Course in Small Business Management

Small businesses play a fundamental role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and stimulating innovation within local and global markets. However, their success depends not only on a strong idea or initial capital but also on the quality of planning, management, and adaptability to market dynamics.
In light of this, Geneva Institute of Business Administration presents the course "Small Business Management", designed to equip participants with the practical knowledge and administrative skills necessary to establish, operate, and grow a successful small business in a competitive and evolving environment.

Target Group

• Aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to launch their first small business in a structured and informed way.

• Current small business owners looking to improve administrative and financial performance.

• Professionals transitioning from employment to self-employment and business ownership.

• Individuals exploring the feasibility of launching new ventures across various sectors.

• Government officials and support officers working with SMEs and entrepreneurial development.

• Consultants and advisors aiming to enhance their expertise in small business management.

Objectives

• Provide participants with a clear understanding of small business concepts and management essentials.

• Strengthen financial and funding planning capabilities tailored to small-scale operations.

• Teach how to prepare a practical and results-oriented business plan.

• Enhance marketing skills using focused and cost-effective strategies.

• Enable effective tracking of performance and corrective decision-making.

• Improve risk management and adaptability in daily operations.

• Build competency in managing teams and internal processes efficiently.

• Instill principles of sustainability and progressive business growth.

Course Outline

• Understanding Small Businesses and the Setup Process

  • Defining small businesses and their role in the economy.

  • Distinguishing small ventures from other business types.

  • Key steps in starting a small business.

  • Legal and procedural requirements for registration.

• Idea Evaluation and Preliminary Feasibility

  • Selecting viable business ideas based on market gaps.

  • Conducting initial supply and demand analysis.

  • Assessing the project's competitive potential.

  • Identifying early success indicators.

• Preparing the Business Plan

  • Main components of a professional business plan.

  • Defining vision, goals, and action steps.

  • Scheduling activities and allocating resources.

  • Importance of the business plan in attracting support.

• Financial and Funding Planning

  • Developing a realistic budget and projections.

  • Exploring funding sources for small businesses.

  • Managing cash flow and controlling expenses.

  • Pricing strategies for profitability and market entry.

• Managing Day-to-Day Operations

  • Structuring workflow and internal processes.

  • Handling procurement, supply chain, and storage.

  • Ensuring product or service quality standards.

  • Building effective vendor and customer relations.

• Human Resource Management in Small Businesses

  • Recruiting and assigning the right team.

  • Creating a productive and motivated environment.

  • Evaluating performance and identifying training needs.

  • Resolving internal conflicts and staff challenges.

• Cost-Effective Marketing Strategies

  • Clearly identifying the target audience.

  • Crafting compelling marketing messages.

  • Utilizing digital tools and social media platforms.

  • Measuring campaign impact and making adjustments.

• Customer Relationship and After-Sales Service

  • Building and maintaining a customer database.

  • Enhancing communication skills for customer service.

  • Ensuring positive customer experiences.

  • Following up and encouraging customer loyalty.

• Performance Monitoring and Business Development

  • Defining financial and operational performance indicators.

  • Reviewing outcomes and adjusting accordingly.

  • Expanding horizontally or vertically as appropriate.

  • Maintaining flexibility amid market changes.

• Sustainability and Strategic Growth Planning

  • Emphasizing gradual and risk-aware expansion.

  • Innovating and improving existing products/services.

  • Establishing strategic partnerships for scale.

  • Designing a balanced and sustainable growth plan.