SMARTstart is delivered over 8 months. Entrepreneurs who are accepted into the program take part in the following:
Learning
1. Online learning via GoForth Institute
- 100 Essential Business Skills™ program
- Modules to complete on your own time
- Short video lessons – plus downloadable e-book, worksheets and quizzes
2. Seminars
- In-person small group sessions
- 11 sessions (1.5 hours each), alternating between lunch & evening sessions to accommodate work and personal schedules
- Topics include financing, marketing, taxation, networking and more
- Delivered by local experts
- Plus 2-3 interactive Peer-to-Peer sessions to share ideas with fellow participants and mentors in an informal setting
3. Mentoring
- Each entrepreneur is paired with an experienced local business owner (Volunteer mentor)
- Mentors share their experiences and effective small business management practices
- Mentors provide guidance to entrepreneurs as they develop their plan
Learn more about being a mentor.
Plan Creation
Having a plan is what SMARTstart is all about.
Each entrepreneur walks away from SMARTstart with a plan they have created to set their business up for success.
- One of three plan are completed: a business plan, feasibility study or strategic plan
- Mentors and program organizers provide tools and support
The creation of a plan is foundational to SMARTstart. It is expected all participants complete or update a plan by the end of the program.