SmartUp is a comprehensive course designed specifically to help entrepreneurs who wish to start or grow their small businesses, right here in Rensselaer County. Covering critical topics from accounting and insurance to market analysis and business management, our program delivers the essential knowledge you need at a very reasonable fee.

2010 SmartUp Application

The Spirit of Success in Rensselaer County

Here in Rensselaer County, we are proudto be a home to the entrepreneurial spirit. As you experience the energy, innovation and spirit of success that make up our small business community, we believe you too will find that "life looks good from here" for you and your company.

Curriculum

The goal of SmartUp is to give you a broad understanding of business operation and to help you develop your professional business plan-one of the most important aspects of any business start up, and a requirement for most lenders and venture capitalists.

Each session is led by experienced business professionals with expertise in the particular topic. During this eight-week course you will learn about:

• Developing a Business Plan
• Entrepreneurship
• Credit Analysis
• Management and Operation
• Market Analysis and Strategy
• Products and Services
• Marketing, Promotion and Selling
• Legal Issues
• Bookkeeping and Accounting
• Financing your Business
• Insurance

Class Schedule

The course is offered annually in the Fall. Classes are held from 6:00pm-9:00pm, one night (Wednesday) a week for ten weeks. Location and information will be provided in the course introduction packet sent upon acceptance into the program

2010 Schedule

• August 25
  Topic: Course Overview and Entrepreneurship
• September 01
  Topic: Legal Issues and Insurance
• September 08
  Topic: Human Resources and Real Estate
• September 15
  Topic: Website Design and Optimization
• September 22
  Topic: Marketing and Sales
• September 29
  Topic: Public Relations and Business Plan Review
• October 06
  Topic: Accounting and Bookkeeping and Business Testimonial
• October 13
  Topic: Bank Finance and Small Business Funding Opportunities
• October 20
  Topic: Business Plan Presentations
• October 27
  Topic: Business Plan Presentations
• November 03
  Graduation Dinner

Tuition

Tuition for the course is $275 and is non-refundable after the first class. Payment must be received in full prior to the start of the classes.

"SmartUp is the ideal training format for creating a feasible business model," notes William Brigham, Director of the New York State Small Business Development Center, a SmartUp partner. "The program's depth provides entrepreneurs with the fundamental pillars of small business, giving them the wherewithal to start or improve their business. SmartUp is a necessary launch point for all types of businesses, maximizing successes and minimizing failures."

Capital Bank is the exclusive sponsor of the SmartUp program

» For more information regarding the SmartUp course, please contact Ryan Silva, Director of Business Development, at 518.274.7020 ext. 14 or visit www.renscochamber-edp.com