Course Overview: 

Welcome to EarthTab Business School. My name is Chioma Obi and i will be your course preceptor for the course, Starting and managing a small business. Starting and managing a small business is a journey that combines entrepreneurial vision, strategic planning, operational efficiency, and financial management. This course is designed to equip you with the practical knowledge, skills, and mindset required to launch, operate, and grow a small business successfully in today’s dynamic and competitive market environment.

The course emphasizes both theory and hands-on application, ensuring you not only understand the principles behind small business management but also apply them in real-world contexts. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of entrepreneurship, from conceptualizing a business idea to implementing strategies for growth and sustainability.

Purpose of the Course

The primary purpose of this course is to:

1. Equip you with entrepreneurial skills to identify and evaluate business opportunities
   
   

2. Develop a strategic mindset for planning, launching, and scaling a small business
   
   

3. Build competencies in financial, operational, and human resource management
   
   

4. Instill a problem-solving and decision-making approach to address real-world business challenges
   
   

5. Foster understanding of marketing, sales, customer engagement, and digital tools to drive business growth
   
   

Target Audience

This course is ideal for:

• Aspiring entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas
  
  

• Small business owners seeking to improve operations and profitability
  
  

• Individuals transitioning from employment to self-employment
  
  

• Students, professionals, or freelancers interested in developing business acumen
  
  

• Community leaders or NGO managers aiming to run small-scale enterprises
  
  

Key Focus Areas

The course is comprehensive and modular, covering all critical aspects of small business development:

1. Business Ideation and Opportunity Assessment
   
   

• Generating innovative business ideas
  
  

• Conducting market research and feasibility studies
  
  

• Analyzing industry trends, target markets, and competitors
  
  

2. Business Planning and Strategy
   
   

• Writing detailed business plans with vision, mission, and goals
  
  

• Strategic decision-making and risk assessment
  
  

• Developing short-term and long-term business strategies
  
  

3. Legal and Regulatory Compliance
   
   

• Business registration, licensing, and permits
  
  

• Tax obligations and reporting requirements
  
  

• Understanding local, regional, and national regulations
  
  

4. Financial Management
   
   

• Budgeting, accounting, and bookkeeping
  
  

• Cash flow management, profit analysis, and financial forecasting
  
  

• Fundraising, loans, and investment options
  
  

5. Operations Management
   
   

• Resource allocation and workflow optimization
  
  

• Inventory management, procurement, and supply chain basics
  
  

• Productivity tools and process improvement techniques
  
  

6. Marketing and Sales Strategies
   
   

• Branding, positioning, and creating value propositions
  
  

• Digital marketing, social media, and e-commerce integration
  
  

• Customer acquisition, retention, and loyalty programs
  
  

7. Human Resource Management
   
   

• Recruitment, onboarding, and staff development
  
  

• Team motivation, performance evaluation, and conflict resolution
  
  

• Leadership, communication, and organizational culture
  
  

8. Customer Service Excellence
   
   

• Delivering exceptional customer experiences
  
  

• Handling complaints, feedback, and service recovery
  
  

• Building lasting client relationships for repeat business
  
  

9. Technology and Innovation Integration
   
   

• Leveraging business software, apps, and digital tools
  
  

• E-commerce, online payment systems, and digital record-keeping
  
  

• Innovation in products, services, and processes
  
  

10. Growth, Scaling, and Sustainability
    
    

• Expanding operations, entering new markets, and franchising
  
  

• Risk management and contingency planning
  
  

• Sustainable business practices and social impact

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

1. Identify viable business opportunities and conduct market research effectively
   
   

2. Develop and implement detailed business plans and strategies
   
   

3. Understand and comply with all legal and regulatory requirements for small businesses
   
   

4. Manage financial resources efficiently and make informed investment decisions
   
   

5. Optimize daily operations for efficiency, productivity, and cost control
   
   

6. Create effective marketing campaigns and implement sales strategies to drive revenue
   
   

7. Recruit, train, and lead teams to achieve business objectives
   
   

8. Deliver exceptional customer service and build strong client relationships
   
   

9. Integrate technology and innovative solutions to enhance business performance
   
   

10. Scale their business sustainably while managing risks and maximizing impact

Course Benefits

You will gain:

• Practical, hands-on skills to start and run a small business successfully
  
  

• Confidence in decision-making, problem-solving, and leadership
  
  

• Knowledge of modern tools, digital platforms, and marketing strategies
  
  

• Ability to transform ideas into profitable and sustainable enterprises
  
  

• Readiness to adapt, innovate, and grow in a dynamic business environment