Hustle to Structure Class

Are you ready to take your business to new heights? 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.

Introducing Hustle to Structure, a comprehensive 5-week 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.

Spring 2024 Class

Status: Applications are now closed.

Start Date: March 28th, 2024

Location: Knoxville Entrepreneur Center | 17 Market Square, Suite 101

Program Fee: $100


WHO’S IT FOR?

If you’re a business owner that has been working for a few years and have hit a ceiling, Hustle to Structure is for you. Ideally attendees of this course have participated in some type of business development program or training before.

This program is hosted exclusively for Black Entrepreneurs in the Knoxville region.

Please note: Hustle to Structure is different from the traditional 100Knoxville cohorts. Both Hustle to Structure and Idea to Reality Classes are highly regarded recommendations for folks interested in applying and participating in the traditional 100Knoxville cohorts.

DETAILS

Hustle to Structure lasts five weeks, meeting one evening a week 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 $100 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 week; 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.

SPRING 2024 CLASS DATES

Thursday, March 28th | 5:30 - 8:30 PM

Thursday, April 4th | 5:30 - 8:30 PM

Thursday, April 11th | 5:30 - 8:30 PM

Thursday, April 18th | 5:30 - 8:30 PM

Thursday, April 25th | 5:30 - 8:30 PM


HUSTLE TO STRUCTURE | CURRICULUM

WEEK 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.

WEEK 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.

WEEK 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.

WEEK 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.

WEEK 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.