Entrepreneurs Training Program

ENTREPRENEURS; Heroes of the African American Community

The Black Dollar Task Force (BDDTF) believes business creation, growth, and development are cornerstones of job creation in the African American Community. We are pleased to sponsor introductory courses in Entrepreneurship and Business Planning and Development.

BDTF works with minority business entities, in small groups (15 - 20 persons), to assist them in understanding what entrepreneurism is all about and what it really takes to run a business. This introduction is applicable to those seeking to establish a business as well as those who have been in business but have not been able to achieve stabilization -- they need to develop an “Entrepreneur Skill Set”.

These training and support services will the gap and accelerate the ramp-up process of businesses who need assistance in getting up to speed to be able to effectively use the existing technical assistance and financial resources available.

Development of: Idea / Motivation / Direction / Reason

• Basic Skills Assessment. The customer’s basic skills are assessed and documented. Basic skills include: personal characteristics; personal conditions; personal skills; and past experience. Understanding the difference between knowledge and education and filling the gaps!
• Profiling the Business Idea. What are some common characteristics of a successful business? Can the customer communicate the idea effectively to others in the group? What is the business? (i.e., Starbucks sells atmosphere, using coffee as the vehicle). Assessment questions: What is your business idea?; Which business are you in?; Why are you in that business?; Where is the business headed?; Who are your customers/competitors?

Strategic Business Planning

• More info to come.

Understanding Profit Motive

• More info to come.

Understanding Capital Sources and their Uses

• More info to come.

Understanding Cost and Expenses (Accounting and Bookkeeping)

• Evening Training Course in “Business Basics”. Quarterly courses are designed for both beginning entrepreneurs and the business owner ready to create or revise his/her business plan. This course is accessible to the working person and offered one night each week. It’s primary purpose is to paint a complete picture of all necessary elements of running a successful business. The course does effectively prepare the businessperson for the next steps in moving their business forward. The course does not offer in-depth technical and management assistance.
• Site Visits to Businesses. On an as-needed basis, the BDDTF conducts a site visit to assist the business owner in determining his/her next steps. The site visit most commonly is conducted due to the owner’s self-assessment of the need for fiscal management procedures. The visit results in “next steps” for the owner and, most often, prepare the owner for referral to a Greater Seattle area technical assistance agency.

Understanding Marketing (Networking)

• More info to come.

Developing a Market Niche

• More info to come.

Understanding Sales / Procurement Cycle

• Association of Entrepreneurs. The BDDTF assists business owners in organizing an association to help with networking, marketing, and joint ventures for procurement opportunities.
• Web and E-mail Access. An overview of the Internet and the world wide web (WWW) is provided to small groups on a monthly basis. Instruction includes: effectively utilizing the Internet; determining if the WWW is practical for your business; cutting overhead costs through free business software; increasing procurement opportunities; public and private resources available for your business. A computer lab is also available for BDDTF customer use.
• Referrals. BDDTF customers are referred to other Greater Seattle area agencies for in-depth assistance with procurement and extensive marketing.