How to Get Started

Emily Plott & Benjamin Pixie
Pixie Honey Company

We train and provide technical assistance and support for people who are interested in building a small business in order to create income for themselves and their families. Our work with clients covers a comprehensive curriculum that includes the four major elements of microenterprise development programming:

Training and assistance to start and expand a business
Financial literacy training
Strategies to access markets
How to access and get credit

How to Get Started:

The Training Cycle

Each training cycle incorporates the following:

	Orientation - Orientations are held regularly throughout the year. These orientations are free to the public and provide background information about our training program, entrepreneurial support services and our organization. It is also a place to gain some knowledge about prospective participants, answer questions and provide introductory materials.
	Business Readiness Workshop - This workshop is for the people who came to the orientation and are interested in getting clearer with their business idea. This workshop provides to those who are interested in starting their new business the information they will need to decide whether they want to participate in our classes. The sessions provide an accurate picture of what will be required to launch a new business - risks, costs, and rewards. They also give participants a chance to see a finished business plan and learn about the commitment and hard work that is necessary to succeed in the training and eventually with their own businesses. Participants will be asked to clarify the details of their business idea and present the information to their fellow classmates at the end of the training session. A modest financial commitment is required of each person who signs up for the class. No one is turned away if they cannot pay.

	Business Planning Training - Our very experiential course covers all of the main areas of business planning, including marketing, pricing, competition, customer service, financing and bookkeeping. In addition, the training program gives participants practical, hands-on experience in developing their business plans. Specialists in the different areas of the training present periodically.Participants gain many skills in addition to the business planning tools they need for their small businesses. These skills impact their confidence level, self-esteem and organization as they refine their presentation of their products and services.

	Robin Lee of Joyous Creations tabling at the June 2007 Business Showcase Post Training Support- To graduate, participants must attend at least eight of the ten sessions, actively participate in the classroom discussion, pay appropriate fees, write and submit a completed business plan. There are also required to present a summary of their plan at our Business Showcase (Graduation), which is a community celebration of their accomplishments. Generally 60-90 people from the community attend these free graduation celebrations. Enterprise for Equity trainers and other specialists review each business plan and are available for technical assistance after the class is over. Learning Circles meet regularly to provide a safe, supportive, energizing community in which Enterprise for Equity graduates can test out new ideas, receive input on how to tackle challenges, celebrate their successes, and continue the learning process that began in the business training.
	Evaluation - We conduct an informal written evaluation of the program and track graduates over time. We use the information we receive from current and past participants to tailor, improve and adjust the services we provide. This year's program reflects the changes we have made based on feedback from participants and other factors. We value all feedback we receive and always look for opportunities to improve all that we offer and do.

"If you don't have a solid business plan you're not going to go anywhere. It is vitally important to define your goals and have them close to you." At Enterprise for Equity, "I got to hear other people's versions of what they're doing. I realized the amount of time I needed to give to my business, especially the marketing end of things, and now I'm more focused than I've ever been." - Enterprise for Equity Graduate

Enterprise for Equity
PO Box 1291, Olympia, WA 98507
(360) 704-3375
janice@enterpriseforequity.org