sba business plan training

Into a Thriving Enterprise

Are you ready to..., train | hope | rise | innovate | venture | elevate | thrive.

Average Time Spent Working IN Your Business

Accelerate your business growth through effective leadership, reimagined to meet you where you are right now, program highlights.

• Experienced subject matter experts
• A hybrid model that includes virtual and classroom sessions
• Group-paced instruction with demonstrated business sustainability
• In-person coaching for C-level executives
• Micro-sessions customized for small businesses’ unique needs
• Engagement, problem-solving, and peer-to-peer interaction

Receive Expert Training and Professional Coaching 

Participant success stories, to say i am excited would be an understatement.

I’m excited to put the knowledge I’ve gained into action...

Acquire mba-equivalent knowledge, amplify your leadership skills, and build relationships with a community of business peers, advisors, and experts., the average percentage of a business owner's time spent working in their business rather than on their business.

• Establish systems and processes to optimize your operations and run your business more efficiently
• Diversify and innovate your offerings to stay competitive and profitable in a rapidly-evolving market
• Increase revenue and overcome your cash flow and financing challenges
• Develop a thriving company culture that allows you to hire and retain a strong team of leaders and employees
• Increase customer satisfaction, build customer loyalty, and drive repeat sales
• Get in front of the right audience, attract new customers, and grow your bottom line

T.H.R.I.V.E. helps you develop a strategic plan to focus your goals ON your business and pursue paths to accelerate growth

Learn from business experts and receive support from professional coaches.

Subject Matter Experts

Business Strategy Coaches

Get ready to....

• Online Learning: 8 modules
• Du ration: 6 months
• Co mpletion Time:  2–3 weeks per module

SBA T.H.R.I.V.E. Program Format

Subject matter expert-led curriculum, ceo mastermind group discussions, cohort coaching sessions, apply to t.h.r.i.v.e. and join the ranks of 8,000+ graduates who have accelerated their business growth with this free program..

Judy Dang founded Avid At Work to empower entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into action. Clients affectionately call her a Time Ninja. Instead of starting 57 ideas and never finishing them, clients learn to cut through the noise and focus on priorities that drive business forward. She breaks down large fuzzy projects into snackable easy bites, so that clients actually get to the finish line. Judy brings over 18 years of project management expertise from serving universities, entrepreneurs, and professional services firms. She’s appeared in Forbes and Wired magazines. Judy is the inventor of the Goal Getter Formula, a five-step process for getting clear on top priorities and the action steps to achieving them with ease and confidence. “Perfect Enough”, Judy's book for Asian-American women on breaking free of perfectionism, will be published by New Degree Press in September 2022.

Dr. Kim Davis

Dr. Kim Davis, Founder, and Principal of Top Performance Leadership Group, LLC, is an Educational Leadership graduate in Transformational Leadership from Concordia University-Portland. Her research in Organization Development explored how practitioners of Appreciative Inquiry (AI) determine impact. She has identified a pivotal point in motivation to change. She termed the Paradigm Fulcrum ©, an emergent concept she continues to develop by integrating Transformative Emotional Intelligence (TEI) with the strengths-based AI change model for coaching and training excellence in education, business, healthcare, and personal development. Dr. Davis is a successful speaker, entrepreneur, and business consultant who served as a business leader for major corporations and is a published curriculum author. Currently, Dr. Davis serves as a public-school district administrator and adjunct instructor in a teacher development program while speaking, publishing, coaching, and consulting business and educational organizations. She is further credentialed as a certified Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator, a certified Transformative Emotional Intelligence (TEI) coach, and a Mental Health First Aid Trainer. Dr. Davis is currently pursuing her Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credentials, which she plans to focus on Organizational Behavior Management/Performance Management.

Aaron Udler

Aaron as a certified instructor, systems analyst, and technology manager offers business training, staffing services, and efficient technologies that help clients grow and succeed. Experienced President with a demonstrated history of working in the tradeshow, computer training/software, and audio/video industries. Skilled in Marketing Management, Sales, Event Management, Market Research, and Fundraising. Strong business development professional with a MBA from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University.

Leo Landaverde

Leo is passionate about helping small business owners GROW, PROFIT, and SCALE business to seven figures and beyond. He has done it often, and looks forward to helping others scale and increase sales. Leo has 20+ years as a company President, CEO, and CFO. He is a “serial entrepreneur” and Founder and CEO of Greenland Advisory, a boutique accounting and advisory firm serving clients across the U.S. With a perfect blend of accounting solutions and advisory, Greenland incorporates technology and know-how to accelerate growth and profit so businesses can SCALE UP and CASH OUT! He continues to be an author, speaker, serial entrepreneur and business coach.

Kevin Duncan

Kevin has been principal of K.Duncan & Company, a CPA and consulting firm specializing in accounting systems, indirect rate development, cost proposals, Federal Acquisition Regulations compliance, and Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) interface services to government contractors, since 1994. He specializes in supporting small business growth, including those sanctioned by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 8(a) program. He has prepared and submitted hundreds of cost proposals for clients.

Dr. Christine Healy

Dr. Chris Healy, Ph.D., has 30+ years of professional experience in banking, healthcare, printing, trucking, sales, retail, manufacturing, foodservice sales, and academia. She currently is an Assistant Professor for Management at the College of Business at Utah Tech University, and she owns Healyum HR. Chris has consulted for educators, first responders, military, municipalities, and private-sector employers. Her HR practitioner experience includes Assistant Director for HR at Southern Utah University, Vice President for HR at Performance Foodservice, HR Director at Sysco, a Human Resource Business Partner for Wells Enterprises, and various HR roles for McLane Co. Chris’ education includes a Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, an M.A. in HR management, and a B.S. in business, plus certifications in HR, the Certified Employee Benefits Specialist ® Program, Achieve Global, DDI, Birkman, PI assessments, Social Style Index, and Lominger competencies. Chris has taught undergraduate and graduate students for 15+ years as an adjunct, in leadership, HR, change, benefits, compensation, and HR certification. She has served on many Boards, including at the Utah State Workforce Investment Board, United Way Dixie, Color Country HR Associates, Texas Workforce Solutions of Central TX, Temple Chamber, Temple High School Wildcat Workforce Board, ESGR, and the Dixie Tech Business Advisory board.

Towan Isom is Founder, President, and CEO of Isom Global Strategies (IGS), an award-winning strategic marketing, branding, digital advertising, and public relations firm in Washington, D.C. Since starting IGS in her basement in1998 Towan has generated over $22 million in annual revenue. She specializes in executive leadership in project implementation and management with primary expertise in marketing and communications, branding, and creative services. IGS marketing and branding clients have included Nike, Comcast Xfinity, GlaxoSmithKline, the U.S. Marine Corps and Army, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and many other Fortune 500 companies and government agencies with a combined revenue in the billions. Towan is frequently invited to speak at events about marketing and branding (90 events thus far), and authored several papers on the subject, and others.

Anita Nielsen

Anita Nielsen is the best-selling author of “Beat the Bots” and President of LDK Advisory Services. Using 20+ years of knowledge and trench experience in sales, leadership, and entrepreneurship, Anita helps business leaders develop high-performance sales cultures and sales teams that deliver unprecedented growth.Her proprietary Psyched2Sell Master Class teaches sellers to recognize the psychology, and logical and emotional drivers of buyers’ decisions so they create value propositions to win prospects’ hearts and minds, and close deals.Anita is committed to elevating women in sales, and serves on Boards for The National Association for Women Sales Professionals, and The Institute for Excellence in Sales, Women in Sales Leadership Forum. Plus, Anita helps grow future business leaders through her work as a Sales Coach for entrepreneurial sales students at the Harvard Business School. Anita has also been named one of Salesforce.com’s “29 game-changing sales Influencers to follow in 2022.”

Corbitt Chandler

Corbitt Chandler is an entrepreneur, elite digital marketer, consultant, and mentor. He recently was recognized as one of Birmingham’s (Alabama) top CEOs by the Birmingham Business Journal at its annual CEO Awards. He has founded multiple startups both bootstrapped and capital funded. He founded his first business, Apex Current, in his garage, after 15 years in corporate America. He drove Apex Current to a seven-figure annual revenue. Apex Current has been featured in national press publications for ranking 7th on DesignRush's list of the Top-10 U.S. ROI-Driven digital ad agencies.

Tani Lopez is a Social Media Consultant, Coach, and CEO and Founder of the consultancy firm TANIcollective. She has supported digital strategy for Fortune 500 companies for 9+ years, including L’ORÉAL, Nobu, Dunkin’, and Nike. Today, she supports small and medium-sized businesses worldwide on how to navigate social media for business growth through social media management, consulting, coaching, and lectures. She also worked with the U.S. Commerce Department Minority Business Development Agency Export Assistance Center in Houston.

Jessica Bull

Jessica Bull is an attorney, mentor, and founder of the J. Bull Consulting Firm, a virtual trademark and business law firm. She specializes in collaborating with businesses, entrepreneurs, and creatives to ensure a strong legal foundation for their business and brand. Jessica is an active community participant and volunteer. She is committed to educating others by providing resources and hosting business events to share information, inspiration, and access. Jessica believes business and law are part of her legacy and purpose. She is passionate about empowering her community to take creative control in their businesses, art, and content.

Senen Garcia

Senen Garcia has been an entrepreneur from an early age. Prior to receiving his undergraduate degree in business administration, Senen was sole owner of two businesses, including a tax practice, and an accounting consultancy for small and large companies. His concentration on entrepreneurship and international business fueled his desire to pursue life as an entrepreneur.While managing his tax practice, Senen earned graduate and Juris Doctorate degrees, and then opened his law practice to complement his accounting and tax services. Senen’s law practice is thriving, assisting clients with corporate, tax, real estate, and property insurance matters. Senen is a certified SCORE counselor advising small businesses on various topics to help propel them to the next level. Plus, he has assisted the Miami Bayside Foundation educate its small business clients on legal and compliance matters.

Dr. Justin Hiebert

All leaders face the same problem: limitations. Some experience this through limiting beliefs, while others face limitations in experience, staff, proper accountability, or an access to capital. By focusing on the four M’s of business: Mindset, Management, Marketing, and Money, Justin helps business owners identify their limitation and overcome it. His clients learn to think like a business owner, instead of an employee; develop and lead people well; reach their target audience; and build longterm wealth. Justin serves his clients by helping them live inspired and passionate lives that enables business owners, entrepreneurs, and world-changes of all types to leave a legacy of influence and impact on the world. He lives in Bakersfield, California with his five favorite people in the world: his wife Elise and four spectacular kids. An avid reader and outdoor lover he is always up for the next adventure life has for him.

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Michigan SBDC

The Michigan Small Business Development Center

• Training + Events

Small Business Training & Events

Spending hours trying to figure something out on your own? Tap into a small business expert instead to get an answer quickly. Let us save you time and teach you what we’ve spent years honing. Take advantage of our practical small business guidance, delivered both live and on-demand.

Upcoming Events

Register for upcoming no-cost and low-cost webinars and workshops to learn more about running and growing your business.

On-Demand Learning

Create an account for our Learning Management System for one-click access to a variety of on-demand business courses and webinar recordings covering topics such as starting a business, writing a business plan, business legal issues, financial management, marketing your business, cybersecurity, and more!

I love all of the exciting webinars and business events for new entrepreneurs like myself. I highly recommend Michigan SBDC services for new and existing business owners. Talecia Lynn Felton, A'leci Natural Skin Care

Small Business Big Threat

Learn how to combat everyday cybersecurity threats and protect your business with confidence.

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Your Dream Starts Here

Empowering women through free online entrepreneurial training

Learn How to Start or Grow Your Business

DreamBuilder offers online courses that teach you the skills and knowledge to start or grow your own business. Courses are interactive, convenient for your schedule and available in both Spanish and English. Best of all, they're free.

Students Enrolled

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Two Ways to Start or Grow Your Online Education

Dreambuilder program.

Learn the step-by-step framework for launching your own small business. Best for entrepreneurs ready to start their own business, or those who already own a business and want to develop their skills in a variety of areas, or are in various stages of exploring growth.

Approx. 25-30 hours to complete

You receive: A personalized business plan

Financing Your Dream

Learn about different types of capital and create an action plan to secure it. Best for women who want to find funding for their business.

Approx. 3-4 hours to complete

You receive: A Capital Action Plan

Women Just Like You Have Built Their Dreams

See stories from successful DreamBuilder graduates.

Your Dream Is Just A Few Clicks Away

Begin building your dream of starting or growing your small business today.

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Massachusetts SBDC Statewide Training & Event Calendar

Preregistration is required for all events. If no link is listed on the registration page, online registration is not available or registration has closed. Please read important registration information by clicking here .

Program Descriptions

Original text

SCORE can help you start, grow or successfully exit a business. Small business owners who receive three or more hours of mentoring report higher revenues and increased growth. Enter your ZIP code to find a free SCORE business mentor today.

Are you interested in becoming a SCORE mentor?

As we celebrate our amazing volunteers this month, it is also an ideal time to think about how you can give back. If you’d like to become a SCORE mentor, we’d love to have you.

Learn More About Becoming a SCORE Mentor

Small Businesses Launched in 2023

Total Jobs Created in 2023

Total Mentoring Sessions in 2023

"I left my first session with a SCORE mentor with a completely new perspective and insight into my business. We've been heading in the right direction ever since. I strongly recommend any aspiring entrepreneur or established business take advantage of the one-of-a-kind resource that is SCORE."  Neil Maser, Founder & Owner of Urban Werks

Engage with SCORE Mentor James V. Frey, who brings firsthand experience from owning four successful small businesses. James combines real-world insights in sales, marketing, operations, and financials to mentor up-and-coming entrepreneurs. " As the hands-on owner of four successful small businesses, I can provide real-world guidance and experiences for improving results in sales/marketing, operating processes, and financials. " -SCORE Mentor James V Frey

Join Us for the National Small Business Week Virtual Summit

April 30 - may 1, 2024.

Access valuable federal resources, learn new business strategies, meet other business owners and chat with industry experts. This 2-day, informative event includes recognition for small businesses nationwide, educational sessions, networking opportunities, one-on-one mentoring sessions, online business resources and exciting speakers.

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.

Why I’m a Mentor

Leverage these free templates and resources to propel your business toward success, while complementing your journey with the guidance of a SCORE Mentor, ensuring a well-rounded strategy for achieving your business goals. With the right tools and expert guidance, your business can thrive and reach new heights.

SCORE for All is the bridge that makes the journey to success more direct and sure-footed for entrepreneurs who need more support.

Download our easy-to-use business planning, finance, sales, marketing, and management templates to help you plan for a new business or grow your existing business.

The Startup Roadmap outlines each step in starting a business with detailed information and resources. And with SCORE, you don’t have to do it alone.

Have a quick business question and need it right away? You can use our online chat to connect 1:1 with a mentor. Simply click on the chat bubble that appears on the bottom of every page. Chat mentors are available:

Mon & Wed 9 am - 5 pm ET. 

Tues & Thurs 2 - 5 pm ET.

" Donating my experience, time and talent in business development and strategic process management to SCORE as a volunteer mentor is truly an act of service to the small business entrepreneurship community. Being able to extend knowledge and guide pathways to success is a societal duty to us all, if we want to realize generational wealth and prosperity.

As a small business owner, who has had to figure out the recipe to my own business success and have built that business helping other companies and institutions succeed, SCORE provides an avenue for entrepreneurs and business owners to access someone like me who not only listens, but hears them and guides them without judgment toward the success that only they can define at that specific moment in life and in business. " – Cynthia Rhodes

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.