The Build A Better Business Series
​(Class Begins September 26, 2024)

For the past seven years, the Greater Ocala Community Development Corp (GOCDC) has been providing support and education for entrepreneurs through our Build a Better Business Series (BBB). The BBB is a series of classes facilitated by our team and local professionals to teach entrepreneurs critical factors of building a successful business. Students attend 90 minute classes once a week and at the end of the program students who have completed all classes have an opportunity to compete in a “Shark Tank” style presentation to a panel of judges with the winner receiving $5,000.00.

Banking partners such as Renasant Bank, TD Bank, PNC Bank, and Center State Bank and generous community donors have provided sponsorship funds from $5,000-$7,500 to make this effort possible. In each of the six sessions we have conducted thus far the students have given feedback of their desire for the series to be longer. The primary reason being more time to discuss key concepts and how to implement them into their business strategies.

In response to the feedback from our students the GOCDC board of directors voted to extend the BBB series and create the Build a Better Business Academy (BBBA). The BBBA will be a nine week program with 90 minute classes being offered on Thursday. We will continue to use the model of industry professionals as teachers. However, at the end of the program students will have an opportunity to present their strategies in front of a panel of judges to gain feedback and a chance to win a grant for $5,000. Program classes include:

• Week 1 - Entrepreneurial Mindset
• Week 2 - Market Research & Validation
• Week 3 - Business Model Development
• Week 4- Financial Projections
• Week 5 - Product Development
• Week 6 - Marketing & Branding
• Week 7 - Sales Strategy & Customer Acquisition
• Week 8 - Operations & Scaling
• Week 9 - Leadership & Team Building

All courses materials will be provided by GOCDC and sponsors and will be distributed to participants weekly. At the end of week nine, participants will be given an opportunity to present their business concept in front of a panel of business leaders. Each participants will be judged on presentation, vision, planning, and receive feedback from the judges on how to move forward. 

Meet Some Of Our Past Participants

Register for the Next Class

Are you a small business owner interested in moving to the next level or an entrepreneur with a solution to an identified need? To be considered for a position for our classes, please complete the registration below as an introduction to your business or business concept and we will email you all of the information and course materials. Please include the following: