Overview

The Talbot Works Business Academy was developed by Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism to address business impacts due to COVID. Linking the latest ideas with timeless business principals, Talbot Works will show you how to increase revenue and sales, manage expenses, hire more people, create a sustainable business model and prepare to access capital. The program is offered at no cost to selected participants! Talbot Works is facilitated by Will Holmes of WHC. Have questions? Email Cassandra at cvanhooser@talbotcountymd.gov

8 Online Sessions Via Zoom

The Talbot Works Business Academy is an eight-week program with online sessions held on Tuesday evenings from 6pm to 9pm EST. Each class will have up to 15 participants. The group is kept small to allow for maximum participation. Participants must be able to attend and participate in all 8 sessions via Zoom, attend one-on-one sessions with mentors (operations, marketing, human resources, law, accounting) via Zoom and prepare a 15-minute PowerPoint presentation about their business and deliver their presentation via Zoom.

Expected Results

WHC has successfully facilitated this curriculum to over 450 graduates. The majority of these graduates have increased revenue, added jobs and are having a positive impact on their local economies. Graduates can expect to have a better understanding of their financial reports, a budget for their growth and a plan to pursue opportunities to attract new clients and access capital from lenders and investors.

Application Process

Business owners must apply to the program to be selected. Those meeting program criteria and selected will be invited to a 15-minute interview via Zoom. Next, up to 15 candidates will be chosen and notified via email to participate in an upcoming cohort. The application is located at the bottom of this webpage. Have questions? Email Cassandra at cvanhooser@talbotcountymd.gov 

Upcoming Cohort Dates

  • February 6, 2024 to March 26, 2024 (Accepting applications now)
  • September 10, 2024 to October 29, 2024

To qualify, participants must have:

  • Annual revenues less than $1.5 million
  • The ability to scale their operations, hire people and have a positive impact on their community

To graduate from the program and receive a Certificate of Completion, participants must:

  • Attend and participate in each class
  • Submit weekly homework assignments before the next class
  • Meet with Senior Advisors each week
  • Meet two times with each of their Law, Accounting and HR mentors
  • Present Cash Flow projections during week 6 one-on-ones
  • Give a Practice Presentation in week 7
  • Give a Final 15-minute PowerPoint presentation in week 8

8-week Curriculum

Week 1: Introductions, Program Orientation, & Business Challenges
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, 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 will be assigned to be submitted by the next class.

Week 2: Building a Sustainable Organization’s Infrastructure
In the first hour, 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 hour, we will be joined by a panel of successful business
leaders who will share their experiences, take questions, and offer advice. During the 3rd
hour we will discuss current business challenges and homework. Homework will be
assigned to be submitted by the next class.

Week 3: Leading People & Planning for Growth
In the first hour, 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
hour, we will be joined by a panel of 3 successful business leaders who will share their
experiences, take questions, and offer advice. During the 3rd hour, we will discuss current
business challenges and homework. Homework will be assigned to be submitted by the
next class.

Week 4: Marketing & Selling B2G, B2B, & B2C
In the first hour, 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 hour, 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
marketing strategy and management. Homework will be assigned to be submitted by the
next class.

Week 5: Accounting, Human Resources, Legal, Taxes & Insurance
In the first hour, 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 hour, 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. During the 3rd hour, we will discuss current business
challenges and homework. Homework will be assigned to be submitted by the next class.

Week 6: Preparing for Capital & Essential Financial Documentation
In the first hour, 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 hour, we will be joined by a panel of lenders, investors, and accountants
who will share their experiences, take questions, and offer advice. During the 3rd hour, we
will discuss the final presentation. Homework will be assigned to be submitted by the next
class.

Week 7: Practice Final Presentations
The facilitator will review the final presentation template and take questions from the
Participants. Then participants will present draft slides for feedback from the facilitator.

Week 8: Presentations and Graduation
During our final 3-hour session, we will bring together all participants for final
presentations. Due to the number of participants and limited time, we will separate into
smaller groups in virtual breakout rooms to hear the presentations. 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.

Sample Session

 

You are invited to apply! Complete the form below to start the application process.

THE APPLICATION PERIOD HAS CLOSED FOR COHORT ONE.

Have questions? Email Cassandra at cvanhooser@talbotcountymd.gov