BUILD BASICS
GRAND TRAVERSE
Our BUILD Basics program fosters a startup food culture throughout the Grand Traverse region and enhances entrepreneurship success in alignment with the Michigan Good Food Fund mission and goals.
designed for aspiring and established Food entrepreneurs, Build Basics Grand Traverse is a local adaptation of the Build Institute’s core business and project planning class.
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LEARN
Classes are taught by local experts and cover all the basics of starting a Michigan Good Food Fund aligned business in the region – from licensing to financial literacy, market research to cash flow and more. You’ll leave the class with a completed business plan, a cohort of fellow entrepreneurs in the Grand Traverse Region, and the knowledge and confidence to take your idea to the next level.
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CURRICULUM
The BUlLD Basics Grand Traverse curriculum is learner-centered, hands-on and activity based, so you’ll be doing as much as you’ll be listening. At the start of every session, we provide you with a BUILD binder that includes lessons, resources and a sample business plan for you to fill out as we go.
Class topics include:
Money Management & Life Skills
Legal Structures, Licensing & Personal Budget
Personal Credit, Start-up Costs & Overhead
Sales Unit & Break Even Point
Sales and Profit Goals & Cash Flow
Target Markets, Market Research & Mission
Research, Competition, Pricing & Goals
Financing Sources & Loan Process
Michigan Good Food Fund Impact Areas
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WHAT TO EXPECT
Courses are led by experienced facilitators who will provide resources and necessary tools for participants to create a business plan in alignment with the Michigan Good Food Fund’s mission and goals. Cohorts consist of up to 10 participants, bringing a diverse range of business and project ideas. Participants are at varying degrees of business development and best efforts are made to meet everyone where they are.
Class time is spent on the curriculum provided. Subject matter experts also attend several sessions to speak in depth on specific topics. Additionally, facilitators will be available to answer questions regarding your business plan during one-on-one sessions.
Expect to spend at least 3 hours each week outside of class working on your business plan, doing market research, creating projections, etc. Given a participant completes all necessary work, one should expect to finish the class with a solid business plan and access to additional community resources.
Specific cohort details such as cost, date and times, location, and planned facilitators will be provided in the registration information for each session.