Starting a Business 101 Workshop

The Starting a Business 101 Workshops are short courses covering the fundamentals of launching and running a business or start-up, navigating the process with less friction, and capably turning your ideas into a viable product.
 
The series starts in February, runs until May, 2024, and features 19 individual courses, instructed by leading experts and experienced professionals in the industry.
 
All courses are offered individually or bundled, except for the e-commerce sessions, which are only provided as a bundle. There is also an option for participants to access all workshops in the series.
Workshop Bundle #3

Investor Preparedness Workshops

The Investment Preparedness Workshops are for entrepreneurs, startups and founders who require or will soon need funding to launch an idea or scale their business. Over four courses and nine sessions, participants will learn how to formalize their ideas, develop a marketable plan, build a team, prepare to pitch and raise funds.
 
Participants can sign up for individual courses or the entire bundle; see options below :
  • BUNDLE COST: $30,000 JMD
  • EARLY BIRD BUNDLE COST: $24,000.00 JMD (Ending on March 29, 2024)
 
Click + to learn more about each session.

Business Ideation

Date : April 2 & 3, 2024
Time : 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Instructor : Michael Gordon
Cost : $6,000 JMD
Cost: (With Early Bird Discount): $5,000 JMD (Ends on March 29)
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

Business Plan Writing

Date : April 8 & 9, 2024
Time : 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Instructor : Hazel O’Connor
Cost : $6,000 JMD
Cost: (With Early Bird Discount): $5,000 JMD (Ends on March 29)
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

Pitching For Investments

Date : April 24 & 29, 2024
Time : 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.
Instructor : Tennille Howell-Hussey
Cost : $6,000 JMD
Cost: (With Early Bird Discount): $5,000 JMD (Ends on March 29)
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

Fundraising & Partnership

Date : April 30 & May 1, 2024
Time : 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Instructor : Michael Collins
Cost : $6,500.00
Cost: (With Early Bird Discount): $5,000 JMD (Ends on March 29)

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

Team Building

Date : May 7 & 8, 2024
Time : 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Instructor : Tennille Howell-Hussey
Cost : $6,500.00
Cost: (With Early Bird Discount): $5,000 JMD (Ends on March 29)
Modality : 100% Online

 
Workshop Description


A strong team will benefit any organization and lead to more successes than failures. This Team Building workshop will encourage participants to investigate the various aspects of a team as well as ways to become a top-tier team performer.

You will learn about what makes up a team and what factors contribute to being a successful team and team member.

 
At the end, you will be able to:


  • Understand team skills and dynamics required to implement effective changes in the workplace.
  • Diagnose the health of your team and create positive synergy amongst its members.
  • Establish processes for building an effective team and improving communication.
  • Formulate team goals and develop a Plan of Action to achieve them
  • Improve conflict-management and resolution skills
  • Determine clear roles and responsibilities within the team

 
Who is this workshop for?


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

Workshop Bundle #3

Selling on Amazon & eBay Workshops

This introductory course teaches participants the fundamentals of starting and running a successful business on Amazon and eBay as a reseller, manufacturer or distributor. Course topics include optimizing listings for increased sales and decreased advertising costs, knowing what to sell, how to source it, and the processes involved in shipping orders.
 
There are four workshops in this course as follows:
 

Online Ecommerce: Introduction
Online Ecommerce: Amazon
Online Ecommerce: eBay
Online Ecommerce: Getting Started

 
At the end of the course participants will learn how to:
 

Register to start selling on eBay and Amazon
The Amazing verification (ungating) process
Identify and source the best products to sell
Develop product descriptions and listings
Competitive pricing
Set-up a bank account for your business
Launch your store

 
Workshop dates : April 15, 16, 18 & 22, 2024
Instructor : Mr. Barrington McIntosh
 
Bundle cost : $55,000 JMD
Early Bird Bundle cost : $50,000 JMD (Ending on February 18, 2024)
 
 
Workshop Bundle #1

Financial READINESS Workshops

The Financial Preparedness Workshop teaches entrepreneurs and small business owners how to be financially literate and enables them to make informed business decisions to optimize profitability. More importantly, you must understand how to keep proper records and track where your money is coming from and where it’s going.
 
This course covers the essentials such as cash flow management, handling your taxes and preparing for tax season, analyzing financial statements and accounting systems.
 
Participants can sign up for individual courses or the entire bundle; see options below :
  • BUNDLE COST: $30,000 JMD
  • EARLY BIRD BUNDLE COST: $24,000.00 JMD (Ending on March 29, 2024)
Click + to learn more about each session.

Record Keeping and Budgeting

Date : February 28 & 29, 2024
Time : 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Instructor : Colin Coley
Cost : $6,000 JMD
Cost: (With Early Bird Discount): $5,000 JMD (Ends on March 29)
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

Taxation and Compliance

Date : February 19 & 21, 2024
Time : 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Instructor : Colin Coley
Cost : $6,000 JMD
Cost: (With Early Bird Discount): $5,000 JMD (Ends on March 29)
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

Costing, Pricing and ROI

Date : March 4 & 6, 2024
Time : 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.
Instructor : Colin Coley
Cost : $6,000 JMD
Cost: (With Early Bird Discount): $5,000 JMD (Ends on March 29)
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

Understanding Financial Statements

Date : March 11 & May 14, 2024
Time : 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Instructor : Najay Murray
Cost : $6,500.00
Cost: (With Early Bird Discount): $5,000 JMD (Ends on March 29)

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

Introduction to Accounting Systems

Date : March 18 & 20, 2024
Time : 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Instructor : Jenise Bolton-Sanchez
Cost : $6,500.00
Cost: (With Early Bird Discount): $5,000 JMD (Ends on March 29)
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

Workshop Bundle #4

Marketing Tools Workshops

Are you ready to take your business to the next level? Our comprehensive Business Management workshop is designed to equip you with the essential tools and knowledge to excel in today’s dynamic business landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur looking to enhance your marketing strategies or a newcomer seeking to establish a strong foundation, our workshop has something for everyone.
 
Participants can sign up for individual courses or the entire bundle; see options below :
  • BUNDLE COST: $30,000 JMD
  • EARLY BIRD BUNDLE COST: $24,000.00 JMD (Ending on March 29, 2024)
Click + to learn more about each session.

Market Testing

Date : May 13, 2024
Time : 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Instructor : Mrs. Tennille Howell-Hussey
Cost : $6,000 JMD
Cost: (With Early Bird Discount): $5,000 JMD (Ends on March 29)

Modality : 100% Online

 
Workshop Description


In this course, you will learn how to gain customer traction for your products and/or services. You will be introduced to various market validation tools and their effectiveness depending on industry.

This session will provide practical knowledge which you will be able to apply to your business which will ultimately contribute to its growth.

 
At the end, you will be able to:


  • Identify how to create and deliver value for consumer
  • Understand how to extract value for your business effectively
  • Conduct market research to guide the customer discovery process for your business
  • Develop business models that include the product or service, customers, and economic engine that deliver on business objectives

 
Who is this workshop for?


⮞ Business Owners
⮞ Marketing Managers
⮞ Training Consultants
⮞ Employees of Marketing Departments

Sales and Customer Service for MSME's

Date : May 14 & 15, 2024
Time : 6-8pm
Instructor : Tennille Howell-Hussey
Cost : $6,000 JMD
Cost: (With Early Bird Discount): $5,000 JMD (Ends on March 29)

Modality : 100% Online

 
Workshop Description


In this Sales and Customer Service for SMEs and their staff workshop, we will focus on creating a culture of committed staff with the right attitude for service and going the extra mile for delivering results whilst exceeding expectations with the right selling skills.

 

Participants will learn how to


  • Adapt an attitude of customer service.
  • Cope with complaints and find resolutions.
  • Create a Unique Selling Proposition
  • Build Trust & credibility.
  • Relationship selling
  • Identify opportunities to cross-sell and up-sell.
  • Build sales and presentation confidence.
  • Create a solution-based pitch and understand the customer requirements.

Who is this workshop for? 


Entrepreneurs
Sales representatives/ managers
Administrative Assistants
Customer service personnel
Business Consultants
Emerging Leaders

Website Design

Date : May 16 & 20, 2024
Time : 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Instructor : Princess Gaynor
Cost : $6,000 JMD
Cost: (With Early Bird Discount): $5,000 JMD (Ends on March 29)

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

Digital Marketing

Date : April 10, 2024
Time : 6-8pm
Instructor : Ms. Kadian Taylor
Cost : $6,000 JMD
Cost: (With Early Bird Discount): $5,000 JMD (Ends on March 29)
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.

Social Media Monetisation

Date : April 11, 2024
Time : 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Instructor : Ms. Kadian Taylor
Cost : $6,000 JMD
Cost: (With Early Bird Discount): $5,000 JMD (Ends on March 29)

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

Payment & Registration

Payment for the workshops can be made via a direct transfer or via an online payment, see below information for either option.

Carefully select the option that is most convenient and get started, if you have questions or need more information please email us at bdcimanager@ucc.edu.jm or call 1-876-906-3000 ext. 4111 or 4095


Pricing

INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS: $5,000 JMD
BUNDLE COST: $24,000 JMD
ECOMMERCE BUNDLE COST: $55,000 JMD

THREE (3) COURSES: $15,300 JMD
SIX (6) COURSES: $28,800 JMD
NINE (9) COURSES: $40,500 JMD
TWELVE (12) COURSES: $50,400 JMD
FIFTEEN (15) COURSES: $58,500 JMD


Ask about our Early Bird Discounts!

Direct Transfer Option

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.

 

Online Payment Option

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.