Hustle to Structure Class
If you have graduated from a 100Knoxville Grant Cohort and are ready to take your business further, this is for you. Scaling your business can be an exciting but challenging endeavor. Limited resources, hiring the right talent, operational complexities, market competition, cash flow management, leadership and management, maintaining company culture, customer acquisition and retention, adaptability and risk management, and founder's role transition are just a few of the obstacles you may encounter along the way.
Hustle to Structure, a comprehensive 5-session program designed to equip entrepreneurs like you with the knowledge, strategies, and tools to scale your business systematically and efficiently. Our program addresses the most common challenges faced by entrepreneurs during the scaling process, providing you with the guidance and support you need to overcome them.
2025 Cohort
Status: Open to Past Grant Cohort Graduates
Start Date: January 23 (Every Fourth Thursday, 12-3pm)
Location: Knoxville Entrepreneur Center | 17 Market Square, Suite 101
Program Fee: $250 (Materials and Lunch Included)
WHO’S IT FOR?
This program is hosted exclusively for Black Entrepreneurs in the Knoxville region that have graduated from a 100Knoxville Grant Cohort.
DETAILS
Hustle to Structure lasts five sessions, meeting one evening a month (fourth Thursday) for three hours. Facilitators include educators and active entrepreneurs, and guest speakers include specialists and professionals from leading marketing, branding, legal and finance firms and agencies, as well as local entrepreneurs.
PRICING
The course fee is $250 dollars and includes materials. Full payment is required at the start of your first session. This fee is non-refundable. Scholarships are available if needed.
KEC will send out an invoice through PayPal or Stripe to receive your payment.
WHAT TO EXPECT
This is an action-driven, collaborative process with a small and supportive group of like-minded entrepreneurs, led by a facilitator who’ll introduce concepts and help you immediately put them to work. We’ll discuss concepts, problems and solutions during class; you’ll apply them to your project or business during the month; and we’ll review and fine-tune together. You’ll leave the program with a better understanding of how to scale your business systematically and efficiently.
2025 CLASS DATES
Thursday, January 23rd | 12 - 3:00 PM
Thursday, February 27th | 12 - 3:00 PM
Thursday, March 27th | 12 - 3:00 PM
Thursday, April 24th | 12 - 3:00 PM
Thursday, May 22nd | 12 - 3:00 PM
HUSTLE TO STRUCTURE | CURRICULUM
MONTH 1: PEOPLE FIRST
In this session, students will work through discussions and activities to help them better understand the importance of effective leadership, delegation, and management during the scaling process. Participants will create a detailed general functions list and flush out biref roles, responsibilities, and job descriptions.
MONTH 2: RETENTION & EXPANSION
This week participants will focus on why scaling requires an expansion of your customer base while at the same time, retaining clientele in order to avoid “feast and famine” within their organization. Participants will conduct an audit of their current products/services and brainstorm methods of scaling. They will gain insight into the importance of marketing metrics, consistency, establishing brand standards, and extending the invitation to build community.
MONTH 3: WORKFLOWS, OPERATIONS, AND ADAPTABILITY
This week participants will learn how to assess their current methods of production, inventory, and logistics. They will learn how to flush out their workflows for clients, team members, and gain insight on how to build systems that become the foundation for their organization’s infrastructure. Participants will learn how the proper systems help manage risks, make decisions, and necessary adjustments.
MONTH 4: CASHFLOW & RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
This week participants will learn how rapid and unprepared growth can strain their limited resources (time, money, energy). During this session, participants will gain insight into the importance personal and professional management of time, money, and energy to avoid burnout and bankruptcy. Participants will learn how to optimize their operations, maximize technology, and plan for profit.
MONTH 5: PHASING OUT & PRESERVING THE CULTURE
This week participants will learn how their role as a founder will need to evolve from day-to-day tasks and begin delegating some of their roles and responsibilities, while also establishing a culture of consistency and productivity. Participants will conduct a personal task and time audit, use the previous team general functions outline to design an organizational and onboarding flow chart, and create a custom plan to take three tasks off their current plate.
HUSTLE TO STRUCTURE | WHAT YOU’LL GAIN
Strategies to Overcome Limited Resources: We'll help you navigate the scarcity of resources such as capital, manpower, and infrastructure. Learn how to optimize operations, and invest wisely in marketing and technology to support your business's growth.
Effective Hiring and Talent Acquisition Techniques: Attracting and retaining top talent is crucial for scaling your business. Discover proven methods to identify, attract, and hire the right individuals who will contribute to your company's success.
Streamlined Operational Scalability: Scaling brings operational complexities. Our program will guide you in streamlining processes, implementing scalable systems, and ensuring operational efficiency. Learn how to manage increased production, inventory, and logistics while maintaining optimal workflows and infrastructure.
Strategies to Stand Out in a Competitive Market: As your business scales, competition intensifies. Gain insights into developing effective strategies that will help you differentiate your business, acquire and retain customers, and maintain a competitive edge in the market.
Cash Flow Management Techniques: Rapid growth can strain cash flow. Master the art of managing your finances effectively, ensuring you have sufficient working capital to support your scaling activities, meet financial obligations, and navigate the challenges associated with cash flow.
Leadership and Management Skills for Scaling: Effective leadership and management are crucial during the scaling process. Develop the skills needed to delegate responsibilities, build and lead a high-performing team, and adapt your management style as your organization grows.
Preserving Company Culture: Scaling can present challenges in maintaining your company's core values and culture. Learn how to effectively communicate and preserve the cultural foundation that contributed to your business's initial success as you navigate growth and changes in dynamics and structures.
Customer Acquisition and Retention Strategies: Scaling requires expanding your customer base while ensuring customer satisfaction and retention. Discover effective marketing and sales strategies, understand evolving customer needs, and deliver a consistent and exceptional customer experience.
Adaptability and Risk Management: Scaling involves navigating uncertainties and risks. Develop the ability to adapt to changing market dynamics, technological advancements, and regulatory environments. Learn how to manage risks, make informed decisions, and remain agile in response to challenges.
Founder's Role Transition: As your business scales, your role as a founder may need to evolve. Gain insights into transitioning from being involved in every aspect of the business to focusing on strategic vision, leadership, and delegation. Learn to trust others to manage day-to-day operations while you steer your business towards success.