The MOBI’s Starting a Business course curriculum includes 15 topics. At the end of the course trainees will be able to write a business plan, set up and run their own company.

 

 

Week 1 – Deciding on a Business

  • choosing the right business

  • evaluation techniques

 

 

Week 2 – The Business Plan

  • how to create an individualized business plan

 

 

Week 3 -Home-based Business

  • do’s and don’ts of operating a home-based business

  • how to pick the right business

  • the common pitfalls

 

Week 4 – Financing the Business

  • strategies to search for financial help

  • how to locate, negotiate for, and maintain sources of money

 

Week 5 – Business Organization

  • whether to go into business alone or with a partner

  • the type of business organization to use

  • what professional advisors to select

Week 6 – Licenses and Permits

  • how to choose a suitable and available name for business

 

  • what licenses and permits will be required

Week 7 – Business Insurance

  • the types of insurance coverage available for small business

  • which type will fulfill the requirements for your business in your location

 

Week 8 – Communication Tools

  • basic forms of communication, tools, resources, and equipment available for your business

 

 

Week 9 – Buying a Business or a Franchise

  • how to make objective decisions when considering the purchase of a business or franchise

  • the pros and cons of buying a business or franchise

  • how to evaluate how much you should pay

 

Week 10 – Choosing a Business Location 

  • how to determine the kind of space your business needs

  • the options you have to get that space

  • the legal considerations that relate to your choice of a business location

  • terms to watch out for when renting a space

Week 11 – Accounting and Cash Flow

  • how to keep score (basic accounting)

  • how to maintain cash in your bank account (cash flow control)

  • the advantages of hiring an accountant before you start

 

 

 

Week 12 – E-Commerce

  • is an e-commerce website right for your business

  • how to set up a website

  • tips for developing a successful site

  • how to manage search engine placement

  • how to get started on eBay

 

 

 

Week 13 – Opening and Marketing

  • a “Before you start” checklist

  • how to market, promote, and advertise your business

 

 

 

Week 14 – Managing Employees

  • how to prepare for employees from job descriptions through legal considerations

  • finding, hiring, training and motivating good employees

 

Week 15 – Expanding and Handling Problems

  • how to face the challenge of making your business grow

  • advice from been-there-done-that experts.