How to Start Your Own Business After Losing Your Job
Did you recently lose your job (get laid off or are just between gigs)? We’re sorry to hear that, but excited to tell you about a unique opportunity to make your entrepreneurial dreams come true. If you live in Missouri, you are eligible for the Dislocated Worker Program—huge scholarships to take classes for free at the UMKC Small Business and Technology Development Center.
That’s right. You just lost your job, but now you can pursue your dream of becoming your own boss and creating jobs for others.
Whether you know exactly what sort of business you want to start, or you just want to explore your options, the first step is to take the prerequisite courses:
August 17, 9-12 p.m.
Cost: $75 (Free with scholarship)
Assess your strengths and weaknesses in terms of business ownership, learn about the importance of planning, discuss legal and regulatory requirements and identify sources of funding.
August 17, 1-4 p.m.
Cost: $75 (Free with scholarship)
You will leave this session with a greater understanding of what a business plan should include, including guidelines for style and appearance to help create a professional look for your business plan.
Once you complete those courses and have a better idea of your entrepreneurial self and the problems you wish to address in the world, you can work with the instructor to see what classes are best for your next step:
August 30–October 18 (Eight classes per session on Wednesdays from 9-12 p.m.)
Cost: $545 (Free with scholarship)
If you’re thinking about starting your own business and want to learn more about what it really takes to be an entrepreneur, this course if for you.
Jaunary 23–February 20 (five classes per session on Tuesdays)
Cost: $649 (Free with scholarship)
For aspiring entrepreneurs, explore the feasibility of your business idea and learn how to develop a viable business plan.
As a part of the Dislocated Workers Program, you are also able to take single session courses focused on issues that every business owner will face:
September 6, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Cost: $199 (Free with scholarship)
Lots to cover and lots to learn, including: what to post on each social network, how to increase engagement, how to get the most from social IRL and much more.
September 13, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Cost: $199 (Free with scholarship)
Learn to turn financial statements into useful management tools. You will calculate several ratios and understand what those ratios mean in terms of business productivity and success.
September 13, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Cost: $199 (Free with scholarship)
As you examine actual case studies, you’ll identify cash flow strategies that you can use in your organization. You’ll become familiar with the sources and uses of cash, ratios and the most common “gobblers” of cash in any business.
Looking for more opportunities to grow as an entrepreneur?
Send us some info here and we will be in touch ASAP with a personalized action plan to help you continue your entrepreneurial journey.