MADE

Riverside County MADE is aimed at assisting Riverside County start-up product-based businesses with entering the marketplace to validate their concepts. Participants will discover the core concepts to create a successful business. Over six weeks, you will learn about planning, marketing, financing, and how to make your business dreams a reality. At the completion of the program, eligible participants may apply for a County of Riverside Thrive grant of $2,500. Funds are limited and will be awarded on a first come first serve basis.

Week 1: Entrepreneurial Mindset – (July 17th)
– Developing your product for the market
– Building your idea into a business
– Overview of permits and licenses
– Business structure
– Naming your business
– How will you fund your business
– Business plan & financial projections – introduction

Week 2: Business Planning and Research – (July 24th)
– Feasibility
– Market research
– Identify and research competition (handout sheet)

Week 3: Financial Management – (July 31st)
– Account & accounting systems
– Sourcing, costing, and pricing your products
– Accepting payment
– Business liability insurance

– Business bank account and accounting methods
Week 4 ( AmPac): Access to Capital – (August 7th)
– Financial literacy by AmPac
– Access to capital
– Financial projections

Week 5: Marketing Essentials – (August 14th)
– Developing your marketing plan
– Advertising
– Digital marketing
– Understanding social media and how to attract customers/repeat customers
– Your canopy and space
– Meeting the canopy vendor
– Return policy – customer satisfaction
– Revisiting grant requirements

Week 6: Marketplace – (August 21st)
– Event preparation and needs
– Signage and promotion
– Further steps
– SBDC assistance
– Setting up your marketplace booth