(T1) BANGS, David H., Jr. The Start-up Guide: A One Year Plan for Entrepreneurs - Second Edition (1994). Upstart Publishing, Dover NH. (ISBN 0-936 894-57-1) $19.95

(T2) PINSON, L. and JINNETT, J. Keeping the Books: Basic Recordskeeping and Accounting for the Small Business - Second Edition (1993). Upstart Publishing, Dover NH. (ISBN 0-936 894-47-4) $19.95

COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS (presented throughout the course): Use of Word Processing (Microsoft Word), Spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel), and Business Recordskeeping (Quicken/Quick Books) applications in the contemporary business world.

THE LANGUAGE AND PROCESSES OF BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS (presented throughout the course): The use and application of English language skills, including correspondence, research and documentation, and the development of policies and procedures in the modern workplace. Topics covered include business vocabulary, correct spelling, application of business grammar conventions, and business documents formats.

T1 - Chapter 1 The Basics of Business Ownership: The six myths of business ownership; how to lower the risks of starting a business.

T1 - Chapter 2 One Year Before Start-up: Write an action plan. Refining your ideas; decide what business you want to start, assess the impact on your family and personal life; begin your search, build your skills by taking formal management courses.

T1 - Chapter 3 Six Months Before Start-up: Review and revise your action plan as necessary. Decide the focus of your business; start writing your business plan; define your target markets; research business and trade organizations, seek the best location.

T2 - Chapter 1 Recordskeeping basics. The functions of recordskeeping; when does recordskeeping begin; common deductible expenses.

T2 - Chapter 2 Income and Expenses. Categories of income and expenses.

T2 - Chapter 3 Essential Records for Small Business. Single- and double-entry systems; numbering of accounts; chart of accounts; general journal; general ledger; revenue and expense journal; petty cash record; inventory record; fixed assets log; accounts receivable; accounts payable; payroll records; transportation, entertainment, and travel expense; customer information records; business checkbook; receipt files.

MID-TERM EXAMINATION ONE

T1 - Chapter 4 Four Months Before Start-up: Review and revise your action plan as necessary. Name your business; select your location; set up a network; select outside advisors; choose your business legal structure; set up accounting, bookkeeping, and office systems; take business courses; seek out and use demographic information.

T1 - Chapter 5 Three Months Before Start-up: Review and revise your action plan as necessary. Determine your cash needs; review preliminary financial objectives; decide on your pricing strategies; forecast sales; get assistance; put together an outside advisory board; determine your company's employee needs; project your cash flow.

T2 - Chapter 4 Financial Statements: What are financial statements; the balance sheet, the profit and loss (income) statement; business financial history; personal financial statement; pro forma cash flow statement (budgets); quarterly budget analysis; three-year income projection; break-even analysis.

SEMESTER EXAMINATION

T1 - Chapter 6 Two Months Before Start-up: Review your action plan as necessary. Prepare your marketing plan; review non-financial objectives - image; review sales forecasts; prepare a preliminary balance sheet; using the balance sheet; secure the necessary financing; secure insurance coverage; answer legal questions; determine image, advertising, promotion and public relations strategies; order opening inventories; complete improvements to your facility; start your hiring process; refine your mission statement.

T2 - Chapter 5 Taxes and Recordskeeping: Basic understanding of the U.S. tax system; federal taxes for which you may be liable; calendars of federal taxes; income taxes and business related deductions; estimated taxes; self employment tax; social security (FICA) taxes and withholding; federal unemployment (FUTA) tax; payment to non-employees for services rendered; the taxpayer identification (EIN); free tax publications available from federal and state agencies.

T2 - Chapter 6 Recordskeeping and Tax Schedules: Organizing your recordskeeping; building your system; recordskeeping schedule; tax reporting schedules.

MID-TERM EXAMINATION TWO

T1 - Chapter 7 One Month Before Start-up: Review your action plan as necessary. Fine tune your cash flow budget; prepare for your grand opening; set up your office, display, and other areas; do your final professional check; hire your staff (and train as necessary); the shake-down cruise; implement marketing, promotion, and opening plans.

T2 - Chapter 7 Preparing for Uncle Sam: What to give your accountant; the last chore(s).

T1 - Chapter 8 Day One and After: Review and revise your business operating plan as necessary (at least quarterly, ideally monthly); budget (and control) your time; continuously update your products and services, listen; check your cash flow budget against actual performance; maintain good communications with your banker(s) and vendors; the five C's of credit; working with your vendors; working with investors.

T2 - Chapter 8 Financial Statement Analysis: Financial statements. liquidity analysis, profitability analysis; debt measures; investment measures; vertical financial statement analysis; horizontal financial statement analysis.