Entrepreneurship and Small Business Operations
Entrepreneurship and Nontraditional Career Paths
What are Non-Linear Career Paths?
Unlike traditional careers that often require an educational background or years of experience, non-traditional paths prioritize skills, passion, and innovative problem-solving approaches. These new opportunities, which don’t follow a typical linear progression or require a specific degree or experience, allow individuals to explore a multitude of industries and gain valuable career skills.
Why Consider a Non-Linear Career Path?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 4.3 million Americans quit their jobs in January 2022 alone, and 31% of employees who left their jobs in the past six months did so to start a new business. If you’re considering a non-traditional career outside the conventional 9-5 scenario, you’re not alone. Here are some top benefits:
Entrepreneurship 101
Our intensive 3-day workshop is designed to equip participants with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to launch and sustain a small business in today’s fast-paced economy. Covering the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, from idea generation to financial management and marketing, this workshop provides a comprehensive introduction to what it takes to succeed as a small business owner. Through interactive sessions, expert insights, and hands-on activities, participants will learn how to navigate the key aspects of entrepreneurship, build a sustainable business model, and position themselves for long-term success.
Why It’s Important in Today’s Economy: In today’s rapidly evolving economy, entrepreneurship is a critical driver of job creation, innovation, and economic growth. Small businesses form the backbone of many communities, providing local jobs and stimulating economic activity. However, in order to succeed, aspiring entrepreneurs must understand the dynamics of the market, financing options, customer acquisition, and effective business operations. This workshop addresses the need for accessible, practical education that empowers individuals to take control of their economic futures, regardless of background or prior experience.
Creating Gainful Career Pathways: Entrepreneurship offers individuals the opportunity to create their own career pathways, fostering financial independence and job security. By learning to build and scale their own businesses, participants will have the skills to generate income, provide employment for others, and create sustainable careers in a variety of industries. In an era where traditional job markets may be uncertain or limited, entrepreneurship provides an empowering alternative to the conventional workforce, allowing individuals to take ownership of their professional journeys.
Advancing Black Youth and Disadvantaged Communities: Entrepreneurship plays a pivotal role in advancing Black youth and other disadvantaged communities by creating avenues for wealth generation and reducing economic disparities. This workshop will emphasize how entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for social mobility, helping participants build businesses that serve their communities, create local job opportunities, and contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty. By equipping participants with the tools to succeed, this workshop fosters a new generation of diverse entrepreneurs who can lead impactful businesses and contribute to the economic vitality of their neighborhoods.
Learning objectives
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Learn the basics of business planning, financing, and marketing
- Understand the challenges and opportunities in the current entrepreneurial landscape
- Gain insights into how to scale a small business sustainably
- Connect with mentors and peers to build a supportive entrepreneurial network
- Learn strategies to overcome the barriers that disproportionately impact Black youth and marginalized communities in business
This workshop is more than just an introduction to entrepreneurship; it is a catalyst for creating lasting change, helping individuals from underrepresented communities achieve economic empowerment and success. Join us to begin your journey toward becoming a confident, capable entrepreneur who can thrive in today’s ever-changing economic landscape.
Government Contracting 101
Our workshop is an intensive, 2 day introduction to government contracting, giving you the information you need to understand procurement from start to finish — from acquisition planning through contract closeout. You’ll analyze key issues fully and receive a clear understanding of their practical application to your everyday job responsibilities. You’ll learn how federal contracting really works, how to find solutions to common problems, how to understand the content of key contract documents and how the regulatory environment impacts business decisions. All of this is accomplished through dynamic lectures, case studies and interactive exercises.
Learning objectives
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Find solutions to common problems
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Locate, understand and implement the rules of contracting
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Identify important sources of marketing information
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Use the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) as a primary resource document
- Utilize the keys to successful contract administration
Skills
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Acquisition planning
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Contract/procurement planning
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Contract closeout
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Contract types
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Cost estimates
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Ethics in acquisition
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Performance assessment and surveillance (vendor)
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Requirements package
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Source selection processes and criteria
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Statements of work
- Business Plans and Capability Statements