Smart Up PDF Print E-mail

cblogo_Banking_on_relationshipsSmart Up is a comprehensive course designed specifically to help entrepreneurs who wish to start or grow their small businesses, right here in Rensselaer County. Covering critical topics from accounting and insurance to market analysis and business management, our program delivers the essential knowledge you need at a very reasonable fee.

The Spirit of Success in Rensselaer County

Here in Rensselaer County, we are proud to be a home to the entrepreneurial spirit. As you experience the energy, innovation and spirit of success that make up our small business community, we believe you too will find that "life looks good from here" for you and your company.

Curriculum

The goal of Smart Up is to give you a broad understanding of business operation and to help you develop your professional business plan-one of the most important aspects of any business start up, and a requirement for most lenders and venture capitalists.

Each session is led by experienced business professionals with expertise in the particular topic. During this ten-week course you will learn about:

  • Developing a Business Plan
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Credit Analysis
  • Management and Operation
  • Market Analysis and Strategy
  • Products and Services
  • Marketing, Promotion and Selling
  • Legal Issues
  • Bookkeeping and Accounting
  • Financing your Business
  • Insurance

Class Schedule

The course is offered annually in the Fall. Classes are held from 6:00pm-9:00pm, one night (Wednesday) a week for eight weeks. Location and information will be provided in the course introduction packet sent upon acceptance into the program

2010 Schedule

  • August 25
    Topic: Course Overview and Entrepreneurship
  • September 01
    Topic: Legal Issues and Insurance
  • September 08
    Topic: Human Resources and Real Estate
  • September 15
    Topic: Website Design and Optimization
  • September 22
    Topic: Marketing and Sales
  • September 29
    Topic: Public Relations and Business Plan Review
  • October 06
    Topic: Accounting and Bookkeeping and Business Testimonial
  • October 13
    Topic: Bank Finance and Small Business Funding Opportunities
  • October 20
    Topic: Business Plan Presentations
  • October 27
    Topic: Business Plan Presentations
  • November 03
    Graduation Dinner

Tuition

Tuition for the course is $275 and is non-refundable after the first class. Payment must be received in full prior to the start of the classes.