Project OPEN Training

In Partnership with Kansas State University- Salina and Salina Area Chamber of Commerce

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Fall 2024 Course Offerings 

These courses should be taken together as they are meant to walk entrepreneurs and start-ups through the process of creating a full business plan.

Basics of Marketing, Management & Strategy: Tuesday, November 19 | 5:30-8:30pm | Kansas State-Salina      REGISTER HERE

Financial Basics & Tools: Wednesday, November 20 | 5:30-8:30pm | Kansas State- Salina                        REGISTER HERE

1. 1. Basics of Marketing, Management, and Strategy

      – Focused training on essential information to assess the feasibility of your ideas to start or grow your business. Those completing this step will have the base knowledge of the components of a standard business plan.

      Includes the following concepts:

      • Your mission: What you do, who you serve, and why
      • Your vision for the future: A picture of your business in 5 years, how you will get there
      • Your Team
      • Knowing the options: How to structure / organize your business;
      • External and internal environment: customers, competitors, regulatory environment
      • The 4 P’s of Marketing: Product, price, place; promotion
      • What is your target market; how will you communicate with prospective buyers
      • Who are your competitors and what is your competitive advantage;
      • Potential for growth

   2. Financial Basics and Tools

      – Training geared to accurately calculate future sales and costs, determine working capital needs, and prepare for the future needs of new and existing businesses.

      Includes the following concepts:

      • Conducting break-even analysis;
      • Forecasting sales, costs, assets, liabilities;
      • Understanding tax compliance;
      • Exploring financial statements;
      • Determining working capital needs;
      • Define funding needs.
      • The Go No-Go Decision

‘How To Pitch Your Business’ Workshop 

Learn how to effectively pitch your business, and gain confidence in talking to others about your business. This class is open to anyone, but will be especially helpful to those who are wanting to compete in the 2025 Charlie Walker Pitch Challenge. 

Tuesday, February 11 | 5:30-7:00pm | Kansas State- Salina REGISTER HERE

If you have any questions regarding our training courses or eligibility for Project OPEN, Jaclyn at jcrow@salinakansas.org