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Professional Development Workshops and Seminars
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Start Your Own Business: Entrepreneurship Essentials
Transform your big idea into a thriving business. In this hands-on, in-person course at Nicolet College, you'll build a complete business plan, craft a compelling pitch, and gain a mentor to guide you every step of the way.
Every Tuesday starting September 16 - Tuesday, November 4, 2025
5:30 - 8:30 pm
Nicolet College, Tamarack Center - 210
COST: $249
VILAS COUNTY RESIDENTS: Six scholarships are available to cover the full cost of this course.
Who Should Attend?
- Aspiring entrepreneurs ready to move from idea to launch
- Early-stage business owners seeking structure and growth strategies
- Side hustlers looking to formalize and scale their value
What You'll Receive & Create
- One-on-one mentorship
- Launch-ready business pan
- Pitch presentation to potential funders
- Clear Action Plan and start-up roadmap
- Weekly business journal
- SWOT and market analysis
What You'll Need
- A laptop with Microsoft Office
- Commitment to learn, explore, and act
- Willingness to work beyond class sessions
For More Information Contact:
Ellen Mathein
715.365.4915
What You'll Learn in the Weekly Modules
Module 1: Introduction to Entrepreneurship
- What is entrepreneurship? myths vs. reality
- Entrepreneurial traits & mindset
- Knowing your strengths and skills
- Evaluating your level of readiness & preparing for the journey
- Defining your entrepreneurial desires
Module 2: Foundations of Your Business
- Business types
- Business name and logo
- Legal and tax considerations
- Federal ID & other requirements
- Business vs. personal funds
- Reporting and documentation
- Legal documents and agreements
Module 3: Market & Competitive Research
- Problem identification and solution to solve it
- Defining target market for your business
- Evaluating the size of the market and competitors
- Defining human resources needed and how you will secure them
- Creating a strong value proposition and key differentiators
- Establishing pricing and determining margins
- Drafting your mission, vision and values
Module 4: Business Plan Review and Development
- Elements of a successful business plan
- Review of example business plans
- Making your plan compelling
- High-level goals and aspirations
- Overview of financial elements of business plan
- The executive summary
Module 5: Continuation of Business Plan Development
- Continuation of business plan development
- Strategic positioning and risk analysis
- Marketing plan and sales strategy
- Detailed discussion on financials for the business
- Action plan and timeline for your business
Module 6: Pitching and Fundraising
- Crafting a compelling pitch
- Defining what you need to start, expand and grow your business
- Understanding the sources of funds and how to obtain them
Module 7: Refinement and Review
- Further market, competition and industry analysis
- Filling in the gaps of your business plan
- Developing your launch or expansion approach
Module 8: Launch and Management of Your Business
- Managing your business
- Analyzing business success
- Leveraging mentors, coaches and advisors
- Pitch your business vision and associated plans and needs
- Dealing with setbacks