Created by Thunderbird School of Global Management leaders in global business education, DreamBuilder programs are specifically designed for the unique needs of women entrepreneurs. Programs will teach you tried-and-true methods based in today’s technology and market.
Both programs are offered in English or Spanish, and teach through engaging and interactive courses.
A step-by-step framework for launching your own small business
13
courses
Approximately 25-30
hours to complete
You receive:
A personalized business plan
DreamBuilder courses are bundled together to create a step-by-step framework for launching or growing your own small business. Most courses take one to two hours to complete, and can be completed at your own pace whenever and wherever it is most convenient for you.
These courses will guide you through the process of launching or growing your own business. At the end of the program, you will have a completed, personalized business plan that will help turn your dream into a reality.
This course will help you decide whether or not to follow your dream of starting or growing a business.
You’ll learn the rewards that entrepreneurship brings, the challenges that you might face and the traits of successful entrepreneurs. You’ll also see how your decision to become an entrepreneur will impact you, your family, and your community.
At the end of this course, you will be introduced to the business plan tool that is built
into this program, and will
start working on your business plan.
Course Topics
In this course, you will explore your business idea in greater detail. You will learn about internal and external sources of business ideas and the importance of sharing your idea for feedback. You will learn about customers and competitors, start to do some market research, and think about laws and regulations that may apply to your business idea.
Course Topics
In this course, you will learn what a business plan is and why you need it. You will review the different sections of a business plan, and explore some ways it can guide your decision-making. You will learn about the DreamBuilder business plan generator and resources.
Course Topics
In this course, you will identify the type of business you will start or grow: a product-based business, a service-based business, or a combined product and service-based business. You will be guided through all of the steps and activities required to make your product or deliver your service.
Course Topics
In this course, you will discover why marketing is important. You will learn how to communicate the value of your product or service to potential customers. You will find out how to identify your target market and learn about the importance of positioning and branding. You will create an elevator speech, and explore ways to share your story through advertising and digital marketing.
Course Topics
In this course, you will learn how to set prices for your product or service. You will think about the value customers get from your product or service and the price they are willing to pay. You will learn how to calculate costs and decide on pricing that works for your business. You will review the difference between direct and indirect costs and consider what to do if your costs are too high. Finally, you will be encouraged to make sure that your pricing fits with your marketing message.
Course Topics
In this course, you will learn about selling, and how it contributes to your overall success as an entrepreneur. You will consider why people buy your product or service. You will explore the importance of looking beyond a single sale and the benefits of excellent customer service. Finally, you will consider how every employee is a salesperson and learn how to make a sales projection.
Course Topics
In this course, you will learn how to manage the different areas of your business to keep on top of things and make a profit. This includes hiring, training, and managing employees. You will review how to manage family members and good and bad employees. You will consider how to manage your time, money, and information.
Course Topics
In this course, you will learn how to determine if your business is earning a profit, and consider what to do if your business isn’t profitable. You will review the concepts of profit, loss, and break even. You will examine the sections of a Profit and Loss Statement and how to use this document. You will consider some reasons why your business may not make a profit and how to correct this. Finally, you will explore what to do if your business is profitable.
Course Topics
In this course, you will explore why it is important to have a system for tracking the money that flows in and out of your business. You will learn about bookkeeping and accounting terms and processes, including Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable and the use of a Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Projections. You will see how these statements can help you track the financial health of your business. Finally, you will review other accounting resources.
Course Topics
In this course, you will think about how much money you really need to start or grow your business. You will review different sources of funding, and learn how your business plan can help you get funding.
Course Topics
In this course, you will explore the legal considerations involved in starting or growing a business. You will learn about contracts and agreements and experts who provide guidance with these documents. You will explore possible legal structures for your business. You will review the importance of complying with laws and regulations and dealing with risk.
Course Topics
In this course, you will learn how an Action Plan can help guide your business. You will work on setting goals and identifying potential challenges. You will consider how to leverage your allies and resources and create an Advisory Board and timeline for launch. You will learn how the templates on the DreamBuilder platform may help in all of these areas. Finally, you will print your graduation certificate and business plan.
Course Topics
Learn about different types of capital and how to secure them
1 course
Approx. 2-3 hours to complete
You receive:
A Capital Action Plan
Financing Your Dream will teach you how to determine the needs and sources of funding for your business. You can take this class on its own or as a companion course to DreamBuilder. You will learn about different types of capital and create a Capital Action Plan to secure the funding you need.
Learn the various reasons why entrepreneurs start a business. You will also learn how to clearly define your reason for starting your business in what is called a Statement of Purpose.
Learn about the different types of capital available, the costs and characteristics of each, and understanding your capital needs.
Learn the various sources of capital and how to choose what is best for you.
Learn to understand the various types and uses of debt, and how to build your credit in order to be eligible for loans.
Learn about equity, what it takes to give up ownership and the different types of investors that you will meet.
Learn that making “the ask” may not be easy to do and it can make you feel vulnerable, but it’s critical if you want to be successful.
You’ll be encouraged to take the next steps in making your dream a reality, and gain access to your finalized Capital Action Plan.
Prefer taking these courses in a group? Check out our list of partners who host program classes.
Search PartnersDreamBuilder offers practical, useful resources to set you up for success.
Videos
Tools
Templates
Discussion boards
Interactive games
Learning aides
Sponsored by Freeport-McMoRan Foundation, the DreamBuilder program leverages the expertise of Thunderbird School of Global Management, a world leader in international management education, to empower women through education.
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