Starting a business is exciting—but turning a great idea into a successful business takes more than passion alone. Many aspiring entrepreneurs struggle with where to begin, how to evaluate their business idea, and what steps they should take before investing their time and money.

Join the Widener University Small Business Development Center for Five Fundamentals of Starting a Business: Building a Strong Foundation for Success, taking place virtually on July 16th.

This practical and interactive workshop is designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs evaluate their business ideas through five essential questions that every successful business owner must answer before launching. Rather than focusing solely on business registration or paperwork, this session explores the core building blocks that determine whether a business is positioned for long-term success.

Participants will learn how to assess the strength of their business concept, understand legal and regulatory considerations, identify and attract paying customers, determine whether their operations can support growth, and develop sound financial management practices. By working through these five fundamentals, entrepreneurs will gain a clearer understanding of both the opportunities and challenges involved in starting a business.

Whether you are still developing an idea, preparing to launch, or looking to strengthen an existing startup, this workshop will provide practical guidance to help you make informed business decisions and avoid common pitfalls.

Participants will learn:

• How to evaluate whether a business idea solves a real customer problem
• The five fundamental questions every entrepreneur should answer before launching
• Key legal, licensing, and regulatory considerations for starting a business
• How to identify your target market and attract paying customers
• The basics of developing operations that can support business growth
• Why cash flow management is critical from the very beginning
• Common startup mistakes and how to avoid them
• Resources available through the SBDC to support your entrepreneurial journey

Who Should Attend:

This workshop is ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs, early-stage startups, and individuals considering self-employment who want to build a strong foundation before launching their business.

• Individuals exploring a new business idea
• Entrepreneurs preparing to launch their first business
• Startup owners seeking to validate their business model
• Side-hustle owners considering full-time entrepreneurship
• Anyone looking for a practical roadmap to starting a successful business

No prior business experience is required. This session is designed to provide practical, easy-to-understand guidance for entrepreneurs at the beginning of their business journey.

Why This Training Matters

Many businesses struggle not because the owners lack passion, but because they skip the critical planning process. Taking the time to evaluate your idea, understand your customers, prepare for operations, and manage your finances can significantly improve your chances of long-term success.

This training encourages entrepreneurs to think strategically before launching by asking important questions such as:

• Is my business idea solving a meaningful problem?
• Am I legally prepared to operate my business?
• Who are my customers, and why will they choose me?
• Can my business grow sustainably?
• How will I manage my cash to build a profitable business?

By answering these questions early, participants will leave with greater confidence, a clearer roadmap for launching their business, and a stronger foundation for entrepreneurial success.

This program is funded by the HDBA Grant awarded to the South East Business Assistance Center (SEBAC) powered by Greenline Access Capital and Widener Small Business Development Center. As a result of your attendance and participation in this webinar, you may be eligible to apply for a competitive grant offered by the SEBAC.