Week 1: Vision, Mission, and Goal Setting

Focus: Aligning business goals with the long-term vision, setting SMART goals for measurable success, and establishing a clear direction for the business. This foundational week ensures that participants are clear about their purpose and the objectives they want to achieve.

Week 2: Creating a Brand Experience

Focus: Deep dive into understanding the target customer through customer profiling and segmentation. Develop a compelling brand identity that resonates with the target market. This week will also cover creating a cohesive brand experience across all customer touchpoints to build strong, emotional connections and brand loyalty. Topics will include brand storytelling, visual identity, and customer journey mapping.

Week 3: Digital Marketing Deep Dive

Focus: Exploring digital marketing channels, digital tools such as CRM’s and strategies such as social media marketing, content marketing, email marketing, and paid advertising. This week would include building a digital marketing plan, using analytics to track performance, and understanding customer behavior online.

Week 4: Financial Planning and Funding for Growth

Focus: Understanding financial forecasting, managing cash flow, and exploring funding options (e.g., loans, investors, crowdfunding). This week will emphasize financial management practices to ensure the business remains profitable, including budgeting, cost management, and analyzing financial statements to make informed decisions.

Week 5: Leveraging Certification and Contracts for Growth

Focus: This week, led by experts from the Women's Business Development Center, will cover the importance of obtaining business certifications (such as women-owned, minority-owned, and other relevant certifications) and how these can open up opportunities for growth. Participants will learn how to navigate the certification process and utilize these credentials to access government contracts, corporate procurement programs, and other lucrative business opportunities. The session will also cover key contract considerations and best practices to ensure businesses can successfully bid for and manage contracts.

Week 6: Operations, Process Optimization, and Implementation

Focus: Streamlining business operations for efficiency and scalability, leveraging technology and automation. This week also emphasizes leadership development, team building, and fostering a strong company culture to support business growth.