Getting Started

   
"Jumpstart helped me refocus and see the things I missed. It helped prepare me to ask the right questions of my accountant; getting your accounts set up right can be daunting. We had been working as independent contractors, but starting the whole business and understanding what’s personal and what’s not was incredibly useful,” Grace Lunsford - Green Dream Group

Business Tools

 
 



Resource Links



Starting Out

If you're at the exploration stage, or ready to start a business, you’ll need to take steps that will increase the odds of a successful launch.  Our Start-Up Program -- consisting of workshops, seminars, bridge counseling and one-on-one business counseling -- simplifies the process by guiding you through it one step at a time.

STEP 1: FIND OUT HOW WBDC CAN SUPPORT YOU IN STARTING A BUSINESS.

  • Attend an Introduction to the WBDC services and programs, where wine and cheese are served. 
  • Click here for resources and FAQs

STEP 2:  ENROLL IN ONE OF THE WBDC's BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SERIES   


EACH SERIES WILL:  
  • Accelerate the stages of building your own business  
  • Guide you through the transition from employee to business owner  
  • Give you the necessary tools to start and expand your business  
  • Teach you how to move from an idea to a business plan

STEP 3: BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN THEORY AND THE ACTUAL BUSINESS PLAN  

  • After completing one of the workshop series, participate in Bridge Counseling.  
  • A business expert leads Bridge Counseling sessions which are organized in small groups with a maximum of five participants.
  • Attend counseling sessions as often as needed, free of charge. (Appointments are required.)  
  • A major benefit of Bridge Counseling is its ability to keep up your momentum as you work to complete your business plan.  

    STEP 4: REGISTER FOR ONE-ON-ONE BUSINESS COUNSELING  

    • Once you've completed the first draft of your business plan, you're ready for individualized business counseling.  
    • Be sure to bring your business plan to the first counseling session. 

     
    NEXT STEPS 

    • Go to  Workshop Descriptions to learn more about JumpStart Your Business and  FastTrac Planning
    • Go to Calendar of Events  to find out when the two series of workshops and other events at the WBDC are offered.  
    • Decide which workshop series to take and then      
    • Call 312-853-3477 ext. 0 or go on line to register.