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En Español - El Programa de Entrenamiento

2005 - 2006 Programs

Start Up offers a comprehensive training program and support services to aspiring entrepreneurs. Our program consists of four stages of training.

Information Session
Stage 1: Critical Business Skills
Stage 2: Feasibility Assessment: Business Plan Part I
Stage 3: Launch Preparation: Business Plan Part II
Stage 4: Business Growth Services: Business Incubator

Information Session: Informs prospective clients about the services Start Up provides. Participants learn about the mission and objectives of Start Up, the programs we offer, and why business training is essential for entrepreneurs at all stages of business development. After this session interested participants will schedule a 30-minute meeting with a Program Manager to discuss the progress of their business or business idea and to register for the courses that best meet their needs. Attendance at an Information Session is required for enrollment.

Details
Frequency: First Thursday of every month, except August
Location: Start Up
Time: 6:00-7:00 p.m. (English) 7:00-8:00 p.m. (Spanish)
Total hours: 1
Instructors: Start Up Staff
Who: Open to the public. Registration not required.

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Stage 1: Critical Business Skills provides new and current entrepreneurs training in basic business concepts and personal financial management. Start Up offers two courses at this stage of training.

• Managing Your Personal Finances (MPF) teaches the basic financial skills that everyone should have! We believe that it is essential to successfully manage household finances before attempting to operate a business. Topics of this course include savings, budgeting, credit, and banking. Participants will review their credit report. (6 hours)
  
  Location: OICW 1200 O’Brien Drive Menlo Park, CA 94025
  
  Price: Free!

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• Personal Business Readiness (PBR) helps participants decide whether business ownership is right for them at this point in their lives. This course provides a realistic look at what it takes to start a business and helps participants assess their personal skills and assets with respect to understanding of the risks and rewards of entrepreneurship. (6 hours)
  
  Location: OICW 1200 O’Brien Drive Menlo Park, CA 94025
  
  Price: Free!

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Stage 2: Feasibility Assessment: Business Plan Part I
Helps participants determine whether their business idea is feasible and has the potential to meet their personal and business goals. The principal course of this stage of training is Business Plan Part 1. Participants begin building their business plan and learn the fundamentals of marketing, operations, and finance. Based on market analysis, operational plans, and financial projections, they will decide if their business idea has potential for success. This course is offered in English and Spanish. (26 hours)

Location: Start Up: 1395 Bay Road. East Palo Alto, CA 94303

Price: $75 to $1000* (Scholarships awarded based on financial need)
 

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Stage 3: Launch Preparation: Business Plan Part II
Provides intensive support for participants in completing their business plans and taking their businesses to the point of launch. At this stage of training participants are placed in “Entrepreneurship Action Groups”. These are small groups of 6 to 8 entrepreneurs who meet weekly with a facilitator to take steps towards launching their businesses. Participants complete their business plans by creating sales and marketing plans, detailed financial projections, and an implementation plan. Participants also attend a series of workshops focused on different aspects of launching a business. Launch Preparation is offered in English and Spanish. (18 hours)

Location: Start Up: 1395 Bay Road. East Palo Alto, CA 94303

Price: $75 to $1000* (Scholarships awarded based on financial need)
 

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Stage 4: Business Growth Services: Business Incubator

Would you like support to grow your business? Do you need office space for your business? Then you should join our business incubator. The incubator is our newest service provided exclusively to clients who have started their businesses.
A business incubator is a place where start up and fledgling companies receive support services that help them to develop into successful, sustainable businesses. Studies have shown that 87% of businesses that locate in a well-run business incubator are still operating after five years. In comparison, only 20% of small businesses survive that long in general.
Start Up wants your business to achieve business success, so we are launching a set of services, proven to help small businesses grow and become more profitable. These services are provided as a comprehensive package that includes:

• In-depth assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of your business
   
• Development of a “Business Growth Action Plan” identifying specific goals for growth and how to accomplish them
   
• Support from our on-site business advisor (an experienced and successful entrepreneur)
   
• Access to industry-specific mentors
   
• Monthly networking with other entrepreneurs that include problem solving, resource and information sharing, as well as lead generation and new ideas
   
• Consultations with experts tailored to meet the needs of your business
   
• Opportunities to reach new clients through the Start Up promotional efforts including online business directory, newsletter articles, and more.
  Incubator members have the option to rent office space on a part time or full time basis. Facilities can include:
   
• Furnished cubicles which contain a desk, file cabinet, and chair.
   
• A telephone with local phone service and voicemail capability.
   
• A computer equipped with Microsoft Office Professional, QuickBooks, and high speed internet access.
   
• Access to a fax machine, copier and printers.
   
• Access to conference room for client meetings, trainings, etc.
   
• Access to common spaces including the kitchen and a small private meeting room.
  In keeping with Start Up's mission to support entrepreneurs who lack access to resources, we are providing scholarships to keep the cost of our services well below the market rate of over $1,000 per month.

The cost to participate in the incubator is determined based on your ability to pay. Clients will pay $25 to $175 per month for the consulting and support package. The maximum charge for office space is an additional $200 per month.

Take advantage of excellent personalized services at an extremely reasonable price, all tailored to help your business grow and succeed!

Applications are now being accepted on an ongoing basis and will be reviewed in the order in which they are received. So, don't delay! Call Julia Baker Jones right away for applications or additional information at (650) 321-2193 ext. 13.
 

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