The Entrepreneur Start-Up Academy (TESA)

Financial Inclusion for Women

Register for exciting new 8-week sessions!

How TESA Can Help Your Business

Have you dreamed of having your own business or perhaps turning a hobby into a side hustle and wondered how to get started? If so, The Entrepreneur Start-Up Academy (TESA) is for you! TESA is an 8-week virtual and interactive financial inclusion program developed for women by women to provide a comprehensive guide on the processes necessary to building a business.

Each of the eight sessions will be an hour and a half and taught by an experienced professional entrepreneur and business coach who will provide valuable tools, resources, and insights to guide you along the process of turning your dream into a real action plan.

8-Week Lesson Plan

Session 1

From Idea to Action Plan

You will be supported by other like-minded women who will help you to discover your why and assist you in the process of moving from idea to action plan. We will go over the “how-to’s” of starting a business including steps required to create a business plan that fits your unique idea. Most importantly, we will address how to dismiss fear and/or naysayers so you will gain the confidence go just go for it!!!

Session 2

The Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurship has its highs and lows. Understanding what it means to be an entrepreneur will be explored with seasoned guest speakers who will share their challenges, successes and strategies for staying motivated and implementing self-care.

Session 3

Business Model

We will work together to understand the various components of a business model which will be unique for every business. This session will guide you through the process of getting to know your client, how-to market to your client, type of platforms available to reach your client and the importance of vendors, relationships and being clear on your competitive advantage.

Session 4

Assess Your Business Readiness

This session we will go over the legal side of a business: registering your business name, permits, licenses, insurance, and legal structures (Sole Proprietor, LLC, Partnerships, etc.). We will also guide you through the Business Ideation Zone (BIZ) Start-Up Checklist and review the administration component of your business.

Session 5

The Business of Being in Business

Stephen R. Covey said, “the key is in not spending time, but in investing it.” Time is the one thing in life that you can never get back which is why we will spend this session providing you with time management strategies when addressing business administration and operations.

Session 6

Cash Flow

“Never take your eyes off the cash flow because it’s the lifeblood of business.” –Sir Richard Branson, business magnate, investor, author, and philanthropist. We will take an in-depth look at business finance. Concepts covered will include: cash flow, budgeting, working with financial professionals (Banker/Bookkeeper, Accountant/CPA), creating wealth, revenue streams, expenses and the effects of debt and mismanagement of funds.

Session 7

Money Management & Contracts

During this session, we will go over some tools and platforms to help manage your finances while looking at the importance of credit and your credit score. A basic look at what you will need for tax preparation, access to loans and capital. Also key to our discussion will be an overview of the importance of contracts and agreements with clients, vendors, and partners.

Session 8

Being Market Ready

Get ready to showcase your idea! The marketing plan and your marketing strategy is a key section in your business plan as is your customer. We will discuss how to leverage social media platforms, client retention and client acquisition.

The Entrepreneurial Mindset

“While there are many factors that play an important role when building a business, I believe that the most important one has nothing to do with innovation, balance sheets, finance or marketing. The most important variable to your success in business is you – and how you show up. How you factor yourself into the equation of business will make you or break you.”

-Sara Rubalcava

USC Dornsife logo
Union Bank logo
New Economics for Women logo

Register for the Upcoming Cohort

March 7 – April 25, 2022