1. Introduction to Entrepreneurship

Profile of an Entrepreneur
Qualities needed to succeed in Business
Goal Setting
Risk Taking
Long Term Commitment - what does it involve?

2. Market Research 1 - Customers & Competitors

Who will my customers be?
Where will I find them?
How can technology help me carry out my Market Research?
Why is my product or service different? Features and Benefits
Designing a Market Research Questionnaire
Who and where are my competitors? Primary, Secondary, Potential

3. Market Research 2 - The 4P's

What product or service are you actually offering?
What price are you going to charge for it?
How are you going to promote it?
Where are you going to run your business from - Place?

4. Communication Skills

How to communicate in business
Assertive, passive and aggressive communication
What is the most effective communication in business?
Listening skills - how to listen to others

5. Practical Finance 1 - Cash Flow

Cycles in a business
Cash Flow
How to write a Cash Flow statement
Calculating a Profit and Loss statement
Case Study - Mrs Rushe's Buns

6. Customer Care & Communications

Customer Care - Knowing your customers
How to listen to your customer
Stress Management
Time Management
Video review of communications module

7. Practical Bookkeeping 1

Choosing a bank and a bank manager
How to open a business (and a personal, even a VAT) account
Books to be kept by a sole trader / SME: one ring binder with four sections
Registering for tax purposes
Invoices and Bills
Cash and Credit Discounts
Petty Cash
Cash Flow explained

8. Practical Marketing - Your Corporate Image

Business card, letterhead, invoice design
How to design a brochure
Tips about printing companies
Writing a sales letter
Cheap and effective marketing techniques

9. Practical Bookkeeping 2

Different types of bank transactions
Debtors and Creditors
Returns in and out
Drawings for Personal and Business Purposes
Calendar of significant events for the sole trader and SME
PAYE / PRSI and VAT returns
Preliminary and end of year tax returns
Dealing with government forms: P35, P45, P60 etc. (as required)
Choosing an accountant

10 The Business Plan

How to write a business plan - a step by step approach
Marketing, operations and financial plan - made simple
What makes a good business plan
Who is it written for?

11 The Internet and E-Commerce

The History of the Internet
What it is and how it works
Glossary of terms on the Internet
Services currently available on the Internet
Myths associated with e-commerce

12. Sources of Finance and Assistance

Part 1

Equity - Personal and Corporate Sources
Grant Aid - a guide to the Irish Grant Aid Structure
Debt - How to deal with your Bank
Bank Overdrafts
Term Loans
Commercial Mortgages

Part 2

The Role of the Enterprise Board

13 Practical Law 1 - Legal Structures and Registration

Introduction to Sources of Irish Law
Sole Trader - Pros and Cons
Partnerships - Pros and Cons
Private Limited Companies - Pros and Cons
Contract Law
Employment Law