By Zack Miller at September 9, 2012 | 5:13 pm | Print
Interested in starting your own business? If so, the resources on this page may help you get started.
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NEW! OPPINC ENTREPRENEURSHIP GRANT?
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Opportunity Inc. may be able to help you start your own business. As a member of the Virginia Employment Through Opportunity Consortium (VETEC), a US Department of Labor funded initiative, Opportunity Inc. will provide entrepreneurship training, mentorship and other services to 250 Hampton Roads area adult and dislocated workers eligible for services under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). This is a brand new program scheduled start Fall 2012.
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Overview
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Opportunity Inc., or OppInc, has a grant to provide entrepreneurship training under the U.S. Department of Labor?s Workforce Innovation Fund as part of a three region Virginia consortium that includes organizations in Northern Virginia and Richmond. In Hampton Roads, the program will provide 250 adult and dislocated workers eligible for Workforce Investment Act (WIA) services with comprehensive entrepreneurship training and technical assistance. All clients will receive customized training in a core curriculum that includes: business planning; accounting; finance and credit; and sales and marketing. The educational component will be further enriched with services that include entrepreneurship mentoring; networking and special events; and specialized training in areas like federal contracting.
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Eligibility and Enrollment
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OppInc is responsible for determining client eligibility and enrollment into the program. Basic eligibility guidelines can be found at the?link.
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This program is part of a formal study being conducted by IMPAQ International to identify the optimal mix of services for preparing individuals to become successful entrepreneurs. As a study, participants will be chosen at random by IMPAQ from those OppInc has determined to be eligible. Approximately 50% of those who apply will be chosen to participate in the program.
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Program Services
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Old Dominion University and Tidewater Community College will jointly provide entrepreneurship training. Old Dominion University will manage the overall program and coordinate the various enrichment activities. Program services include:
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???????? Core Training ? All clients will complete a core training program that includes the following courses and concludes with creating a business plan.?
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o?? Simple Steps for Starting a Business ? Helps clients through the basic step-by-step process of how to start a business and provides them with the tools and templates to turn their business idea into reality. Areas of focus include: Creating a Business Concept Outline; How to Write an Effective Business Plan; Creating a Successful Marketing and Sales Strategy, including Website Design and Market Research; and Financial Projections and Funding Sources, including Business Loans.
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o?? Business Planning ? This is in-depth training provided through a combination of classroom training and individual consultation to create an operational Business Plan, including selecting a legal structure, tax obligations, cash flow planning, and operational planning.
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o?? Accounting ? Training covers basic accounting and finance principles for responsible money management, including record keeping, tax issues, financial statement analysis, cash budgeting, investments and financial management tools such as QuickBooks.
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o?? Finance and Credit ? Training covers financing options available to entrepreneurs and helps them to understand how a positive credit score and building credit can impact financing necessary to start a business.
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o?? Sales and Marketing ? Through a combination of classroom training and monthly group workshops, participants learn to creatively sell their goods or services, effectively market their business, and develop a marketing plan. Interactive group workshops will help participants to master their marketing message and create a brief elevator speech that can be tested on one another that captures the essence of what their business does.
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o?? Website Development/Social Media ? Through a combination of classroom training and individualized consultation, participants will learn how to build a website, understand how to communicate effectively through it, and how to create and market through social media. All successful participants will have a published website for their business upon completion.
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???????? Entrepreneurship Mentoring Program ? Clients will be matched with a successful small business owner who will serve as a mentor and business advisor. Mentors will also facilitate peer support group activities.
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???????? Specialized Training ? ODU will conduct or facilitate access to specialized training for clients who need specific instruction not provided in the core program (above). Specialized training may be provided through individual instruction, classes or special workshops and cover topics such as federal procurement, government contracts or subcontracting, exporting and specialized trade businesses. Lastly, participants will meet regularly meet with ODU program staff to assist them with any individual issues and provide one-on-one technical assistance.
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???????? Networking/Special Events ? The program will host special events to help clients effectively network and provide tips and techniques that can be used in other business settings. Monthly peer networking and support groups will provide an opportunity for program participants to utilize their networking skills, interact with one another and discuss any difficulties or challenges. Outside speakers will provide guidance and talk about their own experiences starting a business. Clients will also be connected to other events and workshops in the community such as those held by Chambers of Commerce and other business organizations.
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If you are interested in learning more, send us a message and we will add you to the list of those to be contacted when the program starts. Please include your full name, telephone number and email address.
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Opportunity Inc. of Hampton Roads
500 E. Plume Street, Suite 700
Norfolk, Virginia 23510
Phone: 757-314-2370
Fax: 757-622-0944
Email: Click HERE
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OTHER RESOURCES
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VA Department of Business Assistance (DBA)
DBA Homepage
Steps to starting a new business
VA Business One-Stop
Small Business Resource Guide
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Virginia Economic Development Partnership
Starting a Business in VA
VA Guide to Establishing a Business, 2011-12
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State Corporation Commission
Entity Formation
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Virginia Employment Commission
VA Business Resource Directory, 2006
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http://www.opp-inc.org/entrepreneurship-resources?utm_source=DNC+Master+List&utm_campaign=550cd468aa-Fast_Facts_09_10_129_7_2012&utm_medium=email
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Resources
Source: http://www.siliconanchornews.com/oppinc/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=oppinc
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