Business Foundations 1 takes you along the small business journey from idea to owner. You will discover what it takes to start your operation and explore the potential of your idea.
Starting a business can be a great way to bring in extra cash or to make a living doing something you enjoy. Mercy Corps Northwest makes it easier to learn the basics of starting and operating a small business through our business foundations I class.
The six-session series provides discussion, tools and guidance on the following topics:
By the end of week 6 all students should have a better understanding of:
Business Foundations I is for people with limited time and money, and great ideas. No prior business experience or education is necessary, and the class is designed to help you determine if you’re ready to start a business.
Times: The course consists of six three-hour sessions. Class is held on Thursdays from 5:00pm-8:00pm on the following dates.
*Scholarship Option 1 – Income Based: Partial scholarships are available from Mercy Corps Northwest to low-income individuals with proper documentation. Applications must be received one week before the start of class to be considered. Link to Online Application.
*Scholarship Option 2 – Designated for People of Color: In partnership with the City of Portland , we are thrilled to be able to offer people of color scholarships to any training activity. Eligible clients need to have a home or business address within the city of Portland. Our goal is to make business education accessible to everyone in our community. Link to Online Application.
PLEASE DO NOT REGISTER FOR A TRAINING ACTIVITY IF YOU PLAN ON APPLYING FOR A SCHOLARSHIP – wait until your scholarship application has been approved or denied and then proceed with registration. You will be contacted via phone or email by Mercy Corps Northwest after we receive your application. Questions? Email training.mcnw@mercycorps.org
REFUND POLICY: Refunds are available up to one week prior to the start of the class. If you are unable to continue attending class we do our best to accommodate your situation. Registration is not complete without payment.
People who have taken Business Foundations discover that it’s a fun, easy way to learn about business ownership and a great way to find support right here in our entrepreneurial community. Here’s what other aspiring entrepreneurs had to say after completing the class:
“Hearing others and sharing helped give me the confidence I needed to move forward”
“I really liked having a plan–having the combination of the course book, homework, and class was perfect–it made an overwhelming prospect much more manageable. I was able to mull things over and be prepared for class—which always address questions that came up for me–even if I wasn’t the one asking. The whole format and instruction was incredibly valuable”
“This class was so supportive and empowering!”