EasyTrain Step Into Business Course

Planning to start your own Business?

The Colchester Business Enterprise Agency (Colbea) provides advice, guidance and training for people who want to start their own business. Every month, Colbea runs a three-day ‘EasyTrain Step Into Business’ Course designed especially to help people understand what is involved in starting-up and trading a new business and guide them through the completion of a Business Plan. The course is funded by Business Link for Essex and is provided free of charge to eligible attendees.

Most of the people who attend this course have no previous experience of running a business, so the course is geared to helping people make the transition from whatever they have been doing into self-employment. Experience has shown that people who attend this course and get additional guidance from the Agency’s professional Business Advisers and Trainers have a greater chance of starting and running their business successfully.

What is included in this course?

EasyTrain Step Into Business course covers all the main subjects that are normally included in the process of putting together a business plan – all presented in an easy to understand format. Each day covers different aspects of the start-up process and at the end of the course you’ll get guidance and feedback on the viability of your business idea.

The course is specially designed to allow you time between each day of the course to undertake the research and other work you will need to complete a draft of your business plan by the end of the programme.

You will be supplied with a business plan format, together with notes and other information that will help you understand the requirements of setting-up and trading a new business.

The course includes:

• Registering your new business; what type of business are you running?
• Business names; what will you call your business - and are there any restrictions?
• Trading legally; what laws and legislation will impact on your business?

Business Finance

• Sources of finance; where will you get it and how will you get it?
• Financial planning; understanding sales, cash flow and profitability forecasting.
• Break-even forecasting; determining the break-event point for your business.

Day 2 – Marketing and Market Research 

• Marketing communications; advertising and promoting your business.
• Marketing research; determining your target market, sources of market information.
• Selling; Setting your price structures, understanding customer needs, forecasting sales and setting budgets, making the most of networks.
• Marketing planning; using the 4 'P's and the 3'C's to create an effective marketing plan.

Day 3  –  Managing Your Business and Maximising Your Sales

• Income tax, corporation tax and VAT; what are they and how will they affect your business?
• Keeping accounts and records; how can you manage your administration effectively?
• Effective use of ICT; putting websites and e-mail to work for your business.

Contact Colbea on 01206 548833 or by email for more information and to reserve your place on a course.  For the latest training schedule please click here.