Seminars for founders provide information about the most important topics for founding a company. Above all, the legal form with the questions of liability are discussed, the business plan is discussed and the specific questions of those wanting to found a company are answered.
The process of a start-up seminar
The procedure depends on the duration of the seminar. The longer it takes, the more time is devoted to introducing yourself and the business idea. Coaching sessions are also integrated into some seminars, which are probably the most effective for most people (start-up coaching).
Group offers usually relate to the topics of taxes, entrepreneurial risk, market research, marketing and business plans.
Training providers are geared towards more individuality in their start-up seminars (external link) and enable more targeted information and advice in individual coaching, which is significantly more beneficial and may also allow the joint development of a good business plan.
The business plan
The most important topic is the business plan. For a long time the opinion was widespread that this is only needed for the application for funding, but it has been shown again and again that the business plan is also important if no grants or loans are required. It forces you to think carefully about the business idea and to deal with the competition, to question your own skills and to identify problems that can and will arise. This is by no means intended to discourage, but rather to encourage people to look for solutions in advance on how to deal with these problems.
The number part in the business plan (financial plan) can possibly be the first big surprise for the founder. Especially when services are offered that do not seem to require a great deal of effort, many are surprised at how much equity capital accumulates with existing technology or how “small purchases” add up.
Of course, entrepreneurs are convinced of their business model and initially enthusiastic that their business start-up will work. Worrying about what could happen in the worst case (worst-case scenario, external link) can fuel fear, but also sharpen awareness and focus on vulnerabilities.
The design of the business plan should not be seen as a burden, but should be fun. Because this paper makes the company visible for the first time. Those who start up from the gut and do not set any corporate goals will perhaps survive in the long term, but will not have breakthrough success.
The competition
Business start-up seminars repeatedly point out how important it is to know the market and your biggest competitors. Knowing the competition doesn’t have to mean not being able to survive in the same market. A very good example are the two largest American burger chains, which often open their branches within sight of each other and both operate. This is because they know each other, have checked and compared their offers and differentiate themselves by making their offers different. As a result, both chains have their fans and both can survive in the market.
“Competition is good for business” (external link) is a well-known saying. However, a founder must first work out the status of the opponent. Many founders, but also existing companies, use little tricks that help to boost their own business. Same company colors that suggest to the customer that it is one and the same company, similar advertising, etc.
The product or service
Who does not know them, the many things that the world does not need. And yet they exist and are sold for a profit. The best business ideas are born in the strangest everyday situations. Under time pressure or in special situations, one can think of all the services that could defuse the current situation if they had been available. This is how laundry taxis came about, or the papestack, which turns a TV into what appears to be a real fireplace.
Your own offer wants to be marketed and that is often expensive. Neglecting advertising or homemade branded promotional materials that look unprofessional is one reason companies fail. Therefore, marketing is a very important point of content in the start-up seminars. Incidentally, many agencies offer special prices for founders because they know that companies that get off to a good start often remain well-paying customers in the long term.
Funding and grants for start-ups
Anyone who is concerned with the idea of ”starting their own business” has to ask themselves many questions. The most important thing is the personal and professional suitability for the management of the company. At the latest when the start-up subsidy is applied for at the employment agency or the KfW bank (external link) is to grant loans, this question must be answered satisfactorily. A separate area is provided for this in the business plan, which deals with the founders and provides information about their professional career and personal situation.
Business start-up advice can be funded with public funds. The federal states have various funding programs here. This funding helps founders to focus on their idea and not to get bogged down. In addition, the management consultants have a lot of experience and are happy to pass on their tips for creating meaningful business plans and submitting applications for subsidies and grants in such a way that they can be processed quickly and have the best chance of approval, which is also in the interest of the consultants .
Networking is important
Professional associations or the local business associations can be of great help to young entrepreneurs. Membership usually doesn’t cost very much, but there is job- or industry-specific information, a lot of encouragement and support, and a lively exchange about regional characteristics in the local clubs. This investment is worthwhile because fellow campaigners can be found and a network helps each other. It starts with exchanging experiences or getting help with problems that arise. Despite all the competition that stimulates business, cooperation and partnership are also important and a driving force.
In every region there are also networks for entrepreneurs that are aimed at specific target groups (women, special professional groups, trades, business, etc.). Getting involved here can also be helpful for your own company. Because often the networkers are also customers at the same time in order to support each other.
The costs for start-up seminars can be covered by the employment agency (e.g. AVGS) or the pension funds. The seminar providers are happy to provide information on this and provide support with the application.