Kishwaukee College will offer five classes for entrepreneurs and small business owners in February and March. Courses are designed to provide practical solutions that can be immediately implemented while networking with industry experts and other like-minded entrepreneurs. During the program, a financial advisor will help students build a strategic growth plan for their company.
Classes are free and will be delivered in a hybrid format, with some in-person sessions at the DeKalb Public Library and some virtual via Zoom.
Sizing Up Your Company — 6-8 pm Wednesday, Feb. 22 — In person at DeKalb Public Library
Where are you today? Focus on clarifying your mission, establishing goals, and identifying core competencies.
Developing a Strategy for Growth — 6-8 pm Wednesday, March 1 — via Zoom
Assess your readiness for growth, identify growth opportunities, analyze your market and competitive positioning, and evaluate exit strategies.
Financial Tools & Performance — 6-8 pm Wednesday, March 8 — via Zoom
How do we afford growth? Explore tools and techniques for forecasting and financial analysis. Understand financial ratios and how to manage the business from a financial perspective.
Seizing the Market — 6-8 pm Wednesday, March 15 — via Zoom
How do we grow our customer base? Learn strategies and tactics to build a strong brand, analyze your market and reach target markets
Strengthening the Product/Service & Next Steps for Success — 6-8 pm Wednesday, March 22 — In Person at DeKalb Public Library
How do we improve? Define features, benefits, competitive advantages, the product/service life cycle, intellectual property, and pricing strategies. What’s next? Define the next steps as you move forward with your growth strategy.
Dr. Jock Sommese, from the Small Business Development Center at Waubonsee Community College in partnership with Kishwaukee College, will guide the business development series.
For more information about the classes or to register, visit www.kish.edu/sbdc or contact LaCretia Konan, Dean of Workforce and Community Education, at lkonan1@kish.edu or 815-825-9791.