Services
GROW has 4 Program Components:
1. Small Business Readiness and Entrepreneurial Training
This component helps you evaluate your readiness to own a business and the viability of your business idea.
Business Readiness Assessment
The Business Readiness Assessment is comprised of a free Intro to GROW and a 3-part "Start Smart" business fundamentals series at a nominal fee, followed by a one-on-one business readiness counseling session to help you determine your next classes and steps. Intro is offered twice monthly and the Start Smart series is offered 10 times per year. See Calendar for dates/times.
"Minding Your Own Business" (MYOB)
MYOB meets twice weekly for 10 weeks to help women develop the skills and acquire the knowledge needed to operate a business and to write a business plan. Topics include accounting, bookkeeping, marketing, business writing, taxes, financial analysis, and sales. Most classes are taught by professionals and emphasize hands-on application. Classes meet every Monday and Thursday night from 6 to 9 p.m.
The next session of MYOB will begin in September. In order to apply for a seat in the class, you must attend a free Intro to GROW, a Start Smart series, and schedule a one-on-one business readiness counseling session.
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Marketing Plan Boot Camp
Have you started a marketing plan, but never had time to finish it? Do you have several ideas that need prioritizing and polishing? Are you already *in* business, and therefore find that you can't carve out the time for the full-fledged 10-week MYOB class? Do you want to test your idea before taking on the more intense MYOB class? These are all great reasons to consider registering for the Marketing Plan Boot Camp course, which runs 4 Wednesdays in a row.
Courses cover management issues, market research basics, marketing strategies, and finance basics. Pre-requisite: Intro to GROW.
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UpClose Seminars
UpClose Seminars zero in on topics of interest to small business owners and give participants the benefit of straight talk from people in the field. Offered monthly.
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Executive Series Seminars
Topic-specific seminars designed to support existing business owners in areas of capacity building and sustainability. Topics include managing growth, building business net worth, turnaround strategies, HR practices, exit strategies, and access to capital. Offered monthly.
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Ask the Experts Panel Breakfast
A two-hour breakfast meeting during which a panel of experts lead a discussion with participants on a variety of issues relating to business ownership. Offered quarterly.
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2. Business Support Services
Services are available to help you maintain your new or growing business in both individualized and group formats.
Business Counseling
Counseling offers an opportunity for one-to-one consultation in the areas of marketing, finances, and all other business management topics.
Roundtable Series: "Lunch with Punch!"
A free networking and support group held the third Wednesday of each month, noon to 1:00 PM. Topics vary. Bring your lunch, your business cards, a friend, and we'll supply the punch! Call 616.458.3404 to reserve your spot today (seating is limited). All round-tables will be held at GROW. See calendar page for a list of scheduled topics.
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AWE Connections: Biz Connect Luncheons and Dinners
The Alliance of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), an initiative of GROW, is the networking component of GROW, offering training and support for professional business women.
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3. Financial Literacy Training
Financial Literacy is a series of seven weekly classes. Those interested must attend a free Intro to GROW orientation.
Financial Literacy Training
Financial Literacy is intended to improve women's ability to discuss, act upon, and react to the events that shape the economic well-being of themselves and their families. Class topics include an overview of the economy and banking institutions, financial planning and asset accumulation methods, how to read credit reports, budgeting and debt repair, and more.
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4. Individual Development Accounts
IDAs are matched savings accounts dedicated to building assets for small business start-up or expansion. Local funders contribute to a qualified participant's account on a 2:1 ratio to boost economic power and pride. Prerequisite: completion of the Financial Literacy class. Click here to get more information on IDAs.
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