Start Date: 9/15/2026
Time: 9am-12pm

Thinking about starting a business—or recently launched and wondering whether you’ve covered all the bases?

This fast-paced, three-hour workshop provides an overview of the essential concepts every new business owner should understand. Rather than going deeply into any one functional area, we’ll help you see how all the pieces of a business fit together and identify the areas where you may need additional guidance.

We’ll explore how to:

· Determine whether your idea represents a viable business opportunity

· Identify your target customer and define your value proposition

· Understand competitors and business models

· Evaluate legal structures, business names, licenses and basic compliance

· Understand the financial fundamentals—including startup costs, margins, cash flow, break-even, credit and funding

· Develop a practical approach to marketing and customer acquisition

· Understand the different types of business plans and when each is appropriate

· Use AI effectively while still validating your assumptions

· Identify emerging Los Angeles opportunities, including LA28

· Develop priorities for your first 90 days

Most importantly, you’ll leave knowing what you know, what you don’t know yet, and where to go for help.

Participants can continue their learning through additional SBDC workshops covering these topics in greater depth and through no-cost, confidential one-on-one advising with SBDC business experts.

Come with an idea. Leave with a map.

Instructors: Debbie Goldfarb, Larry Johnson, Michael DeDonato (SBDC Advisors).

REGISTER NOW