitioning to a fully online format for its 10th cohort. While there will no longer be in-person classes, the course will maintain its cohort model, fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment.

Congratulations on taking the exciting step towards exploring small business ownership. Although the process may seem daunting, with proper planning, the benefits can be abundant.

If you are unsure about what type of business to pursue, questioning whether small business ownership is the right fit for you, curious about the viability of your product or service, or simply wondering how to begin, the Business Basics course is an excellent starting point.

About The Program

The Business Basics course, offered by the Gwinnett Entrepreneurial Center, has helped more than 200 aspiring entrepreneurs pursue their dreams of business ownership. Traditionally conducted as an in-person evening program, this three-module course is now transitioning to a fully online format for its 10th cohort. While there will no longer be in-person classes, the course will maintain its cohort model, fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment.

Upon completion of this program, participants can progress directly to the Start in Gwinnett program.
Course Details:
- Duration: 3 weeks
- Format: 100% online and asynchronous
- Weekly Structure:
- - Each Thursday, participants will receive materials for the week, including a 60-90 minute online course and 3-4 worksheets to complete.
  - Worksheets are due the following Wednesday before the next session's materials are released.
Participants can complete the coursework at their convenience throughout the week. Additionally, you’ll have opportunities to communicate any challenges you face while completing the material. Our team is available to support you with video calls or in-person meetings as needed along the way.
No cost to participate.

Please contact Stephanie Sokenis at the Gwinnett Entrepreneur Center with questions GEC@GwinnettCounty.com

Who Should Participate?

You are thinking about starting a business and not sure how
You want to own a business but you are not sure how to leverage your skills
You want to understand what it takes to own your own business
You can make the Time Commitment:

This course is designed to be manageable even for busy schedules. The estimated time commitment includes:
- Weekly Video Course: 60-90 minutes per week.
- Worksheets: Each worksheet may take 30-60 minutes to complete, with 3-4 worksheets assigned per week.
- Total Weekly Commitment: Approximately 3-5 hours per week, depending on individual pace.
This format ensures you can fit the course into your schedule while still engaging meaningfully with the material.

Some of What You Can Expect

Participants will work on several areas of starting their business, some of which include:

Things to consider when starting a business.
Self-Assessment: Are you ready?
Personal strengths & weaknesses.
Testing your business concept.
Is this the right business for you?
Identify your target market & create a customer avatar.
Business start-up costs and financing.
Business start-up checklist and next steps.

PLUS

Templates
Tools
Checklists
Workbook
Certificate of Completion

Cohort #11 begins April 2025

There is no fee to participate but assignment completion is mandatory

While we understand that life happens, as participant seats for this program are limited, we ask that you be absolutely sure that you can commit to the full three sessions during the time period assigned.

Session 1:

Materials released: January 23, 2025
Worksheets due: January 29, 2025

Session 2:

Materials released: January 30, 2025
Worksheets due: February 5, 2025

Session 3:

Materials released: February 6, 2025
Worksheets due: February 12, 2025

Each session builds on the previous one, with materials and assignments designed to guide you through the business fundamentals.

We would like to inform you that, due to the high demand for this course, a waiting list has been established. Individuals will be invited to participate in the order their program interest forms were received.

If a seat becomes available for the next cohort, you will receive an email invitation to confirm your attendance at least two weeks before the session start date. Please note that a timely response is required to secure your spot. If we do not receive a confirmation, the opportunity will be extended to the next person on the waiting list.

We want to assure you that this course will be offered multiple times throughout the year, and we are committed to accommodating everyone as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

In the meantime, if there is anything we can assist you with, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to support you.

If you have not completed a PROGRAM INTEREST FORM, please click here to do so.

If you have already completed the interest form, you are already on the waiting list and do not need to complete the form again.

Congratulations on completing the New Business Basics program!

Cohort 9: August 2024