Small Business Academy - powered by CO.STARTERS

Schedule

Mon Sep 15 2025 at 05:00 pm to 08:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

Owatonna Area Business Development Center | Owatonna, MN

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Join the Small Business Academy and get the insights, relationships, and tools you need to turn your business idea into action!
About this Event

Small Business Academy is a three-month program that provides participants with the knowledge, relationships, and tools necessary to turn business ideas into action. The only requirements to join the program are (1) have an idea, (2) be willing to question, shape, and improve that idea, and (3) be willing to talk about the idea with others. In this facilitator-led, small-group program, participants develop and refine their ideas, critically examine each part, and determine what to do next through real-time feedback from people in the community. This approach allows participants to quickly discover potential problems in their concepts and find viable models more quickly. Participants leave the program with the tools and skills necessary to create a sustainable business.

In partnership with Owatonna Community Education, with funding provided in part by SMIF's Prosperity Initiative. $275 for materials, reimbursed upon completion of 8 out of 10 classes. Scholarships and materials in Spanish are also available, as well as accommodations for Ramadan. Classes are held at OABDC: 1065 24th Ave. SW, Owatonna, MN 55060. Mondays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sept. 15-Nov 17th, 2025


Agenda
Week 1 - Knowing Yourself

Info: Introduction, Assumptions, Working Styles, Team Building, Obstacles


Week 2 - Knowing Your Customer

Info: Customer, Problem, Alternatives, Idea Testing


Week 3 - Finding the Right Solution

Info: Solution, Benefit, Advantage, Starting Small, Brand Identity


Week 4 - Getting the Relationship Right

Info: Marketing and Message; Getting, Keeping, and Growing Customers


Week 5 - Building Blocks

Info: Distribution, Revenue, Typical Offering, Price


Week 6 - Structures & Systems

Info: Legal & Accounting Considerations


Week 7 - Discovering the Bottom Line

Info: Startup & Ongoing Needs, Fixed & Variable Costs, Break-Even Point


Week 8 - Financial Modeling

Info: Break-Even Point, Sales Projections, Cash Flow, Raising Capital


Week 9 - Planning for Growth

Info: Growth Plans, Goal Setting, Celebration Prep


Week 10 - Pitches & Celebration!

Info: Present Your Idea, Celebrate


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Where is it happening?

Owatonna Area Business Development Center, 1065 24th Avenue Southwest, Owatonna, United States

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Tickets

USD 137.50 to USD 275.00

Owatonna Area Business Development Center

Host or Publisher Owatonna Area Business Development Center

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