The core part of the Firestarter syllabus comprises of thirteen workshops in addition to nine hours of one-to-one mentoring and an optional panel business concept/plan presentation.
At the end of the three month core you will have a developed a credible and comprehensive business plan ready to be implemented.
Month 1
Your first month is all about figuring out what markets are available for your business by utilising market research. We’ll also start to look at the business plan, which will be the core work you’ll do throughout Firestarter.
Workshops
- Entrepreneurship & Market Research 1
- Market Research 2
- Business Planning 1
- Group Networking
Mentoring
- Review your proposed market research survey
- Review survey results
- Discuss progress
Month 2
In the second month, it’s full steam ahead on your business plan. You’ll also probably be talking to others about your business so a good ‘elevator speech’ is a vital component to get others on board with your business idea.
Workshops
- Business Planning 2
- Business Planning 3
- Your Elevator Speech
- Group Networking
Mentoring
- Review your draft business plan
- Review your second draft business plan
- Discuss progress
Month 3
By the third month, your business plan will be coming together and we’ll start to incorporate marketing to attract and retain customers and clients.
Workshops
- Business plan / cash flow
- Introduction to Marketing
- Niche Marketing
- Customer Service
- Group Networking
Mentoring
- Review final draft business plan
- Review marketing plan
- Presentation skills
Homework
Outside of the course, you’ll have to undertake some self-directed work (we estimate that this takes about ½ hour – three hours a week).
Though nobody likes homework, it an important part of the program. You’ll be putting what you learn into practice and moving you closer to the realisation of your goal.
