Starting a Business 101 Workshop

Date : October 6, 2025
Time : 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Instructor : Michael Gordon
Cost : $6,000 JMD ; $4,500 (early bird)
Modality : 100% Online

Workshop Description

A great idea is at the heart of every innovation! As a result, ideation is critical to the success of any project. In this course you will learn how to utilize a 3-step model to enable highly creative ideation sessions, which allows one to generate hundreds of ideas before sorting and converting them into the final concept.

At the end of this course, you will be able to synthesize your brilliant idea then be able to create a sustainable business model that can take the idea to the market and create a high impact.

 
At the end, you will be able to:

• Identify entrepreneurial ideas by understanding industries, customer decision-making, and business modeling.
• Learn how to truly know your target customer, your customer’s underserved needs, your value proposition, your product feature set, and your user experience, then integrate this knowledge into product and market requirements and positioning plans.
• Understand the 4 steps in the ideation process namely Brainstorming, Brain-dumping, Brainwriting, and brain-walking.

 
Who is this workshop for?

⮞ Entrepreneurs (Aspiring and/or Start-ups)
⮞ Full-time employees looking to start a business career
⮞ Training Consultants

Date : October 7 , 2025
Time : 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Instructor : Hazel O’Connor
Cost : $6,000 JMD ; $4,500 (early bird)
Modality : 100% Online

Workshop Description

A well-written business plan takes time, patience and detail, research, and the right presentation approach. This course is designed for new and existing business owners & entrepreneurs interested in knowing how to write a business plan and covers the fundamentals of writing a business plan; such as the rationale, importance, benefits, and different components of a business plan.

 
At the end, you will be able to:

• Understand what is a Business Plan and what is its purpose
• Learn why you need to write one for your business
• Know what are the 6 main components of the business plan
• Learn practical skills on how to write each component of a Business Plan including Executive Summary, Company Description, Marketing Analysis, Description of Products and Services, Marketing and Sales, and Financial Projections
• Conduct the research to find the data you need to support your decisions, describe your business, your products and services and list how you match up against your competitor’s strengths

 
Who is this workshop for?

⮞ Entrepreneurs (Aspiring and/or Start-ups)
⮞ Full-time employees looking to start a business career
⮞ An existing company looking for a new business launch
⮞ Training Consultants

Date : October 9 & 13, 2025
Time : 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.
Instructor : Tennille Howell-Hussey
Cost : $6,000 JMD ; $4,500 (early bird)
Modality : 100% Online

Workshop Description

One of the best ways to secure funding for your ideas is to pitch to investors. A pitch is a short and precise presentation of the solution that highlights the most important features and makes the audience fall in love with you and your idea.

This practical session will empower participants to learn and practice what it takes to create a n impactful and compelling pitch.

At the end, you will be able to:

• Structure your business idea through usage of business plan templates, financial spreadsheets and other resources included in the course.
• The importance of storytelling in pitching
• The most effective way to structure your pitch deck
• How to handle questions and objections effectively
• How to develop and or adapt your own presentational style
• Understand the etiquette and behaviors of anyone involved in “pitching”
• Understand the factors required to be considered when planning to pitch

Who is this workshop for? 

⮞ Entrepreneurs (Aspiring and/or Start-ups)
⮞ Full-time employees looking to start a business career
⮞ Training Consultants

Date : October 14, 2025
Time : 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Instructor : Michael Collins
Cost : $6,500.00 ; $4,500 (early bird)
Modality : 100% Online

Workshop Description

Fundraising is a method of obtaining money or other resources for a particular purpose. It is also referred to as the efforts and activities made to pique the interest of potential investors. Fundraising is a significant initiative undertaken to help sponsor a goodwill or charitable cause and help balance the quality of life and wealth distribution within a nation.

In this workshop you will learn the process of fundraising, accessing grants from agencies, foundations, and corporations.

At the end, you will be able to:

• Research, find, and contact potential investors in your industry
• Get investors interested in your project
• Stand out from thousands of entrepreneur competing for money
• Distinguish between crowdfunding, microloans, traditional loans and investment
• Distinguish between the different types of investors (Angel Investors, Venture Capitalist,    Peer to peer investors, Incubators and Accelerators)
• Prepare your business to receive funding
• Set achievable financial goals
• Determine the effectiveness of current fundraising activities
• Create a useful timeline of fundraising activities

Who is this workshop for? 

⮞ Entrepreneurs (Aspiring and/or Start-ups)
⮞ Emerging leaders
⮞ Business Consultants

Date : November 17 & 19, 2025
Time : 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Instructor : Sandra Lawrence
Cost (early bird): $4,500 for single workshop; $20,000 (if done with the other bundle courses)
Modality : 100% Online

Workshop Description

In this course, you will be introduced to the basic principles of record-keeping and the different aspects of business financing tools that are essential for budgeting, as well as current business trends in cost-cutting and increasing profits.

You will learn how to work your way through the accounting cycle and be able to read and produce key financial statements.

At the end of this course, you will understand important budgeting concepts, time tested strategies that you will be able to easily implement for your business.

 
At the end, you will be able to:

• Understand basic financial concepts: (gross) income, expenses, profit and loss (net income).
• Summarize the need and purpose of a business budget.
• Track income and expenses.
• Keep track of income and expenses by use of cash book entry; the various books to be kept for proper record keeping of your business activities, entry system in bookkeeping, single entry system, the double entry system; debit and credit, balance sheets, and operating assets and liabilities.
• Describe procedures involved in business savings and cost cutting.
• Describe the purpose and processes involved in payroll budgeting.

 
Who is this workshop for?

⮞ Managers and professionals who regularly work with financial reports
⮞ Non-financial professionals with the core principles of financial reporting
⮞ Entrepreneurs
⮞ Accountants

Date : October 27 & 28, 2025 
Time : 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Instructor : TBD
Cost (early bird): $4,500 for single workshop; $20,000 (if done with the other bundle courses)
Modality : 100% Online

Workshop Description

This course will provide an overview and direct approach to managing tax compliance with regulatory reporting while keeping localized requirements in mind. It will also highlight methods to avoid tax-related challenges.

This session will provide practical knowledge from solution and implementation experts who have years of experience advising global companies on similar challenges and assisting in the containment of operational costs and the improvement of bottom-line results.

 
At the end, you will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental role that taxes play in the management of Jamaica
• Have comprehensive knowledge of all elements of tax compliance
• Understand compliance issues
• Have thorough knowledge of the organization of Tax administration in Jamaica
• Be knowledgeable of the various tax laws and their associated regulations
• Understand the various tax types and tax rates
• Understand and interpret the tax consequences for Companies & Businesses

 
Who is this workshop for?

⮞ Entrepreneurs (Aspiring and/or Start-ups)
⮞ Full-time employees looking to start a business career
⮞ Business Consultants

Date : November 11 & 13, 2025
Time : 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.
Instructor : Dr. Jamie-Lee Williams
Cost (early bird): $4,500 for single workshop; $20,000 (if done with the other bundle courses)
Modality : 100% Online

Workshop Description

An effective cost accounting system provides information that can impact the operational and financial performances of an entity.

You will learn how cost accounting information is developed and used for various purposes in different types of business entities. You will also learn ways of assigning various costs, such as direct costs, indirect costs, fixed costs, variable costs, inventorial costs and period costs.

At the end, you will be able to:

• Have a clear understanding of how to calculate and deliver an ROI (Return on Investment) Analysis to stakeholders and clients.
• Have an awareness of the positive impact an ROI prediction can make in proving the success of a training project undertaken.
• Spot areas of improvement in ROI presentations made, based on your improved theoretical and practical knowledge on the subject.
• Differentiate between different cost estimating methods.
• Identify and define common costs and groupings that make up the traditional selling price model.
• Discuss traits or qualifications common to a successful estimator.
• Generate selling price estimate for a product

Who is this workshop for? 

⮞ Managers and professionals who regularly work with financial reports
⮞ Non-financial professionals with the core principles of financial reporting
⮞ Entrepreneurs
⮞ Accountants
⮞ Training Consultants

Date : October 29 & 30, 2025
Time : 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Instructor : Najay Murray
Cost (early bird): $4,500 for single workshop; $20,000 (if done with the other bundle courses)
Modality : 100% Online

Workshop Description

This course is designed to provide a basic understanding of financial statements with emphasis on the balance sheet.

At the end of this course, it is expected that participants will be more proactive in their decision making and appreciate the value of financial reports as well as gain a new sense of confidence when dealing with finance professionals.

Participants will also learn how to think about finance and translate various measures of performance into financial terms.

At the end, you will be able to:

• Better understand financial terminologies information and implications.
• Apply basic financial concepts that remove guesswork from decision making
• Understand the logical flow of accounting information which culminates in the preparation of financial statements Understand the nexus between the income statement and balance sheet.
• Calculate and interpret financial ratios.
• Analyze cash flow statements.
• Understand the role of working capital in the financing of the operations of business.
• Relate a department’s financial performance to the bigger organizational picture.

Who is this workshop for? 

⮞ Entrepreneurs (Aspiring and/or Start-ups)
⮞ Emerging leaders
⮞ Business Consultants

Date : November 3 & 4, 2025
Time : 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Instructor : Jenise Bolton-Sanchez
Cost (early bird): $4,500 for single workshop; $20,000 (if done with the other bundle courses)
Modality : 100% Online

 
Workshop Description

In this course, you will learn how to utilize the well-known accounting tool, QuickBooks Pro as well as other accounting software.

This course will equip you with the knowledge needed to fulfill your professional demands like an expert, whether you are an accountant, bookkeeper, or small business owner learning about financial management.

 
At the end, you will be able to:

• Create a company file and create new QuickBooks users
• Import data from Microsoft Excel into QuickBooks
• How to setup customer invoicing and accounts receivable
• Pay bills, track purchase orders, and set up accounts payable
• Create a chart of accounts
• Run reports on revenue, inventory, expenses, and more
• Create a customized invoice with local, regional, and state sales tax

 
Who is this workshop for?

⮞ Entrepreneurs
⮞ Senior Management Team
⮞ Business Consultants
⮞ Team Managers and Supervisors
⮞ Emerging Leaders
⮞ Business Consultants

Date : October 15 -16, 2025
Time : 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Instructor : Khalia Phillips
Cost : $6,000 JMD ; $4,500 JMD (early bird)
Modality : 100% Online

Workshop Description

This course is an introduction to the design, creation, and maintenance of web pages and websites. Participants will learn how to evaluate website quality, how to create and maintain quality web pages, learn about web design standards and why they’re important, and learn to create and manipulate images.

 
At the end, you will be able to:

• Understand the standards and importance of Website Design
• Understand how to evaluate website quality
• Understand How to create and maintain web pages
• Online advertising and browsing behavior
• Utilize Shopify, WooCommerce, Wix and Amazon E-commerce service
• Understand and choose a local internet merchant account

 
Who is this workshop for?

⮞ Entrepreneurs (Aspiring and/or Start-ups)
⮞ Full-time employees looking to start a business career
⮞ Training Consultants

Date :October 20, 2025
Time : 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Instructor : Mrs. Tennille Howell-Hussey
Cost : $6,000 JMD ; $4,500 JMD (early bird)
Modality : 100% Online

Workshop Description

Many micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) struggle not because their product or service is bad, but because they don’t fully understand the market they are serving. A Market Analysis equips business owners with the knowledge to make informed decisions, identify opportunities, and stay ahead of competitors.

This interactive workshop will guide MSME owners and managers through the essentials of analyzing their market, helping them answer critical marketing questions.

At the end, you will be able to:

• Define their target market and customer segments clearly.
• Assess market size and growth potential relevant to their business.
• Identify competitors, strengths, and weaknesses in their industry.
• Spot trends, opportunities, and risks that could shape their business future.
• Use market analysis to inform pricing, marketing, and expansion strategies.

Who is this workshop for?

• Micro & Small Business Owners 
• Growing MSMEs 
• Start-up Entrepreneurs
• Business Development & Marketing Managers
• Cooperatives & Community-Based Enterprises

Date : October 20, 2025
Time : 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Instructor : Ms. Kadian Taylor
Cost : $6,000 JMD ; $4,500 JMD (early bird)
Modality : 100% Online

 
Workshop Description

This course is designed to provide an understanding of the principles of digital marketing. There will be a focus on the marketing tools and trends that can be readily used to promote your business.

It will include topics such as environmental analysis, industry and competitor analysis, objective setting, marketing strategies and marketing mix components such as pricing, distribution, product and service development and promotion including both traditional and digital marketing communication.

Additionally, the course will provide opportunities for the practical implementation of the concepts covered. 

At the end, you will be able to:

• Formulate, plan, and implement effective digital marketing strategies
• Apply the practical knowledge, tools and techniques involved with Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Apply the practical knowledge, tools and techniques involved with Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
• Demonstrate how to utilize social listening in Digital Marketing
• Create and maintain a positive online image and to effectively manage their company/product’s reputation
• Develop an engaging and effective social media strategy for your business
• Build an inbound social media strategy that delights your customers and grows your bottom line
• Create an ads strategy to amplify your business message to a targeted audience

 
Who is this workshop for? 

⮞ Marketing Managers looking to upskill their digital marketing expertise.
⮞ Content marketers looking to broaden their skillset.
⮞ Entrepreneurs.
⮞ Students looking for an introduction to digital marketing.

Date : October 22, 2025
Time : 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Instructor : Ms. Kadian Taylor
Cost : $6,000 JMD ; $4,500 JMD (early bird)
Modality : 100% Online

Workshop Description

In this course, participants will be introduced to simple and easy to apply methods to monetize their social media pages.

This course will teach participants to understand the importance of monetizing their social media as well as some key benefits that come with social media monetization, which will help them and/or their business/company create a new stream of income.

 
At the end, you will be able to:

• Understand the concept of social media monetization
• Understand how social media sales work
• Understand how to monetize social media as an influencer
• Understand how to monetize social media B2B (Business to Business)
• Understand the different methods of social media monetization
• Focus on strategies where leads come to you, instead of you going to them.

 
Who is this workshop for?

⮞ Entrepreneurs (Aspiring and/or Start-ups)
⮞ Full-time employees looking to start a business career
⮞ Individuals looking to become a full-time influencer

Bank details

Account Name : University of the Commonwealth Caribbean
Bank : National Commercial Bank
Branch : St. James Street Branch
Account type : Current Account
Account # : 431131218

 
Direct Transfer Instructions :

• Please include in the remarks section that the payment is for the BDCI webinar
• Once payment is made complete and submit this form to complete registration.

Payment via Cari-Flo

Online payments for the workshops are facilitated through Cari-Flo, click here to get started.

 
Online Payment Instructions :

• Once payment is made complete and submit this form to complete registration.