How does the materials reimbursement work?

Cost for materials is $275 upon registration. If you complete 8 out of the 10 classes, you will receive that money back at the end of the class - either via PayPal or check. Scholarships are available for students who cannot afford the $275 materials cost upfront. Email info@owatonna.biz to apply.

Monday, January 26

Small Business Academy - powered by CO.STARTERS

By Owatonna Area Business Development Center

Join the Small Business Academy and get the insights, relationships, and tools you need to turn your business idea into action!

Date and time

Location

Owatonna Area Business Development Center

1065 24th Avenue Southwest Owatonna, MN 55060

Agenda

Week 1 - Knowing Yourself

Introduction, Assumptions, Working Styles, Team Building, Obstacles

Week 2 - Knowing Your Customer

Customer, Problem, Alternatives, Idea Testing

Week 3 - Finding the Right Solution

Solution, Benefit, Advantage, Starting Small, Brand Identity

Week 4 - Getting the Relationship Right

Marketing and Message; Getting, Keeping, and Growing Customers

Week 5 - Building Blocks

Distribution, Revenue, Typical Offering, Price

Week 6 - Structures & Systems

Legal & Accounting Considerations

Week 7 - Discovering the Bottom Line

Startup & Ongoing Needs, Fixed & Variable Costs, Break-Even Point

Week 8 - Financial Modeling

Break-Even Point, Sales Projections, Cash Flow, Raising Capital

Week 9 - Planning for Growth

Growth Plans, Goal Setting, Celebration Prep

Week 10 - Pitches & Celebration!

Present Your Idea, Celebrate

Good to know

Highlights

3 hours
under 16 with parent or legal guardian
In person
Free parking
Doors at 4:30 PM

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 7 days before event

About this event

Business • Startups

Small Business Academy is a three-month program that provides participants with the knowledge, relationships, and tools necessary to turn business ideas into action. The only requirements to join the program are (1) have an idea, (2) be willing to question, shape, and improve that idea, and (3) be willing to talk about the idea with others. In this facilitator-led, small-group program, participants develop and refine their ideas, critically examine each part, and determine what to do next through real-time feedback from people in the community. This approach allows participants to quickly discover potential problems in their concepts and find viable models more quickly. Participants leave the program with the tools and skills necessary to create a sustainable business.

In partnership with Owatonna Community Education, with funding provided in part by SMIF's Prosperity Initiative. $275 for materials, reimbursed upon completion of 8 out of 10 classes. Scholarships and materials in Spanish are also available, as well as accommodations for Ramadan. Classes are held at OABDC: 1065 24th Ave. SW, Owatonna, MN 55060. Mondays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Jan 26-March 30, 2026.

Organized by

Owatonna Area Business Development Center

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