Starting a small business can be a rewarding journey, but it requires careful planning and the right strategies to succeed. From creating a solid business plan to organizing finances and finding the right support, this guide will help you establish a foundation for a thriving business. For entrepreneurs in Calgary, key resources like reliable bookkeeping services can make a significant difference. Here’s how to start a small business and set it up for lasting success. Developing a business plan A clear, well-researched business plan serves as a roadmap for your business. It outlines your goals, target market, competitive advantage, and financial projections. This plan will also help attract investors or secure loans. To create an effective business plan: Define your mission and vision: Explain why your business exists and what you aim to achieve. Identify your target audience: Determine who your customers are and what problems your business will solve for them. Analyze competitors: Study your competitors to understand what they offer and find ways to differentiate your business. Set realistic financial projections: Estimate costs, revenue, and profits. This will give potential investors confidence in your business. Choosing a business structure Selecting the right business structure is essential, as it affects your taxes, liability, and daily operations. Common options include: Sole proprietorship: Simple to set up, with minimal paperwork, but offers no separation of personal and business liability. Partnership: Ideal for two or more owners, allowing shared responsibilities, but partners share liabilities. Corporation: Provides liability protection, but involves more paperwork and regulatory requirements. LLC (Limited Liability Company): Offers liability protection without the complexity of a corporation. Choose a structure that best suits your needs, and consult a legal professional to ensure compliance with Calgary’s business regulations. Securing funding Most small businesses require some level of funding to get started. Consider various financing options to find the best fit: Personal savings or family support: Often the first source of funding for many entrepreneurs. Business loans: Many banks offer small business loans with varying interest rates. Grants and government programs: Explore government grants and programs specifically designed to support small businesses in Calgary. Angel investors or venture capital: For businesses with high growth potential, attracting investors may be an option. Registering your business To operate legally, you’ll need to register your business. This process involves choosing a unique name, filing the necessary documents, and obtaining a business license in Calgary. You may also need specific permits depending on your industry. Completing these steps ensures that your business complies with all local regulations. Organizing your finances Managing finances effectively is crucial for any small business. Accurate bookkeeping keeps your business organized, tracks income and expenses, and prepares you for tax season. Many small businesses in Calgary choose to hire a bookkeeper in Calgary to handle these responsibilities, allowing owners to focus on growth. Working with one of the best bookkeeping services in Calgary can provide: Accurate financial records: Professional bookkeepers help maintain up-to-date records, which is essential for financial health. Compliance with tax laws: Calgary’s best bookkeeping services are familiar with local tax regulations, ensuring that you file correctly and on time. Insights for decision-making: With accurate records, you can make informed decisions on budgeting, spending, and investments. Creating a strong brand identity Building a brand that resonates with your target audience is essential. Your brand identity includes your business name, logo, colors, and messaging, as well as the experience you offer customers. Developing a consistent brand identity sets you apart from competitors and builds trust with customers. Here are some steps to create a strong brand identity: Design a logo and visual theme: Choose a professional logo, color scheme, and design elements that reflect your brand’s personality. Develop a unique brand voice: Whether it’s friendly, professional, or playful, keep your brand voice consistent in all communications. Focus on customer experience: Aim to provide exceptional service that keeps customers coming back and sharing their positive experiences. Building an online presence In today’s digital world, an online presence is crucial for reaching potential customers. Start by creating a professional website where customers can learn more about your products or services. Next, consider establishing a presence on social media platforms that suit your audience. Key components of a strong online presence include: User-friendly website: Make sure your website is easy to navigate, mobile-friendly, and includes essential information about your business. Social media profiles: Engage with customers and share updates on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Google My Business: Setting up a Google My Business profile helps customers in Calgary find you more easily. Building a support network Running a small business can be challenging, and having a network of support is invaluable. Surround yourself with people who can provide advice, resources, and encouragement. Consider these ways to build a support network: Join local business associations: Groups like the Calgary Chamber of Commerce offer networking opportunities, resources, and workshops. Seek mentorship: Experienced business owners can offer guidance and insights that help you avoid common pitfalls. Hire professionals for specialized tasks: For financial and legal matters, work with professionals like accountants, lawyers, and bookkeepers. Tracking progress and making adjustments As your business grows, it’s essential to review your progress and adjust your strategies. Regularly assessing financial performance, customer feedback, and market trends can help you refine your approach and stay competitive. Working with one of the best bookkeeping services in Calgary can make tracking your financial performance much easier, giving you insight into profit margins, cash flow, and budgeting. Consider these strategies for tracking progress: Set measurable goals: Establish specific goals for growth, such as revenue targets or customer acquisition numbers. Analyze performance data: Use financial statements, sales reports, and customer feedback to assess performance. Stay flexible: Be willing to make changes to products, services, or marketing strategies if they aren’t meeting customer needs. Conclusion Starting a small business takes effort, planning, and ongoing management. By creating a solid business plan, organizing your finances, and developing a strong brand, you can set your business up for success. In Calgary, many new business owners choose to hire a bookkeeper in Calgary to ensure accurate financial management and stay compliant with local regulations. Taking advantage of the best bookkeeping services in Calgary can free up your time, allowing you to focus on growing your business and achieving long-term success. With dedication and the right strategies, your small business can thrive in today’s competitive market.
Live via Zoom. Fortnightly - 1/15/29 Oct, 12/26 Nov, 10 Dec - 6-8pm UK time Join artist Julie Galante for this course designed to nurture your creative practice. Together we’ll explore ways to create work that reflects your individual interests, passion, and point of view, no matter your experience level. The course content is delivered over six live Zoom sessions, in a small, welcoming group with plenty of opportunities for interaction. Additionally, there will be optional (but highly recommended) assignments to complete in between the live sessions - assignments designed to get you stuck in to your creative practice in new and interesting ways. During each live session, there will be a demonstration focusing on a particular aspect of visual art - this will include various materials, subjects, and considerations such as composition, theme, mark-making, layering, and so on. We will also have a look at everyone’s recent creations, with celebration of the triumphs and suggestions for moving forward with work-in-progress. Together we’ll explore techniques including drawing, painting, mixed-media, and collage, but you don’t have to work exclusively in these media to take part - all creative disciplines are welcome. Each participant will be encouraged to deepen their explorations in whatever direction interests them most - be it a series of drawings, written reflections, sketches, collages, photographs, mixed-media pieces, or a unique, personal combination of all these. There will be an optional Facebook group for participants to stay connected and share their creations with each other between sessions. There will also be discounts available for other workshops and one-to-one mentoring.
Self-help and relaxation skills and exercises for stressed, burned out SEN parents and carers
Become a qualified assessor
Assessor Course
Course Description By enrolling on this course you will: Understand the role of an assessor and the principles and practices of assessment Plan assessments in workshops or classroom with at least two learners Use different assessment methods, make assessment decisions and give feedback to learners Involve learners and others in the assessment process – ensuring decisions are countersigned, quality assured and that assessment practice is standardised Apply legal and regulatory requirements to your assessment Benefits Gain the industry standard qualification to be a classroom / workshop assessor Interactive online workshops and one to one support to complete assignments One to one mentoring to support achievement of the practical unit Receive mentoring and support form qualified and experienced assessors
An accredited qualification for current and prospective managers. This programme gives Team Leaders & Managers the skills, disciplines and confidence to manage their team effectively and add a great deal more value to the organisation - where they have to apply their learning in order to achieve the highly coveted ILM qualification. One of the main responsibilities of a manager is to make sure that employees are satisfied with their job and reaching their full potential. A manager who can energise his or her employees will have a team which has a much greater potential and capability of achieving company goals and objectives. It is therefore vital that a manager has the essential skills to fully support and lead their team to success. This 3-day programme brings together the key leadership skills that you will need to be an effective manager so that you can return to the workplace and deliver tangible results. All of our ILM Programmes are provided in partnership with The BCF Group, which is the ILM Approved Centre we deliver under. Course Syllabus The syllabus of the ILM Level 3 Award in Leadership and Management course is split into three main modules, covering the following: Module OneSolving Problems and Making Decisions What is a problem? How to identify a problem, its nature, scope and impact Identifying the root cause Understanding how to interpret information to solve a problem What is involved in making an informed decision? Generate ideas/solutions- creative thinking techniques How to evaluate your options Finding the critical path Having confidence to commit to a decision Planning approach Communicating the decision Implementing the plan Module TwoUnderstanding Leadership What is leadership? Recognise the differences and similarities between leadership and management Qualities and skills of a leader Action Centered Leadership - Team, Task, Individual - John Adair Varying leadership styles Evaluating a range of leadership models and their significance for: Task, Performance, Culture, Relationships Reflect on your own leadership styles and behaviours Create an action plan to enhance your performance Module ThreeUnderstanding the Communication Process in the Workplace Identify what is effective communication Understand the importance of effective communication at work Recognise the different ways we communicate Recognise possible barriers to communication and how to overcome them Johari's window - communication flows How others will perceive and interpret the information you have provided Active listening Developing questioning skills Understanding the significance of non-verbal communication and body language Developing sensory acuity and how to use it effectively in the workplace In-House & Classroom Courses Available Online We have developed an alternative to traditional face-to-face training that continues to provide a full learning experience, and allows delegates to learn effectively whilst self-isolating from home. This is how it looks: Delegates booked on Classroom and In-House courses will continue to have access to their trainer online throughout the days that the course is booked to run. Prior to a delegate's course start date, they will be enrolled on our e-learning platform (in partnership with BCF Group) for the course they are booked on to. They will also be given contact information for their trainer, and details of how to access the online workshops. Delegates will not require any special IT equipment. A desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or a mobile phone with internet and audio capability is all that is required. Delegates taking ILM Qualifications will then proceed to the book review, video review and work based assignments with 12 months tutor support as appropriate, and in line with our previous arrangements. We hope you agree that this blended learning experience represents the safest way to continue supporting our clients and delegates during the Coronavirus disruption. In-House Courses As well as being one of the most popular open courses, we can also arrange this course as an in-house programme for companies and organisations who wish to develop a number of their managers at the same time, and would find an in-house course at their own premises much more suitable. Scheduled Courses Classroom Course - Nottingham (NG12 4DG) Classroom training courses enable you to benefit from having the tutor and other delegates right there in the room with you. Face-to-face training sessions are one of the best ways to learn, as it is easy to ask questions and have group discussions. In addition to the 2 days in the classroom, delegates will need to undertake self-directed learning and 2 work-based assignments. Cost: £995 + vat 07-08 September 2023 14-15 December 2023 12-13 February 2024 Classroom Course - Reading (RG41 5QS) Classroom training courses enable you to benefit from having the tutor and other delegates right there in the room with you. Face-to-face training sessions are one of the best ways to learn, as it is easy to ask questions and have group discussions. In addition to the 2 days in the classroom, delegates will need to undertake self-directed learning and 2 work-based assignments. Cost: £995 + vat 05-06 October 2023 15-16 January 2024 11-12 April 2024 Zoom™ Course Attending a course via Zoom videoconferencing gives you all of the benefits of classroom training without the need to leave your home or office. You still benefit from a real tutor facilitating the programme, and the content is exactly the same. The only difference is that we split the course into four half-day sessions to make it easier on your eyes! Cost: £895 + vat November 2023 - 7th Nov (morning), 7th Nov (afternoon), 8th Nov (morning), 8th Nov (afternoon) March 2024 - 19th Mar (morning), 19th Mar (afternoon), 20th Mar (morning), 20th Mar (afternoon) June 2024 - 11th Jun (morning), 11th Jun (afternoon), 12th Jun (morning), 12th Jun (afternoon) Dickson Training Ltd Founded in 1985 in Yorkshire, we have built an impressive and loyal client base. Our partnerships are built by consistently delivering outstanding development solutions and working in close collaboration with our clients, resulting in us becoming a leading UK and international training provider.
If you assess students in the workplace against industry or occupational standards, this is the industry standard qualification that you must hold. You must be able to work with 2 learners in the workplaces to demonstrate your assessing skills. Further Information The course is delivered split into 3 parts: 4 half day workshops delivered via Zoom The completion of 3 assignments. Carrying out assessment activity in the workplace Benefits By attending this course, you will be able to: Understand the role of an assessor and the principles and practices of assessment Plan assessments in the workplace with at least two learners Use different assessment methods, make assessment decisions and give feedback to learners Involve learners and others in the assessment process – ensuring decisions are countersigned, quality assured and that assessment practice is standardised Apply legal and regulatory requirements to your assessment
Our Virtual (via Zoom) course provide the same high-quality tuition as our classroom-based sessions. Quarterly meetings will take place at the Academy Dental Nursing Diploma with National Examining Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN) is an internationally recognised qualification that will allow you to work as a Dental Nurse in hospitals, NHS and private dental practices. Successful completion of Dental Nursing Diploma course will enable you to register as a Dental Care Professional with the General Dental Council (GDC) and practice as a qualified Dental Nurse. Discover the exciting world of dental nursing and be a part of a growing field that offers endless opportunities for growth and development. How will you learn? In addition to our traditional class-based tuition, we also offer Virtual (via Zoom) Learning courses to cater to different learning preferences. Our Virtual Learning courses provide the same high-quality tuition as our classroom-based sessions. To participate, you will need a laptop, PC, smart phone or tablet with a built-in or external camera and microphone. From the comfort of your own home, you will have the opportunity to communicate with your tutor and classmates through video chat, using your phone or computer camera. This allows for seamless interaction, discussions, and collaborative learning. Quarterly meetings at the Academy To ensure a well-rounded learning experience, you will be required to attend face-to-face lessons at the Academy on a quarterly basis, which means every three months. These sessions serve several important purposes: Practical Units: Some aspects of the course require hands-on practical training. The face-to-face lessons will cover these practical units, allowing you to gain valuable experience and apply the knowledge you have acquired during the virtual learning sessions. Tests and Mock Exams: These assessments are important for evaluating your progress, identifying areas for improvement, and preparing you for the final exams. The Academy will provide a controlled and supervised environment to ensure the integrity and fairness of these assessments. Attending quarterly face-to-face lessons provides a balanced approach to your learning journey. It combines the convenience and flexibility of virtual learning with the benefits of in-person interactions, practical training, and assessments. By participating in these sessions, you will have the opportunity to reinforce your knowledge, receive personalized feedback, and build a stronger connection with your tutor and classmates. The Academy is dedicated to supporting your growth and success in dental nursing field, and the face-to-face lessons are an integral part of that commitment. Being a Dental Nurse can be an exciting and fulfilling career that allows you to make a positive impact on people’s lives while enjoying a variety of work and opportunities to learn and grow. You’ll get to work with an amazing dental team and get to know patients, helping them to feel at ease and comfortable during their visit. You’ll be the one behind the scene making sure everything runs smoothly, and you’ll be the one that patients will turn to for assistance. You’ll also get to be a part of the latest advancements in dental technology and treatment. And on top of all that, you get to have a flexible schedule and a good earning potential, with the potential to advance in your career. All in all, being a dental nurse is one of the most exciting and fulfilling career that you can have, and you’ll get to leave work every day knowing you’ve made a real difference in the lives of others. The course is delivered by Team of Dental Professionals who are examiners, dentists and experienced Dental tutors with years of experience in teaching Dentistry. Dental Nurses are involved in a wide range of procedures, from routine check-ups to complex surgeries, which can make the job interesting and varied. Patient-centered care: Dental Nurses have a direct impact on the patient’s experience and can make a positive difference in people’s lives by providing them with quality care. Professional development: Dental Nurses have the opportunity to continue their education and expand their skills, leading to advancement and new opportunities in the field. No previous experience required – we will teach you from A to Z. Do you need a job? Yes, you will have 3 months’ time from the start of your course to find a placement. The Academy provides a list of Private and NHS Dental Surgeries, who are regularly contacting us when looking for more Trainee Dental Nurses, so you can contact them directly as a registered student at the Academy. This is a paid job, unless you would like to work voluntary for personal reasons. We also provide a reference letter to the employee in case you need it. The course is ideal for you if: You are looking for a qualification that leads to employment You intend to participate within dentistry and make a positive contribution to the dental health You wish to learn how to maintain high standards of hygiene, cleanliness, health & safety You enjoy interacting with multidisciplinary team and different people The curriculum is based on the GDC (General Dental Council) registration requirements for dental nurses. It sets out the knowledge, skills and behavioural requirements that should be developed and demonstrated. These are set out in terms of professional competencies, with the assessment method clearly outlined (e.g. how the skills and knowledge will be assessed in the final examinations – via written questions such as multiple choice (MCQ) or extended matching questions (EMQ) or via Objective Structured Clinical Examinations – OSCEs). We are proud to announce that our Dental Nursing students has the highest examination pass rate in OSCE examinations! Free services– workshops, mock exams, eRoE marking and internal moderation. Earn while you learn could be another benefit for doing this course. We provide a list of Private Surgeries who have been working with us for the last 14 years and looking to recruit more Trainee Dental Nurses. Working together – At our Dental Department, we prioritise working together with our learners every step of the way. We firmly believe in providing unwavering support, equipping you with the necessary tools, skills, and assistance to ensure your success. We take immense pride in the achievements of our students, with a long list of graduates boasting remarkable success stories. Our commitment to your success serves as the foundation for our own accomplishments What Can You Expect to Earn as a Dental Nurse? Compared to other caring professions, Dental Nursing is well paid and offers plenty of opportunity for continued training and development. This is great for those looking on a the long-term plan for their career and those who wish to work their way up the ladder through continued learning, experience & hard work. Trainee Dental Nurse salary for standard working week will be around £23,000 per annum. Average wage for a qualified Dental Nurses between £40,417 to £42,350 p.a. When are the exams? There are two exams: 1. Multiple choice theory exam. November and March. 2. Practical exam. January and June. Record of Experience (eROE) To be eligible to sit your first exam, you have to complete your electronic Record of Experience (eROE). The eROE has to be submitted to your tutor by 31st Jan for March exam, and 31st August for November exam. London Waterloo Academy supports Mouth Cancer Research Foundation and encouraging learners to raise the awareness and participate in annual 10k walk. Study mode – virtual (via Zoom) live stream lessons combined with a quarterly meetings Saturday/Sunday at the Academy Duration – 1 year (part time) Virtual (via Zoom) classes – once a week Quarterly meetings at the Academy – date are discussed with the group in advance Next Intake/start dates (please choose one for your course to start): 21 September 2024, Saturday classes from 9am to 11am Registration fee – £300 (includes: administration, workshops, mock exams, RoE marking, internal moderation of RoE) Tuition Fees – £1,400 (we offer payment plan, and accept instalments) Exam fee – £510 will be charged at the point of candidate registration with NEBDN One day introduction course – for those who are considering/not sure whether to step up into the Dental Industry £50.00 Call us +44 (0) 7484 014980 or email to info@waterlooacademy.co.uk or Facebook – London Waterloo Academy Office location: The Foundry, 156 Blackfriars Rd, London SE1 8EN (Southwark Station (2-3 min walk) and Waterloo/Blackfriars Station (10 min walk))
Duration 3 Days 18 CPD hours This course is intended for CxO?s IT Managers/ Directors Senior Project Officers Project & Program Coordinator/Managers Operations Managers Quality Managers Business Analysts Engineering Managers IT Infrastructure Managers Internal Consultants Professional Consultants Overview Change and the individual Change and the organization Communication and stakeholder engagement Change practice Dealing with change and more importantly, the impact of change is a high priority for all organisations. The Change Management Certification has been developed by APMG in partnership with the Change Management Institute (CMI), an independent, global professional association of change managers. Together they have developed a professional ?body of knowledge? for the discipline of change management. This body of knowledge now provides an independent benchmark for the professional knowledge expected of an effective change manager. APMG?s refreshed Change Management certification is fully aligned with the change management body of knowledge. Prerequisites There is no prerequisite to attending this foundation course, although it is recommended that candidates should have a good understanding of business practices. 1 - Change and the Organization Drivers for change Developing a vision Culture and climate Emergent change and lifecycle Organizational metaphors Models of change Roles required for change 2 - Stakeholders Principles Identification Analysis Influencing and listening Emotion and demonstration Communications Cognitive biases Remaining people focused Improving Communications Communications channels Collaboration Communications Planning Larger workshops 2 - Change Impact Assessing impact McKinsey 7 S Stakeholder impact assessment Assessing change readiness Large change ? how to staff Building a change team Preparing for resistance Building team effectiveness 4 - Individual Change Learning theory Motivation Change Curve Personality differences
This programme has been specifically designed to help experienced trainers, facilitators and coaches use Everything DiSC and the Five Behaviours assessments, and deliver workshops, with their own clients and in-house teams.