Golden Gate University will launch its first Small Business Program designed to help its alumni become successful small business owners during the 2014 fall semester. The year-long pilot program is supported by a $300,000 grant from Chevron. The program is free, thanks to the Chevron grant.
“We’re responding to a need for this type of programing,” says Paul Fouts, Dean of GGU’s Edward S. Ageno School of Business. “This is not for people chasing the start-up dream. This is a more traditional business approach serving GGU alumni who are thinking about starting a practice or small business.”
The year-long pilot program starts with a 10-week workshop, led by faculty and alumni, covering the fundamentals of starting a practice or small business, resulting in a business launch plan. Each student is paired with an experienced practitioner to help guide business growth, answer questions and provide advice. The workshop starts on September 6, 2014 and runs through November 8, 2014. Sessions will be held at the main campus in downtown San Francisco.
The cohort meets monthly after the workshop is completed. The goal is for attendants to have launched a company by the end of the program. In addition, through other cohort members, mentors and alumni, participants will have built a powerful network of support as you continue to grow the business. The curriculum includes business planning, values and ethics, marketing, customer service, logistics, human resources, budgeting and more.
The program also accepts applications for mentors from alumni. Information on applying for the program or to become a mentor can be found on the school’s website.