Strategy to detailed business
planning to launch.
The No Borders Process
No Borders engages a six-phase process to select client entrepreneurs, coach and assist in business launch. This includes strategic planning, marketing, start-up capital and ongoing mentoring.
Application & Selection
Prospective clients complete an application and meet with a business coach for the initial discussion and review. Business concepts that demonstrate good potential profit to support organic growth and where the owner has the skills to execute are considered for support.
Financial Literacy
Personal financial competence is key to delivering on a successful business as an entrepreneur. No Borders has the goal of ensuring each entrepreneur achieves personal ownership in appreciable assets and the financial margin to be personally generous as the business succeeds. Personal finance classes include discussion of debt, taxes, savings, home ownership, retirement and giving.
Business Planning
We engage the business planning process with tools that require the client to articulate the mission, vision and goals of their business. We then begin detailed profit and loss (P&L) analysis with considerations for pricing, direct and indirect costs. Start-up capital evaluation and loan amortization is included to ensure the business can support needed loans. Marketing strategy includes SWOT analysis and launch planning.
Marketing & Systems Support
Clients receive support for marketing including logo design, website development, photography and video. Support is also provided for systems according to the business need including Quickbooks and Square for Point of Sale and online commerce.
Start-Up Capital
No Borders entrepreneurs are encouraged to fund the business organically out of profitable growth whenever possible. In some cases, start-up capital is required to fund business equipment, lease start-up, inventory, etc. Some micro-funding is available through No Borders for zero interest loans when clients qualify. If larger capital is required, No Borders facilitates relationships for SBA loans or private equity.
Launch Support
It begins with an idea, but at some point you have to see if it works. No Borders works with clients to pilot the business with as little risk as possible to continuously learn and make modifications. Quite often there are pricing or product changes required as the business launches. No Borders coaches continue to guide and mentor the entrepreneurs until the start-up note is repaid.