Workshop Description

Close to 1 million people start a small business in the United States; 40 percent of those businesses fail within the first year; 80 percent go out of business within five years, and 96 percent close their doors before their tenth anniversary.  Many small business owners fail because they become consumed by the vision, passion, and expertise of their business, while ignoring the vital parts of their business – finances, team members, and customers.

Who should attend?

Small business owners in need of strategies to sustain and grow their business.

Workshop Approach

Lecture and hands-on exercises

Workshop Outcome

Attendees will learn:

• Five Stages of Business Growth – From conception to expansion
• Business Growth Components – Expansion planning to positive cash flow
• Business Growth Strategies – From building a foundation for business growth to converting customers to raving fans

Workshop Presenter

Deborah M. Avens has made significant contributions in the growth of small business owners of the Washington region and is conducting this workshop to expand her passion to help more business owners discover their niche’ (i.e., greatness) to sustain and expand their business.  She is the founder and Chief Empowerment Officer of The SOFEI Group, Inc. (formerly Virtuous Enterprises, Inc.) – a nonprofit organization that empowers women to economic independence through education, training, and development.  And, the founder of Ambassadors for Economic Independence – a 1 million dollar giving circle designed to create economic independence for low-income women-led families of the Washington region through collective-giving and community-based grants.