Ready to Succeed Small Business Program is a business preparedness course consisting of bimonthly, hour-long classes spanning 3 months totaling 6 classes per semester. The Summer/Fall Semester will begin July 16th, 2015 and the plan is to repeat it twice a year. Each cohort is comprised of a morning and evening class with up to thirty local and independently owned businesses. The program is valued at $1,600 for businesses, but it’s completely FREE to locally owned businesses in the International Corridor.

The curriculum covers all aspects of preparing a business plan, running a successful business in the 21st century including software systems, finance management, human resources, customer relationship, visual merchandising, and capitalizing a business among other topics, in addition, the program offers one on one counseling. Each business that completes the course will be certified Business Success Ready, and will receive a Certificate from the program and may qualify for additional supports.

For more information about the program contact Alma Couverthie: 240-491-5742 or acouverthier@wearecasa.org

Ready to Succeed Program foto1


Ready to Succeed – 6 Session Curriculum

1. Thursday, July 16th, 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM

Your Customer, Your Concept, Your Cash:  Clarify your concept and customer segments and learn how the “Ready for Success” program will strengthen your business, volume, and profitability.

2. Thursday, July 30th, 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM

Fiscal Fitness:  Understand the “money machine” that powers your business, the five financial statements essential to capitalization, and the “Five C’s of Credit.”  Can your business become bankable!?

3. Thursday, August 3rd, 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM

Systems: Methods you can employ to meaningfully analyze your business, establish Key Performance Indicators, and drive efficient operations and profit.

4. Thursday, August 27th, 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM

Human Resources:  How you can motivate staff to provide excellent service, increase sales, control expenses, and care for your business and customers when you’re not there to manage the operation.

5. Thursday, September 3rd, 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM

Marketing:  Now that you’ve established a well-conceived business model, learn how to communicate effectively with your customer segments and foster long-term, profitable relationships.

6. Thursday, September 24th, 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM

Keeping it All Together:  Learn how to access resources for small business, prosper from a Buy Local campaign, sustain profitable operations, and work to create a meaningful exit strategy for your business.

For more information about the program contact Alma Couverthie:
240-491-5742 or acouverthier@wearecasa.org

If you would like to Register please complete this form to register: