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We offer a three-phased education program approach: EXPLORE®, LAUNCH®, and GROW–plus online curriculum and dedicated cohorts for Women of Color. Each phase addresses the most critical education, best practices, and guidance needed to support the business as it moves from idea stage, to launch to growth stage. Each class is taught by successful business owners and professionals from the local community who have in-depth experience in their fields. Every phase includes extensive coaching, mentoring and networking opportunities. Learn more about our programs below.

1. EXPLORE®

FOR EARLY-STAGE BUSINESS OWNERS

As a first time-entrepreneur, you will explore the feasibility of your business idea and create a basic business plan using the Business Model Canvas.

Format: Class meets one night per week for nine weeks. Each class is three hours long.

Week 1: Introduction, Business Idea Validation, & Value Proposition
Week 2: SWOT Analysis & Target Market - SWOT Analysis, Target Market, Business Model Canvas, & Perfecting your pitch
Week 3: Pricing & Budgeting – Legal & Insurance
Week 4: Legal & Insurance - Pricing & Budgeting
Week 5: Accounting, Banking, & Credit - Branding & PR
Week 6: Branding & Marketing - Accounting & Banking
Week 7: PR & Social Media Funding & Credit
Week 8: Sales, Networking & Funding – Social Media & Sales Messaging
Week 9: Pitch & Business Plan - Pitch Practice & Pitch Party

2. LAUNCH®

FOR CURRENT BUSINESS OWNERS (in business 1-3+ years)

As an entrepreneur with a viable, well-vetted business with revenue, you will create a business plan tailored to your needs, work closely with an assigned mentor, participate in networking and coaching, and compete for funding at our Annual Flight Night Pitch Competition.

Format: Class meets one night weekly. Each class is three hours long (includes instruction and coaching with assigned mentor).

Orientation: Cohort will meet for two hours one week before sessions begin.
Week 1: Business Plan and Pitch
Week 2: Sales Strategies for Optimal Business Growth
Week 3: Media & Marketing Mix/Branding
Week 4: Social Media Strategy
Week 5: Human Capital & Culture
Week 6: Protecting Your Business
Week 7: Financial Projections/Cashflow Management Part I
Week 8: Legal Topics & Funding For Your Business
Week 9: Financials & Cashflow Management Part II
Week 10: Selection Committee Presentations
Final Week: Flight Night Annual Pitch Competition

View our Flight Night 2021 pitch event!

Aviatra Spotlight: Mavis Linnemann-Clark

November 5, 2020

The pandemic has brought many unprecedented challenges for entrepreneurs and small business owners. We asked Aviatra alum, Mavis Linnemann-Clark, owner…