seminar for business planning

Developing a Business Plan

The foundation of a successful business is a solid business plan. This comprehensive course dives into the details of developing a plan and students emerge with a first draft of a sound business plan.

What you can learn.

• Learn the key components for creating a business plan
• Identify existing customers and future customers
• Understand revenue forecasting methodologies, competitor analysis, small business finance, and how to transition from personal guarantees and credit lines to a self-financing business model
• Effectively plan, hire, and train staff with high potential
• Examine the legal aspects of organizing and managing a small business

About this course:

Fall 2024 schedule.

Enrollment limited; early enrollment advised. Internet access required. 

Enrollment limited; early enrollment advised. Internet access required. Materials required.

This course applies towards the following certificates & specializations…

Corporate Education

Learn how we can help your organization meet its professional development goals and corporate training needs.

Donate to UCLA Extension

Support our many efforts to reach communities in need.

Innovation Programs

Student Scholarships

Coding Boot Camp

Lifelong Learning

• Accounting & Finance
• Architecture & Interior Design
• Business & Management
• Communications
• Design & Arts
• Digital Technology
• Engineering
• Entertainment
• Environmental Studies & Public Policy
• Health Care & Counseling
• Humanities & Social Sciences
• Landscape Architecture & Horticulture
• Legal Programs
• Osher (OLLI)
• Real Estate
• Sciences & Math
• Specializations
• Online Courses
• Transfer Credit Courses
• Conferences & Boot Camps
• Custom Programs & Corporate Education
• Instruction Methods
• Environmental Studies
• Accounting Fundamentals
• Business and Management of Entertainment
• College Counseling
• Cybersecurity
• Data Science
• Digital Marketing
• Feature Film Writing
• Human Resources Management
• Marketing with Concentration in Digital Marketing
• Personal Financial Planning
• Project Management
• Sustainability
• User Experience
• Payment Options
• How to Purchase Parking
• Enrollment Conditions
• Concurrent and Cross-Enrollment Programs
• Bruin ID Cards
• UCLA Recreation
• Course Drops, Transfers, and Withdrawals
• Accessibility & Disability Services
• Textbooks & Libraries
• Financial Aid
• Scholarships
• Military & Veterans Benefits
• Tuition Discounts
• Tax Advantages
• Grading Scale
• Credit Options
• Course Numbers
• Transcripts and Enrollment Confirmation
• Receiving Your Academic Credentials
• Instructors & Staff
• Parking & Lodging
• Keynote Speaker
• Career Resources
• Alumni Benefits
• Rights and Responsibilities
• Career Services
• Featured Jobs
• Browse Certificate Programs
• Certificate vs. Master’s Degrees
• Dates and Fees
• How to Apply
• Academic Requirements
• OPT, CPT, and Internships
• Upon Completing Your Certificate
• Hummel Scholarship
• Program Details
• Online International Programs
• International Student Services Office
• New Student Orientation
• Maintaining Your F-1 Visa
• Health Insurance
• Academic Advising
• Frequently Asked Questions
• UCLA Campus Amenities & Activities
• Daily Needs
• Public Transportation
• Request a Proposal
• Board of Advisors
• Instructors
• Join Our Team
• Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
• Accreditation
• Student Home
• Canvas Log In
• Student Log In
• Instructor Log In

Cookie Policy

We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience, including personalizing content and to store your content preferences. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Read our privacy policy .

Original text

SCORE offers free business training on a variety of small business topics. Watch low or no-cost webinars, take online courses or attend online workshops. If you enjoy learning in person, attend a local workshop.

Live Webinars

SCORE hosts free, LIVE webinars on small business tips and strategies. See the list of upcoming events.

Local Workshops

Find low or no-cost business training in your community to help start or grow your small business.

Recorded Webinars

Did you miss a live webinar? They are available to watch on-demand at your convenience.

Online Courses

SCORE's on-demand courses allow you to learn about various small business topics at your own pace.

This summer, be a part of SCORE's 60th Anniversary Pitch Competition and pitch your business to a panel of industry experts. Compete for a chance to win up to $20,000 for your business and receive invaluable mentorship and exposure along the way.

Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your innovation and secure the support you need to succeed!

PREMIER SPONSOR

How to Write a One-Page Business Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide In this webinar, you will learn how to write a one-page business plan. You'll see the elements of the one-page business plan, including identifying the problem your business solves, your value proposition, your target audience and much more.

How to Use AI to Streamline Your Marketing In this webinar, our expert presenter will walk you through how to use AI to automate processes and create marketing content.

Elevate Your Marketing with Canva - Creating Marketing Graphics Like A Pro Join our exciting webinar and discover how to use Canva to create professional marketing graphics to promote your business.

SCORE's 60th Anniversary Virtual Pitch Event: Product Pitches Discover new products, trends, and ideas that could benefit your business and help you stay ahead in your industry.

SCORE's 60th Anniversary Virtual Pitch Event: Service Pitches Gain valuable insights and ideas for your own business by observing successful pitches.

The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Business Owner - Resale, Start-up or Franchise Join our upcoming webinar and learn the three key avenues to business ownership: buying an existing business, investing in a franchise or creating your own startup from scratch.

SCORE's 60th Anniversary Virtual Pitch Event: Awards Ceremony Get inspired to think outside the box and find new ways to grow and scale your business.

Loans, Grants and Other Funding Options for Hispanic-Owned Businesses In this webinar, you'll learn about the loans, grants and alternative funding options available to Hispanic-owned businesses.

Step-by-Step Email Marketing Guide For Your Business In this webinar, you'll learn how to build an email list, write compelling emails, and create a content calendar.

Copyright © 2024 SCORE Association, SCORE.org

Funded, in part, through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.

Customizable, intuitive, and scalable registration forms to sign up attendees with ease.

End-to-end abstract management platform; submission, review, evaluation, program and proceeding export.

Build branded & stunning event websites to engage your attendees.

Personalize your event awarness to expand your reach and drive registrations.

Host interactive virtual events with networking, streaming, engagement tools, and more.

Streamline attendee check-in with a hassle-free QR Code solution and ensure a smooth start for your attendees.

Take a peek at our case studies and other client successes.

Receive guidance, or learn more about troubleshooting.

• Event Registration
• Abstract Management
• Event Webpage
• Event Marketing
• Virtual Conferences
• Case Studies
• Knowledge Center

How to Plan, Organize, and Manage a Successful Seminar: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Seminars are integral to academic life, providing a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and professional growth. Whether you're a student, academic, or industry professional, attending a seminar can be a rewarding experience. In this comprehensive guide, we will not only walk you through the steps of planning and executing a successful seminar but also explore the core elements of a seminar, how attendees participate, and the techniques used to foster an engaging learning environment.

What is a Seminar?

A seminar is an interactive event where experts, researchers, or industry professionals gather to present and discuss their ideas, research findings, and experiences within a specific subject area. It typically involves presentations, panel discussions, workshops, and opportunities for networking and collaboration. Seminars can focus on various topics, from academic research to industry trends, and are usually organized around a central theme.

Participation and Interaction in Seminars

Unlike traditional lectures, seminars encourage active participation and interaction among attendees. Participants are encouraged to engage in discussions, ask questions, and share their thoughts. This two-way exchange of ideas creates a dynamic learning environment and enhances the overall learning experience.

Techniques Used in Seminars

To foster an engaging learning environment, various techniques are used in seminars. Some common techniques include:

Panel Discussions

Panels are an essential aspect of seminars, offering a platform for in-depth discussions and diverse perspectives on specific topics. Typically, a panel consists of a group of experts or professionals in the field, each providing insights and analysis. The moderator plays a crucial role in guiding the conversation and ensuring that the discussion remains focused and engaging. Panels are highly interactive, allowing audience members to pose questions and share their views, promoting a dynamic exchange of ideas. To make panels more effective, it's essential to curate a diverse set of panelists with contrasting viewpoints, enabling attendees to gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. Panels are especially valuable for shedding light on complex issues, encouraging critical thinking, and fostering meaningful dialogues among participants. As an attendee, participating in panel discussions provides an excellent opportunity to engage directly with industry experts, expand your knowledge, and network with like-minded individuals. For organizers, creating well-balanced and engaging panels can significantly enhance the overall seminar experience, leaving a lasting impact on participants.

Workshops are an integral part of seminar organization, offering a more hands-on and interactive learning experience. Unlike traditional lectures, workshops focus on active participation and skill-building. They are typically led by experienced facilitators or subject matter experts who guide attendees through practical exercises and activities. Workshops provide a unique opportunity for participants to delve into specific topics, hone their skills, and apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. These sessions can range from small group discussions to immersive training sessions, depending on the seminar's objectives. One of the key benefits of workshops is the opportunity for attendees to engage in problem-solving, collaborate with peers, and receive immediate feedback from facilitators. As an organizer, ensuring that workshops are well-structured, relevant, and align with the overall theme of the seminar is crucial. By offering diverse and skill-enhancing workshops, seminar organizers can create a dynamic and enriched learning environment, leaving attendees with practical takeaways and a memorable learning experience.

Group Activities

Group activities are another essential component of a successful seminar, fostering teamwork, collaboration, and networking among participants. These activities aim to break the ice, encourage interaction, and promote a sense of camaraderie among attendees. Depending on the seminar's nature and objectives, group activities can vary widely, from icebreaker games and team-building exercises to group discussions and brainstorming sessions. The key is to create a supportive and inclusive environment where participants feel comfortable sharing their ideas and engaging with others. Group activities not only enhance the overall learning experience but also provide valuable opportunities for attendees to expand their professional networks. As an organizer, incorporating well-designed group activities can add a sense of excitement and fun to the seminar, making it more enjoyable and memorable for everyone involved. By carefully selecting activities that align with the seminar's goals and themes, organizers can ensure that participants leave the event with new connections, fresh perspectives, and a renewed enthusiasm for their academic or professional pursuits.

Q&A Sessions

Q&A sessions are a fundamental element of seminars that allow participants to engage in direct and interactive discussions with speakers or panelists. These sessions provide a valuable opportunity for attendees to seek clarification, share their insights, and delve deeper into the topics presented during the seminar. Q&A sessions are typically scheduled after each presentation or panel discussion, allowing the audience to ask questions related to the content or express their viewpoints.

To make Q&A sessions effective and inclusive, it's crucial for organizers to set clear guidelines and encourage active participation from the audience. Moderators play a vital role in managing the session, ensuring that questions are relevant and respectful, and giving everyone a chance to contribute. Additionally, utilizing technology such as audience response systems or online platforms can facilitate smooth communication and help manage the flow of questions.

Q&A sessions offer an opportunity for speakers and panelists to showcase their expertise, engage with the audience on a personal level, and address any lingering doubts or concerns. From the attendees' perspective, these sessions provide a chance to gain deeper insights, explore different perspectives, and enrich their understanding of the seminar's subject matter.

To enhance the success of Q&A sessions, organizers can encourage participants to submit questions in advance or use real-time polling to identify the most popular topics for discussion. By fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere, Q&A sessions can become a dynamic part of the seminar, sparking thought-provoking discussions and creating lasting impressions for all involved.

Interactive Presentations

Interactive presentations are a dynamic and engaging approach to delivering seminar content. Unlike traditional one-way lectures, interactive presentations encourage active participation from the audience, making the learning experience more immersive and memorable. Various techniques can be incorporated into interactive presentations to stimulate audience involvement and foster meaningful interactions.

One popular method is the use of multimedia elements such as videos, images, and audio clips to enhance the presentation's visual appeal and reinforce key points. This approach captivates attendees' attention and ensures a multi-sensory experience, making the content more accessible and easier to comprehend.

Another effective technique is incorporating audience polling or live quizzes during the presentation. This not only keeps participants engaged but also provides instant feedback to presenters, enabling them to tailor the discussion to the audience's interests and understanding level.

Gamification is another innovative approach to creating interactive presentations. By introducing gamified elements like quizzes, challenges, or group activities, the seminar becomes not only educational but also fun and enjoyable. This approach encourages healthy competition among attendees and motivates them to actively participate.

Additionally, interactive presentations can involve breakout sessions where attendees split into smaller groups to discuss specific topics or case studies. This allows for in-depth exploration of ideas and encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing among participants.

The benefits of interactive presentations are manifold. They foster a sense of inclusivity, as participants feel their opinions are valued and heard. The dynamic nature of these presentations helps maintain audience engagement throughout the seminar, leading to better knowledge retention and a more impactful learning experience.

Planning Your Seminar

✔︎ define your objectives.

Clearly outline the goals and objectives of your seminar. Consider the target audience, theme, and desired outcomes.

✔︎ Choose the Right Venue

Select a venue that can accommodate the number of attendees and offers the necessary facilities, such as audio-visual equipment and Wi-Fi.

✔︎ Invite Engaging Speakers

Attract knowledgeable and influential speakers who can add value to your seminar and spark meaningful discussions.

✔︎ Create an Engaging Agenda

Craft a well-balanced agenda with diverse sessions that cater to the interests of your participants.

✔︎ Implement Effective Marketing

Utilize digital platforms and strategic partnerships to promote your seminar and attract the right audience.

Managing Your Seminar

✔︎ facilitate networking.

Encourage networking opportunities during breaks and networking events to foster meaningful connections among participants.

✔︎ Ensure Smooth Logistics

Thoroughly plan event logistics, including accommodation options, catering, and onsite management.

✔︎ Foster Interaction

Encourage active participation through Q&A sessions, interactive presentations, and group activities.

✔︎ Gather Feedback

Request feedback from participants to evaluate the success of your seminar and identify areas for improvement.

A well-organized seminar provides a platform for participants to engage, learn, and collaborate within their field of interest. By understanding the core elements of a seminar, implementing interactive techniques, and facilitating meaningful networking, you can create a successful and impactful event. Whether you're a seminar organizer or attendee, embracing the spirit of knowledge sharing and collaboration will ensure a rewarding seminar experience for all involved. So, start planning your next seminar today and unlock its potential for growth and innovation in your field.

If you are interested in learning more about the academic event types you can also check our blog post article " Unraveling the Academic Event Landscape: Congresses vs. Conferences - What Sets Them Apart? "

Book an online demo with us.!

Are you looking to streamline your seminar planning and management process? Discover the power of MeetingHand and how it can transform your seminar organization. BOOK A DEMO NOW and join us for an exclusive online product tour. See firsthand how MeetingHand's innovative features and user-friendly interface can make your seminar preparation a breeze. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the future of seminar management with us!

If you enjoyed reading this article, please do not forget to share it with your friends.!

• Design for Business
• Most Recent
• Presentations
• Infographics
• Data Visualizations
• Forms and Surveys
• Video & Animation
• Case Studies
• Digital Marketing
• Design Inspiration
• Visual Thinking
• Product Updates
• Visme Webinars
• Artificial Intelligence

How to Write a Business Plan: Beginner’s Guide (& Templates)

Written by: Chloe West

Thinking about starting a business? One of the first steps you’ll need to take is to write a business plan. A business plan can help guide you through your financial planning, marketing strategy, unique selling point and more.

Making sure you start your new business off on the right foot is key, and we’re here to help. We’ve put together this guide to help you write your first business plan. Or, you can skip the guide and dive right into a business plan template .

Ready to get started?

Here’s a short selection of 8 easy-to-edit business plan templates you can edit, share and download with Visme. View more templates below:

8-Step Process for Writing a Business Plan

What is a business plan, why is a business plan important, step #1: write your executive summary, step #2: put together your company description, step #3: conduct your market analysis, step #4: research your competition, step #5: outline your products or services, step #6: summarize your financial plan, step #7: determine your marketing strategy, step #8: showcase your organizational chart, 14 business plan templates to help you get started.

A business plan is a document that helps potential new business owners flesh out their business idea and put together a bird’s eye view of their business. Writing a business plan is an essential step in any startup’s ideation process.

Business plans help determine demographics, market analysis, competitive analysis, financial projections, new products or services, and so much more.

Each of these bits of information are important to have on hand when you’re trying to start a business or pitching investors for funds.

Here’s an example of a business plan that you can customize to incorporate your own business information.

We’re going to walk you through some of the most important parts of your business plan as well as how to write your own business plan in 8 easy steps.

If you’re in the beginning stages of starting a business , you might be wondering if it’s really worth your time to write out your business plan. 

We’re here to tell you that it is.

A business plan is important for a number of reasons, but mostly because it helps to set you up for success right from the start.

Here are four reasons to prove to you why you need to start your business off on the right foot with a plan.

Reason #1: Set Realistic Goals and Milestones

Putting together a business plan helps you to set your objectives for growth and make realistic goals while you begin your business. 

By laying out each of the steps you need to take in order to build a successful business, you’re able to be more reasonable about what your timeline is for achieving everything as well as what your financial projections are.

The best way to set goals is using the SMART goals guidelines, outlined below.

Reason #2: Grow Your Business Faster

Having a business plan helps you be more organized and strategic, improving the overall performance of your business as you start out. In fact, one study found that businesses with a plan grow 30% faster than businesses that don’t.

Doesn’t that sound reason enough alone to start out your business venture with a solidified plan? We thought so too, but we’ve still got two more reasons.

Reason #3: Minimize Risk

Starting a new business is uncharted territory. However, when you start with a roadmap for your journey, it makes it easier to see success and minimize the risks that come with startups.

Minimize risk and maximize profitability by documenting the most important parts of your business planning.

Reason #4: Secure Funding

And finally, our last reason that business plans are so important is that if you plan to pitch investors for funding for your new venture, they’re almost always going to want to see a detailed business plan before deciding whether or not to invest.

You can easily create your business plan and investor pitch deck right here with Visme. Just sign up for a free account below to get started. 

Hey executives! Looking to cut design costs?

• Spend less time on presentations and more time strategizing
• Ensure your brand looks and feels visually consistent across all your organization's documents
• Impress clients and stakeholders with boardroom ready presentations

Sign up. It’s free.

The executive summary is a brief overview of your entire business plan, giving anyone who reads through your document a quick understanding of what they’re going to learn about your business idea.

However, you need to remember that some of the people who are going to read your business plan don’t want to or have time to read the entire thing. So your executive summary needs to incorporate all of the most important aspects of your plan.

Here’s an example of an executive summary from a business plan template you can customize and turn into your own.

Your executive summary should include:

• Key objective(s)
• Market research
• Competitor information
• Products/services
• Value proposition
• Overview of your financial plan
• How you’re going to actually start your business

One thing to note is that you should actually write your executive summary after the rest of your business plan so that you can properly summarize everything you’ve already created.

So at this point, simply leave a page blank for your executive summary so you can come back to it at the end of your business plan.

The next step is to write out a full description of your business and its core offerings. This section of your business plan should include your mission statement and objectives, along with your company history or overview.

In this section, you may also briefly describe your business formation details from a legal perspective.

Mission Statement

Don’t spend too much time trying to craft this. Your mission statement is a simple “why” you started this business. What are you trying to achieve? Or what does your business solve?

This can be anything from one single quote or a paragraph, but it doesn’t need to be much longer than that. In fact, this could be very similar to your value proposition.

What are your goals? What do you plan to achieve in the first 90 days or one year of your business? What kind of impact do you hope to make on the market?

These are all good points to include in your objectives section so anyone reading your business plan knows upfront what you hope to achieve.

History or Overview

If you’re not launching a brand new business or if you’ve previously worked on another iteration of this business, let potential investors know the history of your company.

If not, simply provide an overview of your business, sharing what it does or what it will do.

Your third step is to conduct a market analysis so you know how your business will fit into its target market. This page in your business plan is simply meant to summarize your findings. Most of your time should be spent actually doing the research.

Your market analysis needs to look at things like:

• Market size, and if it’s grown in recent years or shrinking
• The segment of the market you plan to target
• Demographics and behavior of your target audience
• The demand for your product or service
• Your competitive advantage or differentiation strategy
• The average price of your product or service

Put together a summary of your market analysis and industry research in a 1-2 page format, like we see below.

Your next step is to conduct a competitive analysis. While you likely touched on this briefly during your market analysis, now is the time to do a deep dive so that you have a good grasp on what your competitors are doing and how they are generating customers.

Start by creating a profile of all your existing competitors, or at the very least, your closest competitors – the ones who are offering very similar products or services to you, or are in a similar vicinity (if you’re opening a brick and mortar store).

Focus on their strengths and what they’re doing really well so that you can emulate their best qualities in your own way. Then, look at their weaknesses and what your business can do better.

Take note of their current marketing strategy, including the outlets you see a presence, whether it’s on social media, you hear a radio ad, you see a TV ad, etc. You won’t always find all of their marketing channels, but see what you can find online and on their website.

After this, take a minute to identify potential competitors based on markets you might try out in the future, products or services you plan to add to your offerings, and more.

Then put together a page or two in your business plan that highlights your competitive advantage and how you’ll be successful breaking into the market.

Step five is to dedicate a page to the products or services that your business plans to offer.

Put together a quick list and explanation of what each of the initial product or service offerings will be, but steer clear of industry jargon or buzzwords. This should be written in plain language so anyone reading has a full understanding of what your business will do.

You can have a simple list like we see in the sample page above, or you can dive a little deeper. Depending on your type of business, it might be a good idea to provide additional information about what each product or service entails.

The next step is to work on the financial data of your new business. What will your overhead be? How will your business make money? What are your estimated expenses and profits over the first few months to a year? The expenses should cover all the spending whether they are recurring costs or just one-time LLC filing fees .

There is so much that goes into your financial plan for a new business, so this is going to take some time to compile. Especially because this section of your business plan helps potential cofounders or investors understand if the idea is even viable.

Your financial plan should include at least five major sections:

• Sales Forecast: The first thing you want to include is a forecast or financial projection of how much you think your business can sell over the next year or so. Break this down into the different products, services or facets of your business.
• Balance Sheet: This section is essentially a statement of your company’s financial position. It includes existing assets, liabilities and equity to demonstrate the company’s overall financial health.
• Income Statement: Also known as a profit and loss statement (P&L), this covers your projected expenses and revenue, showcasing whether your business will be profitable or not.
• Operating Budget: A detailed outline of your business’s income and expenses. This should showcase that your business is bringing in more than it’s spending.
• Cash Flow Statements: This tracks how much cash your business has at any given point, regardless of whether customers or clients have paid their bills or have 30-60+ days to do so.

While these are the most common financial statements, you may discover that there are other sections that you want to include or that lenders may want to see from you.

You can automate the process of looking through your documents with an OCR API , which will collect the data from all your financial statements and invoices.

The next step is coming up with a successful marketing plan so that you can actually get the word out about your business. 

Throughout your business plan, you’ve already researched your competitors and your target market, both of which are major components of a good marketing strategy. You need to know who you’re marketing to, and you want to do it better than your competition.

On this page or throughout this section of your business plan, you need to focus on your chosen marketing channels and the types of marketing content you plan to create.

Start by taking a look at the channels that your competitors are on and make sure you have a good understanding of the demographics of each channel as well. You don’t want to waste time on a marketing channel that your target audience doesn’t use.

Then, create a list of each of your planned marketing avenues. It might look something like:

• Social media ( Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest)
• Email newsletter
• Digital ads

Depending on the type of business you’re starting, this list could change quite a bit — and that’s okay. There is no one-size-fits-all marketing strategy, and you need to find the one that brings in the highest number of potential customers.

Your last section will be all about your leadership and management team members. Showcasing that you have a solid team right from the start can make potential investors feel better about funding your venture.

You can easily put together an organizational chart like the one below, with the founder/CEO at the top and each of your team leaders underneath alongside the department they’re in charge of.

Simply add an organizational chart like this as a page into your overall business plan and make sure it matches the rest of your design to create a cohesive document.

If you want to create a good business plan that sets your new business up for success and attracts new investors, it’s a good idea to start with a template. 

We’ve got 14 options below from a variety of different industries for you to choose from. You can customize every aspect of each template to fit your business branding and design preferences.

If you're pressed for time, Visme's AI business plan generator can churn out compelling business plans in minutes. Just input a detailed prompt, choose the design, and watch the tool generate your plan in a few seconds.

Template #1: Photography Business Plan Template

This feminine and minimalistic business plan template is perfect for getting started with any kind of creative business. Utilize this template to help outline the step-by-step process of getting your new business idea up and running.

Template #2: Real Estate Business Plan Template

Looking for a more modern business plan design? This template is perfect for plainly laying out each of your business plans in an easy-to-understand format. Adjust the red accents with your business’s colors to personalize this template.

Template #3: Nonprofit Business Plan Template

Creating a business and marketing plan for your nonprofit is still an essential step when you’re just starting out. You need to get the word out to increase donations and awareness for your cause.

Template #4: Restaurant Business Plan Template

If your business plan needs to rely heavily on showcasing photos of your products (like food), this template is perfect for you. Get potential investors salivating at the sight of your business plan, and they’re sure to provide the capital you need.

Template #5: Fashion Business Plan Template

Serifs are in. Utilize this template with stunning serif as all the headers to create a contemporary and trendy business plan design that fits your business. Adjust the colors to match your brand and easily input your own content.

Template #6: Daycare Business Plan Template

Creating a more kid-friendly or playful business? This business plan template has bold colors and design elements that will perfectly represent your business and its mission. 

Use the pages you need, and remove any that you don’t. You can also duplicate pages and move the elements around to add even more content to your business plan.

Template #7: Consulting Business Plan Template

This classic business plan template is perfect for a consulting business that wants to use a stunning visual design to talk about its services.

Template #8: Coffee Shop Business Plan Template

Customize this coffee shop business plan template to match your own business idea. Adjust the colors to fit your brand or industry, replace photos with your own photography or stock photos that represent your business, and insert your own logo, fonts and colors throughout.

Template #9: SaaS Business Plan Template

A SaaS or service-based company also needs a solid business plan that lays out its financials, list of services, target market and more. This template is the perfect starting point.

Template #10: Small Business Plan Template

Every startup or small business needs to start out with a strong business plan in order to start off on the right foot and set yourself up for success. This template is an excellent starting point for any small business.

Template #11: Ecommerce Business Plan Template

An ecommerce business plan is ideal for planning out your pricing strategy of all of your online products, as well as the site you plan to use for setting up your store, whether WordPress, Shopify, Wix or something else.

Template #12: Startup Business Plan Template

Customize this template and make it your own! Edit and Download  

This is another generic business plan template for any type of startup to customize. Switch out the content, fonts and colors to match your startup branding and increase brand equity.

Template #13: One-Page Business Plan Template

Want just a quick business plan to get your idea going before you bite the bullet and map out your entire plan? This one-page template is perfect for those just starting to flesh out a new business idea.

Template #14: Salon Business Plan Template

This salon business plan template is easy on the design and utilizes a light color scheme to put more focus on the actual content. You can use the design as is or keep it as a basis for your own design elements.

Create Your Own Business Plan Today

Ready to write your business plan? Once you’ve created all of the most important sections, get started with a business plan template to really wow your investors and organize your startup plan.

Design beautiful visual content you can be proud of.

Trusted by leading brands

Recommended content for you:

Create Stunning Content!

Design visual brand experiences for your business whether you are a seasoned designer or a total novice.

About the Author

Chloe West is the content marketing manager at Visme. Her experience in digital marketing includes everything from social media, blogging, email marketing to graphic design, strategy creation and implementation, and more. During her spare time, she enjoys exploring her home city of Charleston with her son.

Business Strategy Programs at Harvard

Contribute to Your Organization’s Success

Develop your ability to innovate, think strategically, and gain a competitive advantage for your organization through our intensive business strategy programs. Explore proven business theories and strategic tools through hands-on exercises, interactive lectures, and dynamic discussions.

Current Programs

Advanced business strategy training: gaining a competitive edge.

Learn a new framework for developing a business strategy that maximizes your competitive advantage and disrupts the competition.

Agile Leadership: Transforming Mindsets and Capabilities in Your Organization

Learn how you, your teams, and your organization can become more flexible, resilient, and innovative.

Artificial Intelligence in Business: Creating Value with Machine Learning

Leverage new technologies to build value for your organization.

Behavioral Decision Making

Gain the critical knowledge and tools you need to make smarter decisions for your organization — and yourself.

Beyond Strategic Planning: From Implementation to Sustainment

Successfully navigate the challenges inherent in making your organizational, departmental, and project-specific plans come to life.

Brand Revitalization: A Comprehensive Brand Strategy Course

Develop a brand strategy to harness your brand’s core purpose, help it stay fresh, and ensure customer loyalty.

Building Organizational Cultures: A Framework for Leaders

Critically assess how culture affects organizations and learn how to create an environment that promotes advancement of people.

Business Strategy: Evaluating and Executing the Strategic Plan

Explore the concepts and tools of strategic business management.

Creative Thinking: Innovative Solutions to Complex Challenges

Learn how to grow a culture of creativity to innovate competitive solutions.

Design Thinking: Creating Better Customer Experiences

Discover how the principles of design thinking, also called human-centered design, can revolutionize problem-solving within your organization, leading to enhanced customer experiences and organizational growth.

Foundations of Data-Driven Decision Making with AI

Learn how to utilize data sets and artificial intelligence to improve team communication and create effective business strategies.

How to Build a Sustainable Organization: Challenges, Opportunities, and Strategies – 4 Week Course

Develop the tools and frameworks you need to incorporate sustainability practices into your business model.

Innovation and Strategy

Strengthen your organization’s capacity to drive innovation and achieve greater results.

Marketing Analytics Online Course: Strategies for Driving Business Results

Gain a deeper understanding of marketing analytics used in making strategic decisions across key functions.

Product Management Online Course: From Design to Launch

Learn the important business skills you need to be an effective product manager and build, launch, and grow successful products.

Real Estate Investments: Assets, Markets, and Current Trends, 2-day Session

Master the fundamentals and practicalities of real estate investing.

Starting and Building Your Consulting Business

Develop the critical skills you need to successfully launch and scale a thriving consulting business.

Strategic Project Management

Plan, manage, and execute projects that are essential to the success of your business.

Strategic Sales Management Course

Learn proven sales management strategies and techniques to lead yourself, your direct reports, and your organization.

Supply Chain Management: Frameworks for Resilient and Agile Supply Chains

Learn how to use supply chain analytics to reduce costs, manage inventory as consumer needs evolve, and make strategic decisions.

The Consultant’s Toolkit: Consulting Training

Refine your consulting abilities through proven techniques to improve organizational effectiveness.

Why Study Business Strategy at Harvard

Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill or hone an existing one we have programs that meet your business strategy needs. Our programs cover topics such as strategic planning, strategic decision making, and value creation using machine learning and offer you the opportunity to develop core business competencies.

When you take a professional development course with us, you’ll learn from industry experts alongside peers from around the world who bring a global perspective that can be invaluable in today’s interconnected business landscape. The instruction is dynamic, and interactive ensuring the application of concepts through activities, case studies and role-play. At the end of your program you will return to your office with new business strategies that can help you be more successful in your role and across your organization.

How Classes Work

We offer three different types of formats for programs: on campus, live online, and hybrid.

• On-campus programs take place in our dedicated state-of-the-art classroom space on Harvard’s campus at One Brattle Square, Cambridge, MA.
• Online programs are held via Zoom where you receive the same content online as on-campus, but from the convenience of your home or office.
• Hybrid programs are available both live online and on campus. Online participants are fully integrated into the program with the ability to see, hear, contribute, and network alongside your in-person counterparts.

Who Should Enroll

Each business strategy course is designed to meet the needs of different industry leaders and professionals. Many of them are appropriate for a wide range of individuals, but some are specifically tailored to senior leaders, emerging leaders, or executives. More information about who should enroll in each program can be found on the program page.

What You Earn

After completing a program, you receive a Certificate of Participation from the Harvard Division of Continuing Education, further validating your expertise in the field. Taking the step to earn a certificate from a professional development program can signal to your employer that you are open to new experiences and enthusiastic about continuing to learn and grow.

Some business strategy programs may count toward a Certificate of Leadership Excellence (CLE) in Strategy and Innovation.

When Courses Are Offered

Many of our programs are offered multiple times a year in several formats. Miss the deadline to register? We bring popular programs back year after year — sign up to get notified when new dates are available .

The cost of a professional development program depends on the format you take it in and the length of the course. For more information about pricing, please visit your desired program page.

A 10% discount is available to participants taking more than one program, and discounts are also available for groups of two or more. To take advantage of our discounts, please email [email protected] for further instructions.

Business Strategy FAQs

What is business strategy.

Business strategy refers to a set of decisions and actions that outline how a company will achieve its long-term goals and gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace. It involves identifying objectives, assessing resources, and formulating plans to achieve competitive advantage.

What are the benefits of taking a business strategy course at Harvard?

When you participate in a business strategy course at Harvard Professional Development, you are learning from instructors who are leading industry experts. Through a combination of theory, practice, and real-world examples, these courses will have you returning to the office equipped to move your own business strategy forward.

Harvard Division of Continuing Education

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) at Harvard University is dedicated to bringing rigorous academics and innovative teaching capabilities to those seeking to improve their lives through education. We make Harvard education accessible to lifelong learners from high school to retirement.

Thinkific Plus

How to start a training business: a comprehensive guide to success, share this article.

Imagine standing on the edge of a vast field, one that’s fertile and primed for cultivation. This field represents the training business landscape, brimming with potential and ripe for cultivation by the right entrepreneur. 

Starting a training business requires preparation, careful planning, diligent maintenance, and a touch of creativity.

There’s no better time to seize this opportunity, particularly considering the high demand for training services. From professional skill enhancement to personal development, more people than ever are looking for comprehensive, accessible training to help them reach their goals. This demand is expected to increase further in the coming years, making it a potentially lucrative venture for those who are ready to till the soil.

Skip ahead: 

Identify Your Niche

Create a business plan, legal considerations, establish your training center or online platform, develop your training programs and curriculum, marketing your training business, measure success and refine your strategy, tips for growing your training business, frequently asked questions, steps to starting a training business.

Venturing into the vast field of starting a training business might seem daunting at first glance. However, breaking it down into manageable steps can help make the task less overwhelming and more approachable. 

Each step represents a crucial part of the process, from the initial stages of identifying your niche to creating a business plan to finally measuring your success and refining your strategies. Keeping track of these steps not only ensures that no important detail is overlooked but also facilitates a smooth and organized business setup.

Choosing your niche can be intimidating, but it’s absolutely critical to the success of your business. 

This vital first step begins with an assessment of your skills and expertise. Are there certain areas of knowledge or skills you’ve amassed that could prove beneficial to others? 

Perhaps you have years of industry-specific experience or an advanced degree in a specialized field, which you can then channel into the training landscape.

In addition to understanding your expertise, it’s crucial to analyze market demand for your chosen niche and scrutinize both existing and potential competition. 

This entails conducting a rigorous research process to grasp the specific needs, interests, and preferences of potential learners. 

• Are there sufficient individuals interested in your area of expertise? 
• How can your offerings stand apart in the current competitive landscape? 

The insights gleaned from this process will enable you to maximize the yield from your entrepreneurial field.

Related: Training Ideas Generator

Your business plan serves as your entrepreneurial guide, providing essential direction and structure for your training business. 

Begin with establishing your mission and vision, which convey the core purpose of your business and the future you aim to shape through your services.

Identifying your target audience is the next crucial step. By thoroughly understanding the demographics, preferences, and learning styles of your prospective clients, you can ensure your services are finely tailored to meet their needs. 

The business plan should also include measurable goals and milestones that will mark your progress on your entrepreneurial path. Whether it’s acquiring a specific number of learners in the first year or launching a designated number of courses, these goals serve as signposts to guide and inspire your efforts.

To develop a comprehensive business plan, consider including:

• Executive Summary: An overview of your business and plans.
• Company Description: Details about what your company does and who it serves.
• Market Analysis: An examination of your industry, target market, and competitors.
• Marketing and Sales Strategy: Your plans for attracting and retaining customers.
• Service Offerings and Pricing Structure: A detailed explanation of your services and pricing.
• Management and Organizational Structure: The structure of your company and the roles of each team member.
• Financial Projections and Funding Requirements : A projection of future revenues and expenses and details of funding requirements (if applicable).

Deciding on your business structure is akin to laying the foundational bedrock upon which you’ll sow the seeds of your enterprise. There are several options available:

• Sole Proprietorship: A simple structure for a single owner who wants to control all business decisions and responsibilities.
• Partnership: Suitable for businesses with multiple owners who share in the company’s profits and losses.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC): This structure limits owners’ liability for business decisions or actions of the LLC.
• Corporation: A complex structure that involves legal protection and requires a board of directors, corporate officers, and shareholders.

Each of these options comes with its unique benefits and drawbacks. It’s advisable to consult with a legal professional or business advisor to help you select the most appropriate structure for your training business.

Just as a farmer requires an optimal plot of land to sow their seeds, you too need to establish the ideal platform for your training services. This could be a physical training center or an online platform . 

Both come with distinct advantages, and the most suitable choice depends on your target audience, budget, and the nature of your training programs.

A physical location provides a conducive environment for in-person interactions and hands-on training. Conversely, an online platform enables you to cast your net wider, potentially attracting a global audience, and offers the added benefits of flexibility and convenience. You can also deliver a mix of in-person and online training.

It’s also worthwhile considering the investment in a user-friendly Learning Management System (LMS) or an online training platform to enhance your training delivery.

As you establish your training platform, you’ll also need to determine the method of delivery for your training. 

Will it be in-person workshops and seminars, online courses and webinars, or a blended learning approach that combines the two? 

The necessary technology, equipment, and software for your chosen delivery method should also be part of your consideration.

Developing your training programs and curriculum forms the heart of your training business. Your actual training materials need to be engaging and high-value, capable of inspiring your audience and helping them to achieve their goals.

The key to crafting effective training programs and courses lies is understanding your target audience. Delving deep into their needs, preferences, challenges, goals and learning styles can inform the structure and content of your training programs. 

• Would they thrive better in self-paced environments, or do they require the structure and guidance of an instructor-led program? 
• Would they value the weight of a certificate program or the flexibility and diversity offered by a series of short courses?

When developing your curriculum, it’s crucial to consider these factors, shaping your offerings around the unique requirements and aspirations of your learners. You should commit to regular updates to your training materials. 

By aligning your content with the latest trends, research, and industry practices, you maintain the relevance and value of your courses. 

This ensures your programs are not just a static product but a dynamic learning experience that evolves with the times and keeps your training business at the forefront of the industry.

Remember, a successful curriculum is not just about knowledge transmission; it’s about creating transformative learning experiences that empower your audience, helping them grow and flourish in their respective fields.

Marketing catalyzes growth in your business. Begin by building a strong brand identity that reflects your values and mission, creating an impression in the minds of your clients about your business.

Develop a marketing strategy that effectively leverages the right channels to reach your target audience. This could encompass a blend of traditional advertising and digital marketing techniques.

Harness the power of social media, content marketing, and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to augment your online visibility. These tools can boost your engagement with potential clients and expand your digital footprint.

A robust marketing strategy might also involve developing a website and optimizing it for search engines. 

Utilize social media platforms and online forums to promote your training business and network with industry professionals and potential clients. 

Offering free resources or introductory workshops can demonstrate your expertise, generate interest, and attract prospective learners to your programs.

Lastly, consider your pricing and payment options. Research competitors’ pricing structures to establish competitive rates. 

Offering various payment options such as credit cards, PayPal, and invoicing for corporate clients, along with discounts for group bookings, early registration, or loyalty programs, can provide additional appeal for prospective clients.

In your journey towards establishing a thriving training business, tracking progress and refining your strategy is not just the final step but a continuous one. 

Make a habit of regularly evaluating your business performance against your established goals and milestones. This assessment should cover various areas of your business – from customer acquisition and retention rates to course completion rates and overall financial health.

One of your richest sources of improvement ideas comes directly from your clients. Make it a practice to gather their feedback , as their perspectives can provide invaluable insights into how your services are received.

Feedback, both positive and critical, can reveal opportunities for growth, enhancement, and innovation that you might not have considered otherwise.

Finally, you must remain adaptable and ready to adjust your strategy as required. The business landscape, much like nature, is in a constant state of flux. Whether it’s a shift in market trends, advancements in training technology, or changes in your client’s needs, your readiness to evolve with these changes is crucial.

A successful training business isn’t static; it grows and adapts, continually evolving to meet the needs of its clients while maintaining its financial health. 

This continual refinement and adaptation are what will ensure your training business doesn’t just survive but thrives for the long haul.

The most successful training entrepreneurs actively seek growth strategies for their businesses. They strive for excellence, going out of their way to learn the latest and greatest strategies.

Here are a few practical tips that can help drive the growth of your training business:

• Collaborating with Industry Experts: Teaming up with industry experts can significantly boost the quality of your training content. These specialists bring a wealth of experience, knowledge, and credibility to your programs, making them more attractive to potential learners. Collaborations can also lead to the expansion of your professional network and present more growth opportunities.
• Offering Certification Programs: Certification programs provide added value for learners, acting as a seal of quality assurance and competency in their chosen field. By offering certification programs, your training business can stand out from the competition, attracting more clients seeking recognition for their newly acquired skills.
• Expanding Your Services and Target Markets: Never limit your field. Consider expanding your service offerings or venturing into new target markets. With the world becoming more connected every day, there’s potential to reach diverse audiences seeking knowledge in various fields. Always be open to new opportunities and keep your finger on the pulse of market trends and demands.

Remember to keep an eye on the competition, too. Is there something extra your competitors offer? What can you do to set yourself apart?

Growth can feel like pulling teeth at first – but with a few strategies and the right approach, you’ll see numbers start to skyrocket. 

Like a good harvest, reaping the fruits of a successful training business is a rewarding experience. It’s a journey that starts with identifying your niche, creating a comprehensive business plan, and navigating the legal landscape. 

It involves setting up a conducive platform for training, developing engaging programs and curricula, and executing effective marketing strategies.

Growing your training business is a continuous endeavor, and with the right mindset and strategies, you can ensure the fertility of your professional field. Collaborations, certification programs, and the expansion of services can all play a significant role in this growth process.

Download the In-Depth Checklist: How to Start a Training Business

Equip yourself with the essential knowledge and guidance you need to launch your training business successfully. Our comprehensive In-Depth Checklist provides a step-by-step roadmap, empowering you to navigate the intricacies of starting a training venture with confidence.

Q. What are the initial costs of starting a training business?

The initial costs of starting a training business can vary widely, depending on several factors. If you’re starting an online training business, for instance, costs will generally be lower than setting up a physical location. 

Primary costs may include investing in a high-quality learning management system (LMS) or online training platform, creating course content, and marketing your services. If you opt for a physical training center, you’ll need to factor in the rent or purchase of a location, outfitting the space for learning and potentially hiring staff.

 Consultation with legal professionals, business registration, and obtaining necessary permits also add to initial expenses. It’s crucial to outline these costs in your business plan for a clear financial overview.

Q. How do I price my training services?

Pricing your training services should consider several factors: the cost of producing and delivering the training, your time and expertise, market rates, and the perceived value to your learners. 

Research your competitors’ pricing strategies to understand what your target market expects to pay. Offering various payment options and discounts for early registration, group bookings, or loyalty programs can also enhance your pricing strategy’s attractiveness.

Q. How can I differentiate my training business from competitors?

Differentiating your training business involves highlighting what makes your offering unique. It could be your unique expertise, the quality of your course content, collaboration with industry experts, or offering certification programs. 

Tailoring your programs to the specific needs of your target audience and providing an exceptional learning experience can also set you apart. Remember, your brand identity plays a crucial role in differentiating your business in the market.

Q. What are the best marketing strategies for a training business?

Effective marketing strategies for a training business include developing a strong online presence through a user-friendly, SEO-optimized website. 

Utilizing social media platforms, offering free resources or introductory workshops, and networking with industry professionals can also enhance your visibility. 

Remember to leverage content marketing to showcase your expertise and engage potential clients. Your marketing strategy should be as dynamic as the market itself, adjusting to trends, audience preferences, and business goals.

Q. How do I ensure the success of my training business in the long run?

Long-term success in the training business requires continuous evaluation and adaptation. Regularly assess your business performance and gather feedback from clients to understand what works and what needs improvement. 

Keep your training materials up-to-date and relevant to ensure they continue to meet your learners’ evolving needs. Lastly, consider growth strategies such as collaborating with industry experts, expanding your services, and venturing into new markets. 

Ensuring the success of your training business requires ongoing care, creativity, and diligence.

This article was originally published July 2023 and was updated in October 2023 to be even more useful.

Daniela Ochoa is the go-to Content Marketing Specialist at Thinkific Plus. With years of experience in marketing and communications, she is passionate about helping businesses grow through strategic customer education, content marketing, and online learning at scale.

• Ultimate List of Training Templates: Streamline Your Training Programs
• Training Invitation Templates: Tips and Examples
• How To Expand Your B2B Offers with Online Learning Products
• The Top 6 Must-use Thinkific Apps (Or Tools) To Level Up Your Online Academy
• Your Guide to Bringing Your Classroom Online Quickly and Effectively

Related Articles

Cms vs lms: what’s the difference.

Learn the difference between CMS vs LMS, and keep your content and education stakeholders focused, aligned, and meeting their goals without stepping on each other’s toes!

Understanding CSAT: The Complete Guide to Customer Satisfaction Score

Dive deep into the world of CSAT (Customer Satisfaction Score), what it means, how to calculate it and improve it.

Skills Matrix Template: Efficiently Assess and Track Employee Skills

Streamline your employee skill assessment process with our customizable skills matrix template. Effectively track and analyze the skills of your workforce. Download for free now!

Try Thinkific for yourself!

Accomplish your course creation and student success goals faster with thinkific..

Download this guide and start building your online program!

It is on its way to your inbox

Updated on: 10 Dec 2020 , 9 mins to read

How to start a training business: 6 steps to success

The eLearning market is growing — fast. So fast, that from the $200 billion in 2019, it’s now expected to grow over $375 billion by 2026. And as people are warming up to the idea that eLearning is just as effective as traditional training, there’s never been a better time to think about how to start a training business.

Before you jump headfirst into starting a training business of your own, you’ll want to slow down and make sure you have everything in place. Do you know what will make your business successful?

Here’s our six-step plan on how to start a training company .

How to start a training business in 6 steps (and make it a success)

Starting a training company isn’t much different from setting up any other company. You’ll still need to think about all the essential aspects of business 101: Who’s your client base ? How will you persuade them to choose you? How will you beat the competition ?

Let’s look at how you can set your eLearning business up for success.

• Know your audience
• Use the right technology and tools
• Think about the content
• Partner with the right people
• Run it like a business

Curious to learn more? Let’s dive in!

1. Know your audience

Before starting your own training business, you need to decide who you’ll target with your business.

Enter market research.  The best way is to hire a market research company that can assess the viability of the training business you’re considering. A more affordable option is to talk to people, run an informal survey, or put up a simple “sign up for updates” form on your Facebook or landing page to gauge people’s interest.

Ultimately, the goal is to land on a specific target audience for your services before you start a training business. Who are they? What do they need to learn? What do they want to learn? The next step is to determine how large this audience is . This way you’ll be able to estimate your company’s profitability.

Sustainability and profitability are two elements you should look at before you commit your time and money to start an online training business. Of course, you’ll only be able to tell with real certainty after your business opens doors, but this will definitely help you rule out some impossible markets.

Another factor you need to consider regarding your audience is whether  you’re targeting your local market (which, in countries like the US or China can be more than big enough) or an international one. This will affect a great many things, such as your content (depending on who you want to reach you might need to offer localized courses), the way of delivery (to easily target an international audience you’ll need a full-featured eLearning platform), even your payment methods.

Another consideration is whether you are targeting the general market (that is, J. Random User on the web) or businesses.

Don’t rule out enterprise training. Offering enterprise training as an outside contractor is a wholly viable business option. Not all enterprises have internal enterprise training programs, and even those that do, don’t cover all their training needs with them. That’s where you, as an independent training contractor could come in and offer a complete training program saving them from the hassle of deploying and maintaining it.

2. Use the right technology and tools

To run a successful eLearning business, it’s important to pick the right technology. After all, eLearning is 50% content and 50% delivery. Delivery refers to speed, UI, ease of use, intuitiveness, features ,  and more. And that is all technology.

Modern technology, high-speed internet, and the emergence of turn-key, full-featured LMS platforms like TalentLMS , have leveled the playing field. With the right tools in place, even a small, two-person company can compete with a big, established training provider — if not in breadth of content, then surely in quality and presentation.

Besides, don’t forget that the technology you choose will affect your scalability options further down the road — i.e. how big your business can eventually get.

You probably want your eLearning business to be infinitely scalable from day one, but that’s not easy (or affordable) to achieve, especially if you’re considering building the learning platform yourself. It’s also something that’s not necessary to address when you first start a training business.

In this case, cloud-based LMS is the best solution , as essentially you offload the scalability problem to your cloud provider, and you’re free to increase your plan (and reach) whenever the need arises.

This flexibility will usually come at a small per-user fee, paid to your Cloud vendor. But, unless you’re at Google scale, it’s still better than paying a huge amount upfront for building your own server farm, plus the salaries to maintain your own IT team.

Build your online training courses in minutes with TalentLMS. The learning management system that’s easy to set up, easy to use, and easy to customize.

3. Think about the content

When we’re thinking about how to start a training business, one of the first things that comes up is content. Because content is indeed the core of your business.

Whether you’re offering Arabian flute lessons to all consumers or Economics 101 to enterprise audiences, your content needs to be top-notch, because this is what will make your eLearning business stand out.

Think polished, professional-looking content , with a high enough production value. No sloppy writing, no boring PowerPoints, no boring videos of talking heads.

Take the time to do it right yourself. Or hire a talented writer, and learn about all the trade tricks that can increase the perceived — and actual — quality of your content (e.g., consistent typography).

The most important decision, though, is the kind of content you’ll invest in. While you might be passionate about Latin, it doesn’t mean others are too — especially not a large enough audience to help you sustain an online training business.

You should also be cautious of uber-trendy subjects, as they may be unsustainable for any significant period of time. Cryptocurrency might be trendy now, but not in the next two years, and the last thing you’d want is to have invested loads of money on content that won’t pay off.

4. Partner with the right people

You might be tempted to wear every single hat in your new business. That’s fair. When you’re starting a training business, chances are you can’t afford to hire a dedicated department for marketing or sales. But, doing it all yourself is not a viable option, either.

Instead, find the right freelancers and partner with them. For example, you can outsource plenty of business administration tasks to a virtual assistant. You can hire freelancers to cover your marketing tasks, and even get instructional designers and subject matter experts to design your courses.

Be honest about your weaknesses and your strengths. And then hire the right people who complement those.

5. Market it

If you have your business license at hand, your content polished and loaded, and your LMS ready to welcome your learners, you might think you’re all set.

But that’s just the first part of starting a training business. The really hard part will be to market your training offering so that enough people sign up.

This all depends on your marketing budget and your ingenuity. At the very least, you should give your website and service a professional and memorable look based on your corporate branding .

Your target audience will also determine how you will market your eLearning offerings. For example, if you target a niche industry (e.g., music production courses), then it would be a good idea to advertise in trade magazines and websites. If you’re competing for enterprise training contracts, you should target websites like LinkedIn, talk to enterprise executives directly, etc.

Of course, if your eLearning business idea is unique and your content well thought out, it might market itself through word of mouth and favorable online reviews. But don’t depend on that  — to paraphrase Glengarry Glen Ross, you should “always be marketing”.

6. Run it like a business

This goes without saying, but if you want to start your own online training business, you would need to treat it like a business, too.

First, you’ll need a quick starter course in economics to learn about revenue, taxes, and  pricing . Don’t assume that you know these things and that running a business is intuitive. Some economic concepts are common knowledge. But most will come as a surprise, or maybe a revelation. A lack of understanding of notions like sunk cost, opportunity cost, and price curves has hurt far too many businesses to mention.

Grasping economic concepts is just the start; equally vital is establishing an LLC business bank account to separate personal and business finances, ensuring legal and financial clarity.

You’ll also need to keep up with the bureaucracy (the IRS doesn’t joke around), keep an eye on your competitors, and be on the lookout for new business opportunities and partnerships.

If what you have in mind is the cliche image of a boss who doesn’t do anything but collect profits each month, you better forget it. Running a business is a 24/7 job.

How to start a training company 101: From theory to practice

Now you know how to start a training business. And even though it’s hard work, there’s never been a better time to dive in. The online training industry is booming and will continue to grow.

Are you considering starting your own training and development company? What’s stopping you? Already a proud eLearning business owner? What lessons did you learn when you started your training business?

Let us know in the comments!

Save time, frustration and money with TalentLMS, the most-affordable and user-friendly learning management system on the market. Try it for free for as long as you want and discover why our customers consistently give us 4.5 stars (out of 5!)

Try for free!

Originally published on: 13 Jul 2018

3 responses to “How to start a training business: 6 steps to success”

We started using talentlms a year ago to create an elearning/training product for our Nonprofit Accounting Software product. Our experience has been wonderful. We searched for about 6 months and did several trial versions with other vendors. Talentlms seemed to be the most flexible. We also appreciated the pricing model, allowing us to scale this part of our business, specifically our Acumatica eTraining product for end users . Way to go on creating a top-notch product that is both flexible and dynamic!

Thank you very much Jeremy, I am really glad you are enjoying TalentLMS!

Thanks for giving me your best suggestion …………

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You may also like, popular articles, training evaluation methods: a comprehensive guide to techniques & tools.

5 months ago by Elena Koumparaki, 23 mins to read

A 2024 Guide to New Employee Orientation (Includes Checklist)

2 months ago by Fiona McSweeney, 18 mins to read

Would you take a pay cut to keep working remotely? 62% say no.

2 years ago by Athena Marousis, 17 mins to read

The top 26 most used online employee training tools

3 months ago by Christina Pavlou, 11 mins to read

Training Objectives: 5 Tips To Set Realistic Goals For Your Training

1 month ago by Aris Apostolopoulos, 9 mins to read

We love social, let’s connect!

Start your elearning portal in 30 seconds.

Get started it's free!

TalentLMS is free to use for as long as you want! You can always upgrade to a paid plan to get much more!

Business Plan Workshops

 At some point, most businesses will need a business plan [1]. One of my core services is the preparation of professional business plans for startup promoters and SMEs.  I also deliver training on Business Plan Preparation.

1. One Day Business Plan Preparation Workshop

This workshop will outline how to write a business plan to secure investment, apply for funding such as a bank loan or enterprise agency support in order to exploit an identified business opportunity. The one day (six hours) programme will be of benefit to established businesses wishing to introduce new products and business promoters who are actively planning to set up a new business to include those considering Self Employment and/or applying for the Short Term Enterprise Allowance.

Course Objectives

– To provide a recognised template for investor ready business plans

– To discuss the principal reasons why business plans are prepared

– To address each section of the business plan in an integrated and comprehensive fashion

– To outline an approach to writing a Business Plan

– To provide a template for creating Financial Projections

– To discuss how investors and bank view Business Plans

On completion of this one day programme, the participants will have:

·  A greater understanding of the importance of the business plan

·  Completed an Executive Summary for their Business

·  Have points for each section of their Business Plan

The workshop is structured into two major sections:

The first part of the workshop concentrates on the Business Plan template – an example business plan concerning a fictitious business will be sent to all participants by email.

Each section of the Business Plan will be discussed. Participants will be facilitated to compile a list of points for each section of their business plan.

•       Executive Summary

•       Promoters and other information

•       Background Information + Reason for Writing the Plan

•       The Product / Service

•       Market Opportunity

•       Marketing Strategy

•       Management Team

•       Operations

•       Strategy for future growth

•       Financing

•       Action Plan

•       Financial Schedules

•       Appendices

The second part of the workshop discusses how to take a Business Plan to the next level. It firstly addresses how an investor will assess a business plan. The key part of this session is to provide a template for developing financial projections.

I aim to ensure that my workshops are both rewarding and enjoyable i.e. challenging, informative, creative and act as a stimulus for proactive change. I will be available to follow up with participants by email and/or by phone for several weeks after each programme.

^ Footnote 1 : In this blogpost for Tweak Your Biz on ‘Running Lean’ by Ash Maurya, I outline my view that a very early stage startup does NOT need to prepare a business plan. I would strongly recommend that they use the Lean Canvas tool as business planning is critical.

 in january 2020, i published an online training course entitled, ‘writing your business plan’ click on the button below to check it out.

Alison's New App is now available on iOS and Android! Download Now

Are you a business or organisation seeking to train and upskill your employees?

If yes, check out Alison’s Free LMS here!

header.all_certificate_courses

Personal development, sales & marketing, engineering & construction, teaching & academics.

Become an Alison Affiliate in one click, and start earning money by sharing any page on the Alison website.

• Change Language

Small Business: The Business Plan

This free online course includes:.

• Hours of Learning
• CPD Accreditation
• Final Assessment

Rate This Course & Get Better Recommendations!

Thanks for your review, in this free course, you will learn how to.

This free online course will introduce you to business and management plan development, as well as other relevant aspects of business management for start-ups. It begins with a module on the concept of business plans; the recommended things to do when writing, organizing and formatting one, as well as what not to do. You will learn how to present it to an audience as one of the first steps of materializing a business plan is the process of attracting investors. This course will break down some types of investors, such as ‘angel investors’ and venture capitalists.

The course goes on to discuss contingency and due diligence in developing a proper business plan. Because nothing is given in the business world, it is only proper that a margin of error is provided when planning your business. This allowance in business planning is explained in the lesson on contingency planning. Next, you will learn about due diligence for professional investors and the legal aspects to consider. Study business operations and the types of legal business entities that exist. You will be taught the importance of the executive summary and the mission statement sections of your business plan, and how to write them as persuasively as possible. The last section takes you through lessons on management model types. You will learn about set-up costs for new start-ups and how to manage the financial requirements when starting a business venture. Lastly, you will be introduced to the concept of franchising, and its many aspects, as well as how to invest wisely in a franchise.

Like many endeavours in life, a business idea is nothing but wishful thinking if it has no plan to back it. The business plan is the framework upon which a business is built. It serves the purpose of guiding the entrepreneur in their decision making and also in selling the business idea to potential investors, partners or other stakeholders. As an entrepreneur looking to enter the business space, you must understand how to articulate your business plan succinctly, clearly and carefully, and this free online course will help you do just that.

All Alison courses are free to enrol study and complete. To successfully complete this course and become an Alison Graduate, you need to achieve 80% or higher in each course assessment. Once you have completed this course, you have the option to acquire an official Diploma, which is a great way to share your achievement with the world.

Your Alison is:

• Ideal for sharing with potential employers
• Great for your CV, professional social media profiles and job applications.
• An indication of your commitment to continuously learn, upskill & achieve high results.
• An incentive for you to continue empowering yourself through lifelong learning.

Alison offers 3 types of Diplomas for completed Diploma courses:

• Digital : a downloadable in PDF format immediately available to you when you complete your purchase.
• : a physical version of your officially branded and security-marked , posted to you with FREE shipping.
• Framed : a physical version of your officially branded and security marked in a stylish frame, posted to you with FREE shipping.

All s are available to purchase through the Alison Shop . For more information on purchasing Alison , please visit our FAQs . If you decide not to purchase your Alison , you can still demonstrate your achievement by sharing your Learner Record or Learner Achievement Verification, both of which are accessible from your Account Settings . For more details on our pricing, please visit our Pricing Page

Knowledge & Skills You Will Learn

Complete this cpd accredited course & get your certificate , certify your skills, stand out from the crowd, advance in your career.

Learner Reviews & Feedback For Small Business: The Business Plan

Want to create a customised learning path for your team.

Our dedicated Learning Advisors are here to help you curate a customised learning path tailored to your organisation's needs and goals.

Explore Careers Related To This Course

Not sure where to begin or even what you want to do.

Discover the career most suitable for you and get started in the field with a step-by-step plan.

About Your Alison Course Publisher

- alison stats, more free online courses by this publisher, learners who took this course also enrolled in, explore subjects related to this course.

Join our community of 40 million+ learners, upskill with CPD UK accredited courses, explore career development tools and psychometrics - all for free.

• Reset password form here

Enter your friend's email address

Seminar Planning Checklist

• Event Planning
• Retail Small Business
• Restauranting
• Real Estate
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Import/Export Business
• Freelancing & Consulting
• Food & Beverage
• Construction
• Operations & Success
• Becoming an Owner
• Western Illinois University
• DePaul University

The seminar is perhaps the most common event that planners will organize. And most seminars are scheduled either as a 1/2 day or a full day. For those interested in creating a checklist for planning a ​ seminar , the following offers a high-level structure for planning and executing a seminar.​

And for those who are planning a multi-day or multi-session conference, consider taking a similar approach. However, your seminar planning checklist will be longer.

Confirm the Purpose of the Event

 Morsa Images / Getty Images 

Before conducting any research into venue selection, make sure you are familiar with the basic objectives of the event:

• Who is the audience?
• What is the topic of the seminar?
• Where should it be located?
• Why will people attend?
• What is the seminar’s agenda?

Review the Apex Event Specifications Guide

The Convention Industry Council has established a series of tools that should be viewed as an excellent source of best practices that will help the event or meeting planner to keep track of the details for planning events. With free download tools, it will help any event planner to create a list of relevant details. This includes, but isn’t limited to:

• Event profile (date, times, location, contacts, etc.)
• Event organizer/host contact information
• Supplier contact information
• Attendee profile
• Space needed
• Food and beverage
• A/V requirements
• Function/room setup

Create an Event Profile

Once a planner has some of the basic questions about the event covered, it’s time to research possible venues for the meeting. It’s important to work closely with the event organizer/host to determine the type of venue and where the seminar may be most convenient for both organizer and guest (the list of ideas can be endless):

• Local hotel
• Local conference facility
• Private restaurant space
• Private club museum/art gallery

Outline Seminar Needs and Reqeuest Venue Proposals.

Most venues are happy to provide an estimate for a possible seminar. The catering or sales contact will need the following BEO information:

• Possible date(s) for the event
• Number of attendees
• Style of room setup (classroom, u-shape, etc.)
• Time of the event (account for setup/tear down)
• Food and beverage requirements
• A/V needs (including screens, mics, etc.)

Tip: Hire an A/V technician to be dedicated to your event from the hotel.

Confirm and/or Develop the Agenda

It is critical for the event planner to work closely with the event organizer/host because the event agenda will frequently change from the initial conversation until the actual day of the event. The event planner must be ready to adjust the plan and work closely with the venue to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Confirm the BEO Agreement

Once the planner knows the targeted number of attendees and logistic requirements for the seminar, they should secure the event space and related requirements. Most agreements should allow the planner an opportunity to reduce/increase food and beverage requirements up to a certain number of days before the event. However, many agreements will cap how much they will allow a group to reduce quantities, so estimate well.

Create Event Communications and Materials

This is an item that some planners may be involved with, while others may not. Essentially, some meeting planners will be responsible for each of the following:

• Creating event invitations
• Printing agenda and other material
• Securing attendee gifts/raffles
• Producing name badges
• Shipping event signage and displays

Work Closely With Event Host to Finalize Logistics

Before the event, there are a couple of important steps that a meeting planner completes before the event. This includes confirming the following:

• Event speakers
• Event A/V requirements
• Event attendee count
• Host roles and responsibilities
• Event materials needs (check multiple times)

Event Setup

Be sure to allow time in the BEO schedule for event setup, and it’s recommended to arrive approximately two hours before the event.

Tip: If the seminar is scheduled in the morning, ask the venue sales contact to allow your group to set up the night before (but do not leave anything valuable in public site).

All event materials, handouts, signage, displays, gifts, registration tables, name badges and more must be ready for the event.

Warning: Speakers sometimes change slides the night before and provide new presentations that need to be added to the powerpoint 10 minutes before the event.

Event Execution

After you’ve prepared, it’s time for the seminar. Expect the following:

• Some attendees will always arrive early.
• Some attendees will always arrive late.
• There is frequently some technical glitch.
• What Is a Seminar?
• What Are the Guidelines for Planning a Public or Community Event?
• Why You Need an Event Planning Checklist
• Event Planning Checklist Guideline
• How to Write an Event Planning Service Proposal
• Tips to Increase Attendance at Business Events
• Common Event Planning Mistakes to Avoid
• Planning Checklist for Small Events
• How to Write an Event Planning Business Plan
• The Basics of Building an Event Budget
• How to Select the Perfect Keynote Speaker
• Great Ideas for an Effective Event Registration Table
• How to Build a Basic Supply Kit for Seminars and Conferences
• Management Tips When Building an Event Budget
• 7 Things to Include in an Event Planning Business Proposal
• An Event Planner's Guide to Green Meetings and Events

How to Start a Training Business in 2024 (& Succeed at It)

id you know that the global corporate training market is expected to reach $370.3 billion by 2027? It's expected to reach $370.3 billion by 2027 and will even exceed $493.32 billion by 2028! Small businesses are investing big bucks in employee training too, with an average spend of almost $1,400 per learner in 2022. With remote work becoming more prevalent and the need for continuous professional development on the rise, the demand for training services is at an all-time high. 

The United States dominates the corporate training market, accounting for over 30% of the global share in 2020. This presents a fantastic opportunity for anyone considering starting their own training business. For example, a tutor experienced in working with students who have learning disabilities could create a business to meet their specific needs.

You can positively impact people's lives while also making money by starting a training business. A tutor with experience working with students who have learning disabilities, for instance, could start their own training business to meet the specific needs of these students and their families.

But let's be real, starting an online training business can be daunting if you're not an entrepreneur at heart. To do it successfully, you need to take an organized approach, develop an effective marketing strategy, and intimately understand your target audience. This article is for anyone interested in starting their own training company, providing a step-by-step guide on how to start a training company. So keep reading if you want to turn your passion for teaching into a profitable career.

What is a Training Company?

A training company is a company that offers courses and programs for personal and professional growth. Education can range from purely technical to managerial. Organizations providing instruction can be for-profit or non-profit enterprises and need not be exclusively virtual to exist.Businesses in the training industry come in many forms. Still, they all commit to empowering their clients with the knowledge and experience to achieve personal growth and professional success. 

The purpose of any instructor is to positively affect their students, whether they are learning how to use a new piece of software or become better leaders.Training business is a great way to make a difference and a good living at the same time. A training business could be perfect if you enjoy seeing others develop and grow.

Why Start A Training Company?

Successful professionals and businesses rely heavily on training companies to help them develop the necessary expertise. 

Thus, training firms are well-known for tailoring courses to meet the specific needs of their clients to boost employee and business productivity.

Training firms have been shown to boost productivity, efficiency, and morale, all while keeping businesses competitive.

How Much Does it Cost to Launch a Business Program?

It is important to know the cost of starting a business training program and how to start a training business, as this will determine the scope and type of program you can offer. You can get the training in various formats, from virtual classes to in-person seminars. Private coaching services come with an associated time and material cost. Launching a more extensive program with in-person and virtual components will require more funding. The following factors can help you estimate the price of launching your business training program:

• If you have a client or student base, how much time do you anticipate spending with them?
• What kind of materials do you need, and how much of it?
• Does your company already have any necessary infrastructure (like an office, necessary tools, or an online learning management system)?
• Is a minimum amount of advertising and promotion required to bring in customers or enrollees?
• Do you have other operating expenses (such as insurance or permits)? 

You can better understand the initial investment required for your business training program if you answer these questions. If you want your online training business to succeed, you need to put in the necessary resources, but you must also be careful to spend your resources wisely. An effective business training program does not have to break the bank with careful preparation and execution.

Benefits Of Starting An Online Training Business

As reported by the Census Bureau's Business Formation Statistics, the number of businesses formed increased by 55% from January to November of 2021. Launching a training company can bring about a wide variety of positive outcomes. Five of the most notable are listed below.

• You can set your hours and be your boss by starting a training company. You'll have complete control over your work schedule, who you serve, and your company's direction.
• Second, you have the power to make a difference; clients of training companies can benefit from your services in meaningful ways. You can make a difference in people's lives by assisting them in developing their abilities and knowledge.
• The potential for financial success; if your training business is profitable, you can make a comfortable living. The business world can provide a comfortable living for those who are dedicated to their work and skilled at it.
• You get to set your hours if you own a training company. Your working hours can be arranged as needed to accommodate personal or professional obligations.
•  You'll have plenty of business: Training companies are in high demand, particularly in fields that place a premium on lifelong learning. That's great news for anyone hoping to launch a thriving business and find a steady stream of customers. 

Businesses' training needs will increase as the economy transitions to a knowledge-based model.

How to Create Your Own Training Company: 10 Steps to Success

Starting your own training business can be a lucrative and fulfilling profession if you have a knack for teaching and a motivation to see others succeed. Below, we take a look at how to start a training business. You need to take several important steps to ensure your business is successful.

1) Identify your niche

One must first determine their target market to launch a successful training company. Can you name some concrete abilities or areas of expertise you can impart to others? This could refer to any skill set, from writing code to promoting an event to giving speeches. Pick a market segment that interests you and has a lot of potential customers.

Think about your passion and how you like to spend your free time. In what ways can your professional and personal experiences serve as a source of insight for others? There is a high demand for training in some areas, so it's a good idea to look into market trends and employer demands to find those niches.

2) Conduct market research

The success of your training business will depend on your ability to conduct market research after you have settled on a specific niche. It is essential to know your market, your audience, and their wants, needs, and problems. Google Trends, market research, and social media are just some online resources you can use to learn more about your target audience and the market.

To get accurate results from market research, one must be thorough and impartial. Assess the areas where your rivals excel and where you can set yourself apart. Find out what drives your intended trainees and how your training can help them succeed.

3) Develop a business plan

Business plans are like road maps for your training company; they detail the company's intended direction, purpose, and objectives. A market analysis, financial forecasts, and promotional plans should also be incorporated. When starting and expanding your business, having a well-thought-out business plan will help you maintain focus and make educated choices.

There are a few things to keep in mind when writing a business plan:

• A synopsis of your company and its aims, or executive summary.
• Market analysis, which is an examination of your target market and its other players.
• Your products and services should include an explanation of the training programs you offer and how they cater to the specific needs of your customer base.
• Strategy for promoting and selling your training to a specific demographic
• Cost and revenue forecasts for a given time frame are what we call "financial projections."

4) Decide on your pricing model

Determine who you're trying to reach and what kind of training you provide, as these factors will inform your pricing strategy. You can set your hourly rates per session or unit of study. Providing bundles or discounts for multiple purchases or referrals is another option. Establishing reasonable rates that compensate for your education and experience is crucial.

When settling on a pricing strategy, it's important to think about the following:

• How much are they willing to spend for those who will benefit most from your training?
• Where can I find pricing information for similar classes offered by your competitors?
• How much are you investing in the development and presentation of your training?
• What sets you apart as a trainer, and why should someone invest in your course?

5) Create your training materials

The training materials you create should be adapted to the specific demographic and needs of the people using them. This could be in the form of video lectures, readings, assignments, and tests. Tools and platforms like Udemy and Teachable for online courses and video conferencing programs like Zoom are just a few examples of what you can use to design and deliver your training.

Keep these guidelines in mind as you develop your training materials:

• Maintain a minimum level of complexity: Pay attention to the most important ideas and techniques your target audience must grasp.
• Include visuals, audio, and user interaction to pique interest in your content.
• Offer evaluations and suggestions for improvement to aid your audience in learning.
• Keep abreast of the latest developments: Incorporate student feedback and adapt to industry shifts by updating your materials frequently.

6) Build your online presence

In today's digital age, it is essential for any business, including training businesses, to have a robust online presence. Get the word out about your training through various online channels such as social media, your website, and others.

Here are a few suggestions for enhancing your web profile:

• Build a website to advertise your training services and inform potential clients. Sites like Wix and Squarespace make it possible to build a functional website with a polished design and no knowledge of HTML or CSS.
• Use social media to spread the word about your training and connect with potential clients. Sites like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook are perfect for this. 
• Using these channels, you can distribute training materials, engage with your target audience, and gain followers.
• Use email marketing because it's cheap and easy to promote your training and stay in touch with your audience. 
• Mailchimp and Constant Contact are two examples of email marketing platforms that can be used to create and send emails to your subscribers, including newsletters, promotions, and more.

7) Utilize technology

The use of technology in education can improve the quality of training and save time. The following are examples of useful resources:

• Using a learning management system (LMS) such as Moodle or Canvas, you can easily organize and distribute your training materials to your students, monitor their development over time, and offer them constructive criticism.
• Technology like Zoom or Skype video conferencing features make it easy to hold real-time training sessions and engage with students.
• Course, authoring tools like Articulate Storyline and Adobe Captivate allow instructors to make lessons beyond simple text to engage students in a more active learning experience.
• Tools for evaluating students' knowledge can be found online, and sites like Kahoot and Quizlet are examples of such platforms.

8) Launch your training

You can now begin offering training after creating your training materials, establishing your pricing structure, and establishing your online presence. You can provide initial sessions at no or low cost to get the ball rolling and get people talking. Additionally, you can inquire within your social circle for recommendations and feedback.

As you roll out your training, be flexible and open to change in response to student feedback. This will aid you in maintaining your dedication to offering first-rate instruction tailored to your specific audience's needs.

9) Provide ongoing support and resources

Giving students access to resources and support after they've completed their training is essential. This can keep them interested and enthusiastic about the training and reinforce its value.

Some examples of ongoing assistance and material support are:

• Social media groups, forums, and chat rooms can foster a sense of community among your students, allowing them to connect and share their experiences and knowledge.
• If you want your students to continue learning after your training ends, you can provide additional training materials, reading lists, and other resources.
• To ensure that your students can apply the skills and knowledge they acquire in your training to their unique situations, consider offering coaching or mentoring services on an ongoing basis.

10) Measure and improve your training

Last but not least, ensuring your training is constantly evaluated and enhanced is crucial to the success of your training business. Tools like surveys, feedback forms, and analytics can help you measure the success of your training and make adjustments based on student feedback.

For better training results, you can track and enhance the following areas:

• Happy students: How happy are your trainees with their training? Do you know what you could do to make them happier?
• Is there evidence that your trainees have retained and can use the information and skills you've taught them? What can you do to improve their educational outcomes?
• Are you getting a good return on investment (ROI) from your training for your company and your employees? Is there a way to maximize the return on investment for your training?

4 Core Tools to Help You Start a Training Business

#1 educateme.

EducateMe's straightforward interface is a great resource for anyone considering launching an online training enterprise. 

Whether it's live video instruction, boot camps, or full-fledged courses, this platform has you covered with fully automated features that maximize student potential. 

Educators have simple access to real-time lesson monitoring and rich analytic data in every training session. 

EducateME's email and automated feedback features make exchanging information easy for students and teachers. Users of this platform can also customize and access it on any device, made possible by EducateMe's flexible design.

This platform creates a unique approach to learning called “brain science-backed gamification”.. Axionify is a cloud-based microlearning platform with gamification features. 

This system caters instruction to learners' preferences and strengths through bite-sized learning modules. 

The Axionify platform has many features to increase employee participation, such as leaderboards, badges, and other gamified elements that promote healthy competition and socialization among workers. Companies can monitor employee development and pinpoint areas where they may need additional training, thanks to the analytics features of the platform.

With its innovative approach to education, intuitive interface, and cutting-edge analytics features, Axionify is an invaluable tool for any business that wants to foster a culture of lifelong learning and development.

#3 Path LMS

Path LMS is a product of Blue Sky eLearn, and serves as an online learning management system. Organizations can use it to facilitate online educational content development, distribution, and administration. The Path LMS is an all-encompassing platform for designing and delivering interactive online courses, tracking the development of individual students, and analyzing the results of training initiatives.

The Path Learning Management System's features and capabilities include the following:

• Course creation using multiple media types like video, audio, text, and images.
• Content management.
• Learner management.
• Reporting and analytics.
• Integrations with a wide range of third-party applications like Zoom.

Docebo is a cloud-based LMS that facilitates the development and distribution of educational content for online users. In addition to tools for making courses, the platform includes a catalog of available courses, a way to enroll students, monitor their progress, generate reports, and connect with third-party programs.

Because of its flexible design and extensive customization options, Docebo can be easily adapted to meet the needs of any business and reflect its brand image. In addition, it supports mobile use so that it can be accessed from anywhere and used for learning..

In conclusion, it can take time to grasp the essentials on how to start a training business. You can start a profitable and satisfying training business if you dedicate time and energy to defining your target audience, researching the market, writing a business plan, settling on a pricing structure, developing training materials, establishing your online presence, and releasing your training.

10 Best Retail LMS [2024 Overview]

8 Best LMS For Sales Training [2024]

Key 12 LMS Requirements For Your Checklist

Create and scale collaborative courses

Keep reading

The Instructors' Guide For Creating A Collaborative Learning Environment in 2024

How To Create An Online School In 5 Easy Steps [2024 Guide]

How To Build An Elearning Business In 2024: Six Approaches That Work

8 Best LMS for Small Businesses [2024 List]

LXP vs LMS: Benefits, Features, Users, Content Compared to Help You Choose in 2024

Firm to Farm: Estate Planning 101 for Farmers and Ranchers

When you work on your estate plan, rfd-tv’s farm legal and tax expert roger mceowen recommends preparing a vital list of information for whoever will need it..

Adobe Stock

When it comes to estate planning , we tend to think of wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. But there are other things you can do before those documents are drafted to make creating those documents easier and smooth the transition upon death.

A good idea is to create a binder that contains your retirement plan information and anything else your children, lawyer, accountant, or executor might need in the event of your passing. Also, ensure all the right people know where to find the binder and have access to it.

What farmers & ranchers should put in their Estate Planning binder:

• Copies of health and life insurance policies;
• Burial plot location and funeral instructions;
• Also, provide your email, computer, phone passwords, bank account information, and data about your debts and bills;
• Copies of your driver’s license, birth certificate, social security card, and marriage license;
• Any real estate documents and an exhaustive list of your assets — land you own, stored crops, livestock, and marketing contracts.
• Copies of crop insurance policies, USDA program contracts, and all your key business relationships.

Collecting this information in advance will be immensely helpful for any additional steps in the estate planning process. It will also likely allow more efficient use of an attorney’s time in drafting the necessary documents for your estate plan.

Join for Free ›

• Career Corner
• Admin of the Month
• Professional News
• ASAP Circle
• Enroll Now →
• Go to My E-Learning Center
• Recertification
• Online Courses + Workshops
• Our Experts
• Partnership Directory
• Advisory Board
• Partnering with ASAP
• Help Center

FREE Weekly Resources

  NEW — Admin Month 2024 is here!   Learn More ›   Community Spotlights › -->

Stand Out with Successful Meetings: Insights from Planning Experts

Get a Free Membership

Already a member? Log in to access webinar now

Planning in-person meetings can be daunting, especially when dealing with remote or dispersed teams. This webinar is designed to empower Executive Assistants with strategies and tools to master this critical task. Learn how to streamline the planning process, enhance attendee experience, and achieve meeting objectives efficiently. This session is crucial for any EA aiming to elevate their planning skills, create exceptional meeting experiences, and become a go-to expert within their organization. Join us to gain actionable insights from accomplished planners and ensure your next in-person meeting is a resounding success.

What You'll Learn:

• How to define meeting goals and align them with the right location and activities
• Best practices for managing travel logistics, including cost, travel time, and safety considerations
• Effective budget management strategies to stay within budget while accommodating unexpected costs
• Methods for conducting post-mortems to track costs, evaluate success, and use insights for future meetings and career advancement

  Bonus Handout:   Mastering Meetups: How to Plan In-Person Meetings Effectively

Hot Tip:  Not every manager realizes the extensive research and planning required for in-person meetings. Identify key metrics like budget adherence, attendee satisfaction, and average travel time per attendee. Track these KPIs for each meeting and compile an end-of-year report to showcase your value and efficiency to the business.

About Heather Singh : Heather Singh is the VP of Product and Marketing at TROOP, leading the company’s product development initiatives and marketing strategies. She is passionate about creating innovative solutions that make a real difference in customers' work lives. Over her career, Heather has planned, collaborated on, and attended all kinds of events, from executive offsites and customer advisory boards to trade shows and company all-hands. Her favorite part of planning meetings is finding the perfect restaurant or activity for the group (including recently, pickleball near Wall Street in Manhattan). Her least favorite part is keeping track of all the meeting details.

About Melanie Grefsheim :   Melanie Grefsheim, the founding Product Marketer at TROOP, boasts over a decade of experience in product marketing and strategy. Her passion for storytelling and solving business challenges drives her to connect the dots effectively. At TROOP, Melanie is dedicated to enhancing meeting management solutions for Executive Assistants and Meeting Planners. Her extensive experience as a world traveler and former event tech professional uniquely positions her to drive innovative perspectives and solutions. Melanie’s favorite part of planning meetings is helping attendees prepare (including ground transportation options, weather and wardrobe planning, and understanding the agenda).

This content is provided free of charge and underwritten by a sponsor. Following your submission, you may be contacted by the sponsor with information about their products and services, unless otherwise specified.  The information you submit will be stored and used to deliver the requested content to you. We may also use this information to contact you about related products or content which align with your expressed interest in this content. You can always unsubscribe from any of our emails by following the unsubscribe information in the email. To understand more about how we use and store information, please refer to our  privacy policy .

July 17, 2024, join the conversation.

Welcome to the ASAP Circle, a community platform for peer-to-peer conversation on trending topics, professional challenges, and shared experiences. We even have designated spaces for weekly Tuesday Coffee Breaks.

Start Connecting Today!

Explore More

• Communication
• Efficiency & Skills
• Professional Development

Webinar FAQ's

What online training is included with asap membership , you must be a free or professional member to attend webinars . certain webinars are exclusive to professional members ($199/year). courses and workshops are not included with membership. learn more about the differences between webinars, courses, and workshops here . , how do i access my webinar, course, or workshop, live sessions: you’ll receive a confirmation email from on24, but your order confirmation email and order history > order details will have a direct link to join as well. | on-demand: the post-checkout screen, your order confirmation email, and order history > order details will have links to the on-demand materials., will i get a recording and certificate , yes both the recording and certificate can be found under order history > order details . for live sessions, please wait 1 to 3 business days after the live session for these materials to be uploaded (you’ll receive them via email as well). if you can’t attend the live session, you will still receive the recording..

Read more FAQs  here .

Join ASAP for Free ›

Advertise with us ›

How Professional Development Fuels Career Advancement for Admins

Surprising ai solutions for insurance office efficiency, have you tried a webinar to boost your admin skills, admin month 2023 wrap up, professional development in employees: how to encourage the effort.

Get your free

ASAP Newsletter

Discover the

ASAP Advantage

American Society of Administrative Professionals

Producer of

• Help & FAQs
• Sponsorships
• Terms & Conditions
• Administrative Professionals Conference
• PACE Certification
• Career Center
• Privacy Policy
• DSAR Requests / Do Not Sell My Personal Info
• Terms of Use
• Events, Products, & Services

Free Download

Consulting Seminars Business Plan Template

Download this free consulting seminars business plan template, with pre-filled examples, to create your own plan..

Or plan with professional support in LivePlan. Save 50% today

Available formats:

What you get with this template

A complete business plan.

Text and financials are already filled out and ready for you to update.

• SBA-lender approved format

Your plan is formatted the way lenders and investors expect.

Edit to your needs

Download as a Word document and edit your business plan right away.

• Detailed instructions

Features clear and simple instructions from expert business plan writers.

All 100% free. We're here to help you succeed in business, no strings attached.

Get the most out of your business plan example

Follow these tips to quickly develop a working business plan from this sample.

1. Don't worry about finding an exact match

We have over 550 sample business plan templates . So, make sure the plan is a close match, but don't get hung up on the details.

Your business is unique and will differ from any example or template you come across. So, use this example as a starting point and customize it to your needs.

2. Remember it's just an example

Our sample business plans are examples of what one business owner did. That doesn't make them perfect or require you to cram your business idea to fit the plan structure.

Use the information, financials, and formatting for inspiration. It will speed up and guide the plan writing process.

3. Know why you're writing a business plan

To create a plan that fits your needs , you need to know what you intend to do with it.

Are you planning to use your plan to apply for a loan or pitch to investors? Then it's worth following the format from your chosen sample plan to ensure you cover all necessary information.

But, if you don't plan to share your plan with anyone outside of your business—you likely don't need everything.

More business planning resources

10 Qualities of a Good Business Plan

Business Plan Template

How to Start a Business With No Money

Simple Business Plan Outline

How to Write a Business Plan

Industry Business Planning Guides

How to Write a Business Plan for Investors

How to Create a Business Plan Presentation

Download your template now

Need to validate your idea, secure funding, or grow your business this template is for you..

• Fill-in-the-blank simplicity
• Expert tips & tricks

We care about your privacy. See our privacy policy .

Not ready to download right now? We'll email you the link so you can download it whenever you're ready.

Download as Docx

Download as PDF

Finish your business plan with confidence

Step-by-step guidance and world-class support from the #1 business planning software

The quickest way to turn a business idea into a business plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

No thanks, I prefer writing 40-page documents.

Discover the world’s #1 plan building software