Accepting Applications for SBA Maine's Next Level CEO Houlton

A 6-part series providing instructions on marketing, financial statements, finding new markets, and business financing. Apply until 8/25

About this Event

Presented by the SBA Maine District Office, this program provides hands-on training, expert guidance, and networking opportunities to help small business owners grow their business, strengthen financial management, and expand into new markets.

Module 1


🕑: 02:00 PM - 04:00 AM
Module 1

Info: Note: All Modules are scheduled for 2 hours in length; 2pm-4pm.


Module 1: September 2nd

A Course Overview

• Welcome and Introduction to SBA District Office

• Cohort Overview

• CEO Introductions & Elevator Pitch

• Introduction and Overview of SBA Resource Partners; SCORE, SBDC, WBC and VBOC (from the Resource Partners themselves)

Module 2


🕑: 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Module 2

Info: Module 2: September 9th

Market Research & Marketing

• CEO Elevator Pitch

• Who is My Next Customer/Market Research

• What am I really selling? How do I sell more?

Module 3


🕑: 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Module 3

Info: Module 3: September 23rd

Preparing and Understanding Financial Statements

• CEO Elevator Pitch

• Presentation: Importance of Financial Statements

• Wrap-Up Feedback/Aha Forms & Preparations for next session


CEO Meeting 1: 60-Minute Discussion on previous module, feedback on elevator pitch and class so far. Designate 1 person to take meeting notes to be turned into SBA at Module 4 (meeting date, attendance, discussion, points of interest, etc.). Suggested topics:

• What did we learn about marketing; anything new? Any new strategies to employ?

• Who precisely is your customer, what do they want-how do they want it-how much are they willing to pay for it?

• How is my elevator pitch? Clear? Convincing? Concise?

• Aha moments so far?

Module 4


🕑: 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Module 4

Info: Module 4: September 30th

Examining Your Own Financial Statements

• CEO Elevator Pitch

• Subject Matter Expert & CEO Breakout Discussion on Your Company’s Financial Statements

• Wrap-Up Feedback/Aha Forms & Preparations for next session

CEO Meeting 2: 60 Minute Discussion on previous financial statements modules, feedback on elevator pitch and class so far. Designate 1 person to take meeting notes to be turned into SBA at Module 5 (meeting date, attendance, discussion, points of interest, etc.).

Suggested topics:

• What’s your comfort level with your Financial Statements now? Improved?

• Have you identified necessary changes after the review?

• Do you have cash on hand at the right time? Does cash on hand match your business operations? If not, what can you change?

• Is my elevator pitch getting better?

• Aha moments so far?

Module 5


🕑: 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Module 5

Info: Module 5: October 7th

Lender Panel – Accessing Capital with Traditional and Non-Traditional Lenders

• CEO Elevator Pitch

• Lender Panel Discussion

• Wrap-Up Feedback/Aha Forms & Preparations for next session

Module 6


🕑: 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Module 6

Info: Module 6: October 14th

Panel Discussion-Finding New Revenue and Closeout Ceremony

• CEO Elevator Pitch

• Finding New Markets Panel Discussion

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