Workshops Overview
The purpose of workshops is to give the tools needed to the participants to assist them in achieving their
dreams of business ownership or returning to the workforce. It isn't an easy road for either choice, but anything
worthwhile is worth the work. This philosophy is known as "due diligence". Due Diligence in this case means that the workshop
attendees/participants will complete the Business Plan or the Work Plan of Action. The participant will attend
and participate in all required workshop/training classes that are set forth in this program. By refusing to attend,
participate, or complete the plan, it would mean that Due Diligence was not performed and therefore an
individual would not have attained their certification and met the standard of Completion of Due Diligence.
On Presentation Day, the participant will be introduced to two workshop tracks - the Business Plan for those interested
in business ownership and the Work Plan for those wanting to return to work.
Both workshop tracks begin with a start-up seminar which is designed to give a clear
picture of the work involved in that track. If a person is unsure which track they wish to pursue, the participant
should contact his or her referral agency to help make the determination based on their individual needs. If the
participant was not referred from an agency and is unsure which track they wish to take, they should be encouraged
to take the quick quiz from the SBDC of NW Illinois called "Am I ready to own a business?"
If space allows, set up three classroom areas. The center room is the joint meeting room. At the start of each
workshop all trainers, visitors, guests, and participants meet for a short period of time. An introduction of
topics from both tracks should be discussed, as well as an introduction of any guests or visitors. Any housekeeping items,
schedule changes, or other information should aslo be shared at this time. There should also be an opportunity to share any newsand any
announcement about the positive things that have happened since the last session. The groups should then break into the
two workshop tracks. The center room can then be used for one-on-one sessions, additional work space
if it is needed, or a quiet space for those who may need it.
There should be three joint training sessions: The first workshop, T.O.P.S., the fifth workshop-Resume Writing, and the 13th workshop-Customer Service training.
The benefit of joint training and the meet-and-greet during the sessions is to encourage neworking
and community building. It is the B.O.S.S. Project Teams hope that the business owners will their employees
from the participants in the work plan group.
A case history has been developed for each workshop (except for joint workshops). Holly Holliday is
the case stuyt for the business plan and her husband Herman Holliday is the case study for the work plan of action.
Family members are affected in these decisions, as well as the suport system for the participants. The
case study reflects the topic beginning discussed, as well as how it will affect all members of the family. The case
study also allows participants a chance to discuss and explore the topic of the session so they will be prepared
to do their follow-up work when they return home.
Workshop Curriculum
Why Two Tracks?
Business ownership is not for everyone. In some cases it may take years before a
business is profitable enough to sustain a regular return to the owner. It also takes
dedication, commitment, long hours, and money. Yet, business ownership is one of the
most exciting experiences a person can have. Learning how to start and grow a business
takes a lifetime of education. That education can start with the B.O.S.S. Project.
A steady paycheck and health insurance s important for everyone. Landing the ideal job
and retaining it can be a challenge. The training provided in the Work Plan workshops
givesthis important tools right to each participant every week.
The decision on which track to take is up t the individual, their family, and if they are
working with a referring agency, that partner. There will be plenty of time to ask questions at the B.O.S.S. Project events.
Is it time for a new decision for you?
There are two different training tracks.
Track I
Business Plan Workshops
Learn how to start your own business or enhance your current business
Topics Covered:
Business Plan Development
Feasibility Study
Market Analysis
Operations & Management
& much more
Track II
Work Plan Workshops
Classroom style training providing guidance and assistance to obtaining employment, changing career or maintaining a current position!
Topics Covered:
Resume Writing
Marketing Yourself
Interviewing Skills
Job Retention Strategies
& more!
Workshops
Work Plan of Action
Business Plan
Start-up Seminar
Are You Ready
1
Time Management/Organization
2
Feasilility Study
3
Employment in the 21st Century
4
Benefit Analysis
5
Resume Writing
6
Potential Employer List
7
Marketing Yourself
8
Interviewing
9
Mock Interview
10
Communication Etiquette
11
Critical Risks & Problems
12
Job Retention
13
Customer Service Training
14
Presentation to Group/Awards Celebration
Start-up Seminar
Before You Start
1
Time Management/Organization
2
Feasilility Study
3
Company and Industry
4
Products or Services
5
Resume Writing
6
Market Analysis
7
Marketing Strategy
8
Operations
9
Management & Organizations
10
Schedule of Activities/Critical Risks & Problems
11
Financial Reports
12
Summary & Conclusion
13
Customer Service Training
14
Presentation to Group/Awards Celebration
