This isn’t just a class—it’s a journey in small business training designed to help you build confidence and move your business forward. Through weekly lessons, hands-on assignments, and expert guidance, you’ll gain the skills and clarity to take actionable next steps. Whether you’re just starting out, need guidance, or want to create a solid business plan, Business Prep equips you with the tools and support to turn your entrepreneurial vision into reality.
Who is this course for?
- Entrepreneurs ready to turn ideas into action
- Business owners seeking a clear and structured plan
- Start Smart graduates ready for the next step
In this 10-week series you will:
Week 1. Create your mission and business plan outline
Week 2. Explore operations and management essentials
Weeks 3-4. Master marketing basics and customer engagement
Week 5. Strengthen operations for efficiency and growth
Week 6. Build leadership skills for hiring and management.
Week 7. Manage finances and understand financial statements
Week 8. Learn to plan ahead with financial forecasting
Week 9. Address risks, insurance, and growth strategies
Week 10. Finalize your plan and prepare for the next steps
What you’ll learn
- Writing a clear and compelling mission statement
- Assessing your skills, passions, and resources
- Creating a strategy that aligns with your goals
- How to test the feasibility of your idea
Facilitator: Tara Cruz
Tara Cruz is a strategic business consultant with a passion for helping others chase their dreams. Her journey began when she left a high-profile management position in the Bay Area, diving headfirst into the world of entrepreneurship in 2017. Despite facing numerous challenges, Tara’s resilience and determination have led her to become a respected foundation setter for aspiring business owners.
In 2017, Tara took a leap of faith by restoring a 2,200 square foot building, transforming it into a thriving business space. This experience, coupled with her background in marketing, management, and startups, has equipped her with invaluable insights into the entrepreneurial process. Tara’s expertise lies in assisting clients with business alignment, marketing strategies, and branding.As a strategic consultant, Tara is known for her ability to bring clarity and focus to business owners’ visions, aligning their goals with actionable plans for success. She creates safe spaces for creativity, futuristic thinking, and calculated risk-taking, playing a pivotal role in shaping the direction and success of business development.
Throughout her career, Tara has demonstrated an ability to adapt and pivot, particularly during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Her diverse skill set and experience in rebranding have made her an asset to businesses looking to navigate uncertain times and emerge stronger.
When she’s not guiding entrepreneurs towards success, Tara cherishes spending quality time with her three children and grand-dog, finding balance between her professional passion and personal life.
Note: Our services and programs are open to all entrepreneurs. All Renaissance WBC/SOMA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.
All clients must register for classes via your client portal account. Here is how you can do it.
Already a Renaissance Client?
Log in to your client portal and access the calendar at the top of your screen
New to the Renaissance Community?
Get started by filling out a client interest form and attending an orientation.
*All clients must complete an interest form and attend orientation before signing up for classes.*
Renaissance WBC is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the SBA. All SBA programs or cosponsored programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested, at least 2 weeks in advance. Contact: Women Business Center wbc@rencenter.org, (415) 894-9779.
