Created by Thunderbird School of Global Management leaders in global business education, DreamBuilder programs are specifically designed for the unique needs of women entrepreneurs. Programs will teach you tried-and-true methods based in today’s technology and market.
Both programs are offered in English or Spanish, and teach through engaging and interactive courses.
A step-by-step framework for launching your own small business
13
courses
Approximately 25-30
hours to complete
You create:
A Personalized Business Plan
DreamBuilder courses are bundled together to create a step-by-step framework for launching or growing your own small business. Most courses take one to two hours to complete, and can be completed at your own pace whenever and wherever it is most convenient for you.
These courses will guide you through the process of launching or growing your own business. At the end of the program, you will have a completed, personalized business plan that will help turn your dream into a reality.
This course will help you decide whether or not to follow your dream of starting or growing a business.
You’ll learn the rewards that entrepreneurship brings, the challenges you might face, and the traits of successful entrepreneurs. You’ll also see how your decision to become an entrepreneur will impact you, your family, and your community.
At the end of this course, you will be introduced to the business plan tool built into this program and start working on your business plan.
Course Topics:
In this course, you will explore your business idea in greater detail. You will learn about internal and external sources of business ideas and the importance of sharing your idea for feedback. You will learn about customers and competitors, start to do some market research, and think about laws and regulations that may apply to your business idea.
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In this course, you will learn what a business plan is and why you need it. You will review the different sections of a business plan, and explore some ways it can guide your decision-making. You will learn about the DreamBuilder business plan generator and resources.
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In this course, you will identify the type of business you will start or grow: a product-based business, a service-based business, or a combined product and service-based business. You will be guided through all of the steps and activities required to make your product or deliver your service.
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In this course, you will discover why marketing is important. You will learn how to communicate the value of your product or service to potential customers. You will find out how to identify your target market and learn about the importance of positioning and branding. You will create an elevator speech, and explore ways to share your story through advertising and digital marketing.
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In this course, you will learn how to set prices for your product or service. You will think about the value customers get from your product or service and the price they are willing to pay. You will learn how to calculate costs and decide on pricing that works for your business. You will review the difference between direct and indirect costs and consider what to do if your costs are too high. Finally, you will be encouraged to make sure that your pricing fits with your marketing message.
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In this course, you will learn about selling, and how it contributes to your overall success as an entrepreneur. You will consider why people buy your product or service. You will explore the importance of looking beyond a single sale and the benefits of excellent customer service. Finally, you will consider how every employee is a salesperson and learn how to make a sales projection.
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In this course, you will learn how to manage the different areas of your business to keep on top of things and make a profit. This includes hiring, training, and managing employees. You will review how to manage family members and good and bad employees. You will consider how to manage your time, money, and information.
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In this course, you will learn how to determine if your business is earning a profit, and consider what to do if your business isn’t profitable. You will review the concepts of profit, loss, and break even. You will examine the sections of a Profit and Loss Statement and how to use this document. You will consider some reasons why your business may not make a profit and how to correct this. Finally, you will explore what to do if your business is profitable.
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In this course, you will explore why it is important to have a system for tracking the money that flows in and out of your business. You will learn about bookkeeping and accounting terms and processes, including Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable and the use of a Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Projections. You will see how these statements can help you track the financial health of your business. Finally, you will review other accounting resources.
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In this course, you will think about how much money you really need to start or grow your business. You will review different sources of funding and learn how your business plan can help you get funding.
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In this course, you will explore the legal considerations involved in starting or growing a business. You will learn about contracts and agreements and experts who provide guidance with these documents. You will explore possible legal structures for your business. You will review the importance of complying with laws and regulations and dealing with risk.
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In this course, you will learn how an Action Plan can help guide your business. You will work on setting goals and identifying potential challenges. You will consider how to leverage your allies and resources, and create an Advisory Board and a timeline for launch. You will learn how the templates on the DreamBuilder platform may help in all of these areas. Finally, you will print your graduation certificate and business plan.
Course Topics:
Learn about different types of capital and how to secure them
1 course
Approx. 2-3 hours to complete
You create:
A Capital Action Plan
Financing Your Dream will teach you how to determine the needs and sources of funding for your business. You can take this class on its own or as a companion course to DreamBuilder. You will learn about different types of capital and create a Capital Action Plan to secure the funding you need.
Learn the various reasons why entrepreneurs start a business. You will also learn how to clearly define your reason for starting your business in what is called a Statement of Purpose.
Learn about the different types of capital available, the costs and characteristics of each, and understanding your capital needs.
Learn the various sources of capital and how to choose what is best for you.
Learn to understand the various types and uses of debt, and how to build your credit in order to be eligible for loans.
Learn about equity, what it takes to give up ownership and the different types of investors that you will meet.
Learn that making “the ask” may not be easy to do and it can make you feel vulnerable, but it’s critical if you want to be successful.
You’ll be encouraged to take the next steps in making your dream a reality, and gain access to your finalized Capital Action Plan.
Learning to Access Value Chains
1 course
Approx. 2 hours to complete
You receive: A Dream Big Action Plan
Dream Big will teach you how to determine if you are ready to scale your business and the steps you need to take in order to become part of other businesses value chain. You can take this class on its own or as a companion course to DreamBuilder. You will learn about how to access value chains and create a Dream Big Action Plan to guide you through the changes you'll need to make to your business.
Dreaming big can mean different things to different entrepreneurs. This course is an invitation to learn the many ways you can scale your operations, including growing your business by selling to other businesses.
Any business success depends on the many other businesses it relies on. Learn what a value chain is, how a business can set itself apart through the development of its value chain, and how to become a supplier.
Learn what steps you will need to take to formalize every aspect of your business, as this plays an important role when selling to other businesses. This section will also help you understand the requirements for your industry from accounting to legal.
Selling to a business as a supplier is different than selling to an individual. Learn the different reasons and procedures that businesses have when purchasing from suppliers like you. This section will also teach you how to implement a Customer Relationship Management System and why is important as your business grows.
Learn to build your capacity as you grow your business and start producing products or selling services on a larger scale. This section talks about the steps you will need to take as you expand your business, such as creating internal processes and planning for the future.
Making the shift from founder of a business to a Chief Executive Officer or CEO. Learn how as your business grows, your role will need to evolve, and hiring the right people to help you fulfill your vision is extremely important to the success of your business.
You’ll be encouraged to take the next steps in growing your dream and gain access to your finalized Dream Big Action Plan.
Prefer taking these courses in a group? Check out our list of partners who host program classes.
Search PartnersDreamBuilder offers practical, useful resources to set you up for success.
Videos
Tools
Templates
Discussion Boards
Interactive Games
Learning Aides
Sponsored by Freeport-McMoRan Foundation, the DreamBuilder program leverages the expertise of Thunderbird School of Global Management, a world leader in international management education, to empower women through education.
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