• Entrepreneurship - What is it?
• Personal Skills Analysis
• Steps to Starting a Business 
• Reasons for starting a business
• Reasons for Small Business Success and Failure
• Understanding how to develop an idea
• Networks of support and advice  

• Guide to Legal Structures
• Employment Law -  A Quick Guide 
• Contracts
• Insurance
• Registering a Business Name
• Tax Requirements
• VAT
• PAYE
• PRSI
• Opening A Business Bank Account
• Bank Reconciliation

• Why Develop a Business Plan
• Main Elements of a Business Plan
• Setting Goals and Objectives
• Reviewing the Business Plan  

• Introduction to Marketing 
• The 4P's
• Market Environment
• Market Size and Trends
• Product / Service and Comparison
• Identifying and Meeting Customer Needs
• Developing a Marketing Plan
• Promotion for the Start-up
  

• Market Research Methods
• The Internet as a Source of Information
• Sources of Information
• Primary Research 
• Secondary Research
• Price in the Context of Marketing
• Promotion
• Place / Location
• Conducting a PEST / SWOT Analysis

• Introduction to Small Business Finance
• Drawings and Personal Budget
• Business Costs
• Pricing
• Break Even Analysis
• Accounting Options and MIS Systems
• Developing a Marketing Plan
• Promotions for the Start-up

• Sources and Uses of Funding
• Personal / Private / Corporate Equity
• Basic Financial Ratios
• Credit Control
  

• Books of Prime Entry
• Cash Flow Forecast
• Profit and Loss Account
• Balance Sheet  

Workshop 9

• Building on Market Research to Identify a List of Sales Targets
• Develop a Sales Plan
• Selling and Approach
• Introduction to Customer Service and After Care

Workshop 10

• Business Uses of Word / Excel
• Email as a Business Tool
• Use of the Internet
• Online Registration Revenue / ROS / CRO
• Use of CSO for Facts and Figures
• Business Plan Websites
• Developing a Website
• Use of CD's
• Alternatives - E-Bay for Start Your Own Business