Programs

Choose Your Track

The ASSETS Program allows participants to choose their level of involvement to complete the course content. After completion of the Introductory Module, each participant must choose one of the following tracks for completion of the remaining Marketing, Financial, and Legal & Insurance modules.

 

Track One:  Certificate with Business Plan

Success on this track requires the completion of a business plan for a new or existing business. This requires participants to integrate their ideas, research, targets and budget into a plan that will help them create viability for success. At the end of the program, participants submit their business plans to be reviewed by two business professionals to verify completion of the plan and to offer suggestions for improvements to assist with the plan's viability.

 

Track Two:  Certification of Participation

We understand that this program may be participants' first formal introduction to business planning. Therefore, participants choosing this track engage with the intention of learning what is required to create a business plan. Therefore, completing a business plan is not the expectation. Rather, participants must complete all homeowrk assignments created for each session.

 

Audit the Program

Participants who are not clear on their business idea or their desire to start their own business, may choose to audit the course. This requires only that participants attend sessions and they are not required to complete homework assignments or a business plan.

 

 

12-week ASSETS Program Details

The ASSETS Program is a 23 session, 12-week program offering four modules of content pertinent to the completion of a business plan. Participants are given a program workbook that is included in the registration fee. Business planning software is available for an additional fee.

 

Introductory Module

Class 1        Orientation

Class 2        Defining Your Dream

Class 3        The Challenges of Entrepreneurship

Class 4        Introduction to the Business Plan

Class 5        Wisdom Panel: Stories by local small business owners

 

Participants choose their Track 1, 2 or to audit the program after completing the Introductory Module.

 

Marketing Module

Class 6        The Customer

Class 7        Competition & Positioning

Class 8        The Market (at Elkhart Public Library)

Class 9        Promotion & Advertising

Class 10      Pricing & Cost Analysis

Class 11      Coaching Session 1 - Marketing:  Ask clarifying questions to professionals

Class 12        Business Plan Lab 1:  Complete marketing plan drafts

 

Coaching sessions and business planning labs are optional.

 

Financial Module

Class 13        Budgeting

Class 14        Financial Statements

Class 15        Class Flow Projections

Class 16        Record Keeping and Taxes

Class 17        Business Plan Lab 2:  Complete financial plan drafts

 

Legal, Banking, Insurance and Facilities Module

Class 18        Legal Issues

Class 19        Insurance & Facility

Class 20        Financing, Loans, Credit

Class 21        Coaching Session 2: Finance, Legal, Insurance & Facilities: Ask clarifying questions to professionals

Class 22        Business Plan Lab 3: Complete business plan drafts for review and editing

 

Celebrate Successful Completion

Class 23        Wrap up, Evaluation & Feedback Session

 

 

Program Details

• The program cost is $350 for the 12-week program. 
• Participants must complete the online application. A $15 non-refundable registration fee is required.
• Participants receive a program workbook with homework assignments. License for the Automate Your Business Plan software is available fro an additional cost.
• The complete ASSETS Program is offered twice per year with start dates in January and September.
• All sessions take place at Goshen College in Goshen, Indiana on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. 
• All sessions are instructed by business professionals who are experts in their fields.
• Participants are able to repeat any sessions within twelve months of their original registration.
• Graduation for both the Fall and Winter Series occurs once a year in the Spring.
• Participants must attend 70% of all classes and complete 70% of all homework assignments in order to qualify for graduation of Track One or Two.
• Program scholarships for low-income participants are available. Eligibility is contingent on supplying your most recent tax return to prove total household income. Call our office at 574.535.7451 for more details.

 

Mentor Relationships

After successful completion of the ASSETS Program, participants who desire the additional benefits of a one-on-one mentoring relationship with a business professional may request so by completing the Mentor Request Form in the Downloads section of the Members site. (Simply register and log in to obtain access.)  ASSETS collaborates with SCORE and other area business professionals to provide successful mentors to our participants interested in engaging their learning at a deeper and experiential level.

 

 

Active Alumni Community

After graduation the learning continues. ASSETS offers a variety of online and offline alumni networking events including an online alumni directory, alumni socials, continuing eduation opportunities, and online discussion forums to grow relationships within the ASSETS community of business owners. 

 

Research proves that engaging in ongoing peer activities and sharing work and life experiences increases your potential for success. After graduation, alumni members who continue to pay annual alumni dues of $35 will receive full access to all alumni events and marketing opportunities offered by ASSETS.