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Be Strategic: Second Stage Entrepreneur Training
Plan It! An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Success training class, helps emerging entrepreneurs learn the fundamentals of running a business and develop a solid business plan. As a part of our continuing commitment to small businesses and the community, NDC, in conjunction with Neighborhood Partners, intend to help in reducing barriers to small business success for residents in the Twin Cities metro area who want to learn the skills needed to start and operate their own small business.
“At the time, there’s no way we could have done what we’ve done without NDC.”
Sonora Grill, Midtown Global Market, Minneapolis
Class Schedule
Thank you for your interest in our Be Strategic: Second Stage Entrepreneur Training. We are no longer accepting applications for our Spring 2021 classes. The next opportunity to take the Be Strategic: Second Stage Entrepreneur training class is Fall 2021. We will begin accepting application mid-June / early-July 2021. If you would like to be notified when we begin accepting applications for Fall 2021 training class, please complete our Training Program Interest Form by clicking the “Training Interest Form” button below.
Course Information
Program Selection Criteria
We are looking for participants who:
- Plan to open a business within one of our targeted neighborhoods in the Twin Cities metro area:
- University Corridor – St. Paul
- North End
- East Side St. Paul
- West Side St. Paul (not West St. Paul in Dakota County)
- West Seventh Neighborhood
- North Minneapolis
- North East Minneapolis
- South Minneapolis (not including Uptown)
- Brooklyn Park
- Brooklyn Center
- Have a clear and focused business idea that they want to pursue or expand
- Business idea is for-profit ventures (not including Real Estate, Non-profit, and Transportation out of state business ventures)
- Are committed and will make every effort to complete the course, create a business plan, and meet the expectations of the trainer
Class Structure
Plan It! classes meet weekly online through Zoom Video Conferencing once a week for two hours for 12 sessions. Maximum class size is 15. You also will have up to ten (10) 1:1 hours to meet with your class trainer, who will consult and coach you in developing your business plan.
Schedule 20-minute Interview
Please understand that submitting your application is an indication of interest. Once you complete the online application, the next step will be to schedule a 20-minute informal interview with Class Trainer, NDC Training Manager, and Neighborhood Partner, which will be conducted online through Zoom. The purpose of this interview is to learn more about you and your business idea. We will select individuals from the pool of applicants after all the interviews have been completed.
Payment Policy
Class fees are determined on a sliding scale ($150 – $650), based on household income, family size, and if you live or plan to operate your business in one of our target neighborhoods. Applicants who are neither residents of nor operate their businesses in one of NDC’S target neighborhoods must pay the full $650.00 course fee and are not eligible for NDC’S ongoing support services.
Unless otherwise negotiated, payment is due before you attend your first class session. Payment plans are available upon request; the total class fee must be paid by the start of week 6.
Course FAQ
Who should apply to take Plan It!?
People with a business idea in mind, but desire professional knowledge on how to actualize business plans.
What are the benefits of graduating from the class?
- Join a growing network of more than 4,500 NDC alumni
- Professional consulting services for program graduates in business
- Access to low-cost accounting services
- Access to Pro Bono Legal services. (Note: Pro bono services are not available to participants whose household or business income exceeds NDC Guidelines or those residing or operating their businesses out of the NDC targeted service area. Pro Bono legal services are available on a limited basis and are subject to attorney availability. Client is responsible for any out-of-pocket expenses, such as filing or recording fees).
- Eligibility to apply for loans
- Invitation to the Annual Entrepreneur Awards honoring outstanding program graduates
Who are the trainers?
Professional consultants with small business expertise, teaching acumen and cultural competence.
How many students are in a class?
Typically, 8-12 students.
Is this program offered in any languages other than English?
Yes! It’s also offered in Hmong, Oromo, Somali and Spanish.
When does the class meet and for how long?
The class meets one evening a week for two hours. Class dates vary based on community.
How much is this class?
Program fees are determined on a sliding scale ($150-$650), based on household income and family size.
What types of businesses have graduates started after finishing this class?
Program graduates successfully operate businesses in child care, graphic design, catering, landscaping, construction, auto repair, restaurants, taxi services and a variety of other industries.
Do I have to open my business in a specific neighborhood?
You can open your business wherever you like, however if you’re seeking additional resources from NDC you will need to open your business in one of our targeted demographic areas.
Do I have to start my business right away?
You’re not required to immediately start your business upon completion of the training program. Starting a business and becoming a successful entrepreneur is an individual process, so the time frame is solely up to you. When you are ready and your business plan is complete, we encourage you to let us know so that we can provide the necessary help and assist you in getting started.
Once I complete the class, what do I do next?
If you have used your one-on-one hours with your trainer, your business plan is complete and you are ready for the second phase of becoming an entrepreneur, call us and we can provide additional business services (i.e. legal assistance, marketing, record keeping, loans).