BUILD & GROW: A 10-PART SERIES ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP

We are excited to launch a new 10-part learning series for entrepreneurs, led by Sarah Hopkins, Matriarch and Founder of Three Sisters Consulting. Each session offers practical training to support our community in starting, building, or growing a business.

Session Overview

Running a business without a plan is like driving without a map. You might get somewhere, but not necessarily where you want to go. This session is about stepping back from the day-to-day and thinking clearly about where your business is heading. We'll cover the basics of strategic planning, including how to assess where you are right now, set a clear direction, and build SMART goals that are realistic and actionable. We'll also look at how Indigenous values and long-term thinking can shape a strategic plan that is grounded in who you are.

Topics Covered

• What strategic planning is and why it matters for small businesses (for every business, really)
• Doing a simple business assessment: what's working, what's not, what's missing
• Clarifying your vision and mission in your own words
• Introduction to SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound
• Turning your vision into a 12-month action plan
• Prioritizing: how to focus on what matters most
• Seven Grandfather Teachings as a framework for ethical decision-making in business
• Reviewing and adjusting your plan as your business evolves

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Complete a simple business assessment
• Write a clear vision and mission statement for your business
• Set 3 SMART goals for the next 12 months
• Build a one-page action plan with timelines

Note: This session pairs well with Session 08 (Business Plan Development). The tools from this session can be incorporated directly into your business plan.

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