IVP Header 2021 

Objectives:

  • Facilitate training and business advice for 10 aspiring and established business owners
  • Provide 6 learning sessions to assist business owners in developing a final business presentation
  • Facilitate learning sessions where participants are introduced to topics and practical information necessary for running the day-to-day operations of a growing business
  • Develop interactive learning sessions where participants hear from and interact with the facilitator who shares practical information on business management and then, from a panel of experienced subject matter experts with various perspectives and different backgrounds
  • Facilitate opportunities for participants for hands on learning, interaction with other participants and interaction with practitioners and subject matter experts
  • Create environments for learning with participants at similar growth points
  • Ensure business owners understand their pricing model, profit margins, monthly expenses and revenue and sales goals
  • Measure the learning of presented information with weekly homework assignments and a final business presentation on April 21, 2021

To graduate and receive the grant, Businesses must:

  • Attend all classes
  • Submit all weekly homework assignments
  • Meet with each business advisor twice
  • Meet with the Facilitator weekly
  • Give a Final 15 minute presentation on April 21, 2021

 

Important Links:

Business Advisory Calls with Will Holmes: https://whc.as.me/ivp

Questions for Will? Email tatiana@whcusa.com

Legal Mentor- Carlos Juan Santos cjsantos@nemphosbraue.com

Accounting Mentor- Lakia Bourne lakiam@synergyacctg.com

Mentor Human Resources Mentor- Dr. Johnetta Thurston Jthurston@getjda.com

Template for Final Presentation (Due April 21, 2021)

After each class. we will send the recording to the group for review. However, attendance is expected in each class. No excuses, please. 

LEARNING SESSIONS

Week One for Businesses
Wednesday, March 10, 2021 | 6pm to 9pm | Zoom Log In for Businesses 

Topic: Introductions, Program Orientation & Business Challenges
Facilitators: Keasha Haythe, Tatiana Nelson-Joseph and Will Holmes

During this 3 hour session, we will discuss the goals of the program, expectations and the final presentation. Participants will introduce themselves and share (in 3 minutes): Name; Business Name; Target Customers and 12-month Revenue Goal. We will discuss the importance of the 12 month Cash Flow Projections, which will be the foundation of planning the growth of the business.

HOMEWORK WEEK 1

Resources:

 

Week Two for Businesses 
Wednesday, March 17, 2021 | 6pm to 9pm | Zoom Log In

Topic: Building a Sustainable Organization’s Infrastructure
Facilitator: Will Holmes
Panelists:  TBD

During this 3 hour session, for the first half, the facilitator will lead an interactive discussion on the Participants’ greatest challenges and how to address them with market research, customer segmentation, infrastructure, technology, planning and coordination of people and processes. During the second half, we will be joined by a panel of successful business leaders who will share their experiences, take questions and offer advice. Homework will be assigned to be submitted by the next class.

HOMEWORK WEEK 2

Resources:

 

Week Three for Businesses 
Wednesday, March 24, 2021 | 6pm to 9pm | Zoom Log In

Topic: Leading People & Planning for Growth
Facilitator: Will Holmes
Panelists: TBD

During this 3 hour session, for the first half, the facilitator will lead an interactive discussion on the Participants’ greatest challenges and how to address them with effective techniques for assessing the needs of the market, identifying organizational goals and creating win/ win situations with team members to ensure success. We will also discuss pricing, operational strategy, basic project management and allocation of time, people and resources. During the second half, we will be joined by a panel of 3 successful business leaders who will share their experiences, take questions and offer advice. Homework will be assigned to be submitted by the next class.

HOMEWORK WEEK 3

Resources:

 

Week Four for Businesses 
Wednesday, March 31, 2021 | 6pm to 9pm | Zoom Log In

Topic: Marketing & Selling B2G, B2B & B2C
Facilitator: Will Holmes
Panelists: TBD

During this 3 hour session, for the first half, the facilitator will lead an interactive discussion on the Participants’ greatest challenges and how to address them with effective market research, identifying target customers, lead generation, business development, proposal writing, strategic partnerships and relationship building. During the second half, we will be joined by a panel of representatives from government procurement offices and local anchor institutions who want to do business with smaller companies. They will share their experiences, take questions and offer advice. After the panel, we will have a discussion on social media strategy and management. Homework will be assigned to be submitted by the next class.

HOMEWORK WEEK 4

Resources:

 

Week Five for Businesses 
Wednesday, April 7, 2021 | 6pm to 9pm | Zoom Log In

Topic: Accounting, Human Resources, Legal, Taxes & Insurance
Facilitator: Will Holmes
Panelists: TBD

During this 3 hour session, for the first half, the facilitator will lead an interactive discussion on the Participants’ greatest challenges and how to address them with better compliance and internal controls. We will examine best practices in Human Resources, Accounting, Contracts, Taxes and Insurance. During the second half, we will be joined by a panel consisting of a HR consultant, accountant, attorney and a financial advisor. They will share their experiences, take questions and offer advice. Homework will be assigned to be submitted by the next class.

HOMEWORK WEEK 5

Resources:

 

Week Six for Businesses 
Wednesday, April 14, 2021 | 6pm to 9pm | Zoom Log In

Topic: Preparing for Capital & Essential Financial Documentation
Facilitator: Will Holmes
Panelists: TBD

During this 3 hour session, for the first half, the facilitator will lead an interactive discussion on the Participants’ greatest challenges and how to address them with accessing capital from various sources and preparing the financial documentation and narratives necessary to attract funding. During the second half, we will be joined by a panel of lenders, investors and accountants who will share their experiences, take questions and offer advice. Homework will be assigned to be submitted by the final session.

HOMEWORK WEEK 6  –>>Business Owners must complete homework questionnaire and schedule a one-on-one with Will Holmes to discuss their progress on their final presentation. Use this link for a 30 minute call.

Resources:

 

Wednesday, April 21, 2021 Graduation for Businesses
Zoom Log In

Topic: Presentations and Graduation
Facilitators: Keasha Haythe and Will Holmes

During our final 3 hour session, we will bring all the Participants together for presentations to local lenders and government agencies. Participants can cheer on the presenters and ask questions about their growth plans. After the presentations are complete, we will have a graduation ceremony. Certificates of Completion will be sent digitally to all Participants who completed the program.

Final Presentation Template