This introductory session covers what is in a business plan, why one is needed and how to write one. It also reviews the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Session 2 - Understanding the Market/Advertising and Promoting the Product

This session concentrates on providing tools that the participants use to evaluate and analyse the marketplace and covers:
- Carrying out market research
- Segmenting the market, targeting the customer and positioning the product
- Understanding competition and defining the Unique Selling Proposition
Using practical examples, this session also describes the most common ways to advertise and promote the product. The session emphasises the benefits of promotion strategies such as targeted mail, telesales, referrals, PR and networking and demonstrates a practical approach to allow business owners to measure the benefits of promotional strategies.

Session 3 - Making It Happen

This session provides an overview of the key practical considerations getting a business up and running in relation to premises, equipment and staff and explains relevant legislation, including company structure, employment law and health and safety legislation.

Session 4 - Understanding and Raising Finance

The basic accounts and statements are briefly introduced and explained - Profit and Loss, Cash Flow and Balance Sheet. Participants are encouraged to identify the sources of finance relevant to their specific situation and are given tips and guidelines on how to access funding. There is a specific emphasis on dealing with banks as this is a concern for many business owners.

Session 5 - Paying Tax

This final session covers an introduction to Income Tax, Corporate Tax, VAT, PAYE and PRSI

Limerick County Enterprise Board, Lissanalta House, Dooradoyle, Co. Limerick Tel: 061-496520 Fax: 061-583954 Email: info@lcoeb.ie