Donate

Operating a business without strategic plans is like driving home blindfolded–you know what the destination looks like, but you surely will not make it there. Here are the seven steps you need to take to create a solid strategic plan:

Determine your mission statement.

Your mission is your “why” behind the plan. It’s the reason the plan exists.

Here is a good example of a mission statement: Our mission is to cultivate the growth and development of small business owners, with a focus on women, minorities, and veterans, through 360-degree business support, knowledgeable mentors, and a results-driven curriculum.

Develop your vision statement.

Your vision is considered your “North Star” statement. It answers the questions “what are we doing?” and “what do we aspire to look like in the future?”

An example of a vision statement would be this: “The Nashville Business Incubation Center is the leading business development and accountability partner in Middle Tennessee for small business owners to grow sustainable companies that create jobs and wealth.”

Perform a SWOT Analysis.

A SWOT analysis sums where your business currently stands. It evaluates your company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This is simply an internal business evaluation and will help you think strategically about your next steps.

Create S.M.A.R.T. objectives.

Awesome objectives are S.M.A.R.T—they’re specific, measurable, achievable, results-oriented, and time-based.

Examples of great objectives would be:

“XYZ Elementary School will develop new school uniform guidelines by August 2020.”

“XYZ Elementary School will recruit 20 new teachers by hosting three job fairs in April 2022.”

“XYZ Elementary School will raise $100,000 for the new playground by hosting two fundraising events in January 2021.”

Decide key metrics.

Your key metrics should be tied directly to your goal. They can be considered milestones, such as the start of a new program or the launch of a new location, and/or quantifiable measures, such as revenue profit growth.

Establish an action roadmap and execute.

Create visual action roadmaps that include timelines big-ticket agenda items, initiatives, and key elements. They will help you zone in on key areas so you and your team achieve the goals and objectives.

Establish an implementation and monitoring plan.

The plan will only work if everyone is doing their part. Consider purchasing a project management software or hiring a highly skilled project manager. Develop a solid monitoring process to ensure that your employees have open and honest communication and full understanding of what actions must be taken for the plan to be successful.

You MUST learn how to plan strategically plan to have a successful business. Everything you do for your business starts and ends with your strategic plan. Ready to take the huge leap into entrepreneurship? Schedule an appointment with Angela Crane-Jones today.

Share the Post:

Read More

Aleyda Sanchez – Central Care Counseling Services

In 2018, Aleyda Sanchez founded Central Care Counseling Services with a singular mission: to provide culturally competent mental health services to the Hispanic and Latino communities. She started as a solo practitioner, driven by a desire to break down the significant taboos surrounding mental health within her community. However, as her practice grew, so did the challenges of scaling while maintaining high-quality, personalized care.

Read More

Tasha Garner – Unique Advisor

Tasha Garner, owner of Unique Advisor, a developing consulting firm targeting sectors like healthcare, financial technology, social services, and government contracts, discovered NBIC through her involvement in the Hope Operations Program. This connection led her to NBIC’s Foundations course, which profoundly transformed her approach to entrepreneurship. Garner sincerely appreciated the course, noting, “It was awesome. I thought I knew a lot already, but I learned so much more. It was very transparent.” She highlighted the invaluable guidance from mentors like Mister Harvey and Anne Marie, who were knowledgeable and patient, encouraging interactive participation and questions.

Read More

Brewing Success: How NBIC Helped Bubble Love Spread “Positivi-tea”

Nashville has charm, hospitality, and now the taste of happiness in a cup – Bubble Love! Meet Anna Fields, the woman behind the vibrant bubble tea haven nestled in the heart of the Nashville Farmers Market.
Anna’s journey began overseas. After spending nine years in China and working with children with disabilities, she returned to the states with her family. Choosing Nashville as her home, Anna realized “Music City” was overflowing with southern charm and hospitality, but something was missing. It was the refreshing and flavorful bubble tea Anna had grown to love while abroad.

Read More
Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin

ABOUT NBIC

programs

get involved

Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin

stay up to date

become a sponsor

Fill out the form below, and a member of our team reach out regarding your sponsorship.

Please Select Sponsorship Level:
Abigail DaSilva
Abigail DaSilva is the marketing coordinator at NBIC, channeling her passion and creativity to support the organization’s mission of leveling the playing field for entrepreneurs. A proud graduate of Tennessee State University, Abigail holds a degree in design, which fuels her artistic sensibilities and impeccable eye for aesthetics. Before joining NBIC, Abigail embarked on her own entrepreneurial journey alongside her brother, where she spearheaded the sales and marketing efforts of their own venture. This experience honed her skills in strategic promotion, customer engagement, and marketing media. Abigail has played a crucial role in the company, transforming their media marketing strategies, specifically towards a more video-driven approach. Recognizing the power of visual storytelling, she has created compelling content and innovative campaigns that have amplified NBIC’s reach and engagement, strengthening their online presence and impact. Outside of her professional endeavors, Abigail is an avid art buff, frequently visiting museums and exploring immersive experiences that combine technology and creativity. She also has a deep love for travel, shopping, and anything that allows her to utilize her creative mind. With her unwavering commitment and broad range of experience, Abigail is a valuable asset to NBIC. She remains eager to push boundaries, elevate engagement, and empower entrepreneurs through her exceptional marketing expertise.
Anne-Marie Tanner
Anne-Marie Tanner is the Programs Coordinator at NBIC. With a Master’s degree in strategic marketing from Midway University and a Bachelor’s degree in design from University of Kentucky, she brings a unique blend of business experience and creativity to her work. Prior to joining NBIC in March of 2023, Anne-Marie worked as a small business and startup consultant, where she gained valuable experience in guiding entrepreneurs through the challenges and opportunities of launching and growing their businesses. Her expertise in strategic planning and her ability to quickly grasp new concepts makes her a strong asset to the NBIC team. As the Programs Coordinator at NBIC, Anne-Marie manages multiple components, including Foundations, E-Myth, Framework, and Groundwork. Anne-Marie values collaboration and strives to align her work with the vision and expectations of her colleagues. Beyond her professional career, Anne-Marie has a wide range of hobbies and passions. She is an accomplished Olympic weight-lifter. Additionally, with her husband, she started a medical clinic in Martin, TN, a brewery and events center in Paris, TN, and an airbnb property. Their goal is not only to build successful businesses, but also to provide economic stability and job opportunities to as many people as possible. With her extensive background in business, her entrepreneurial spirit, and her commitment to personal growth, Anne-Marie Tanner is an extremely valuable asset to NBIC. Her diverse skill set and positive mindset make her a catalyst for success, both for herself and the new businesses she assists.
Saturnie Antoine
Saturnie Antoine has been a part of NBIC since November 2021, serving as the R.I.S.E. UP Program Manager. She holds a Bachelor’s degree and has obtained a professional certification in coaching skills. With a diverse background in corporate work spanning over 15 years, Saturnie has worked in various sectors. As the R.I.S.E. UP Program Manager, Saturnie oversees the entire program. Her responsibilities include structuring the curriculum, sourcing speakers, and organizing the launch campaign. Additionally, Saturnie provides personalized professional coaching to the program participants, offering guidance and support to help them scale their businesses to $1 million plus level. Since the commencement of the program in March 2023, under Saturnie’s leadership, R.I.S.E. UP has witnessed numerous accomplishments and successes. Additionally, the program’s focus on emotional intelligence has helped participants navigate internal challenges and overcome obstacles inhibiting their growth. Outside of work, Saturnie values personal time spent with her family and loved ones. Her true passion lies in her role as a professional coach, where she finds fulfillment in assisting women on their journey towards personal and professional growth. Saturnie’s commitment to her clients and her extensive experience, coupled with her excellent coaching skills, allows her to provide comprehensive support to program participants, enabling them to achieve their goals and reach new heights. Under Saturnie’s leadership, the R.I.S.E. UP Program continues to flourish and make a lasting impact on the lives of female entrepreneurs.
Leroy Cunningham
Leroy Cunningham currently occupies the role of Community and Capacity Building Manager at NBIC. He holds a major degree in Business Administration from Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin, along with minor degrees in Accounting and Economics. Leroy’s prior engagement with business development consulting brings great strength to the NBIC team. He has worked at three of the largest market capitalization companies in the world – Emerson Electric, General Electric, and Berkshire Hathaway. In his current role as the Community and Capacity Building Manager at NBIC, Leroy wears many hats. One of his primary objectives at NBIC is to increase the number of small minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses qualified to undertake contracts from prime contractors and government entities. By fostering relationships with community partners and engaging with prime contractors and government entities, Leroy works tirelessly to bridge the gap and provide opportunities for these businesses to flourish. Additionally, Leroy dedicates his time to consulting with business owners, providing them with valuable insights and guidance. By helping businesses at their current stage and empowering them to reach their goals, Leroy greatly contributes to the growth and success of NBIC’s clients. Outside of work, Leroy indulges in his love for reading, sports, and travel. With his vast knowledge, dedication, and passion for community empowerment, Leroy is committed to making a meaningful impact at NBIC. His wealth of certifications and global business experience lends a unique perspective and expertise to NBIC’s initiatives, which will undoubtedly drive the organization forward.
Octavia Wilson-Simmons
Octavia Wilson-Simmons is the Program Coordinator at NBIC. With a background as a tank storage broker, Octavia acted as a vital liaison between storage terminals and cargo owners, facilitating contracts for the transportation and storage of products. Prior to NBIC, she also worked as a chemical operator at a chemical company, further enhancing her expertise in the industry.

Joining NBIC in early 2022, Octavia initially served as an assistant to Angela before transitioning to her current position as a Program Coordinator. In this role, Octavia plays a crucial part in various projects, including MNAA and Elevate 615. She also provides invaluable support to the team, assisting with grants and streamlining processes to ensure efficient collaboration and coordination.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Octavia is extremely family-oriented and cherishes family outings and spending quality time with her loved ones. Octavia is also a dedicated DIY enthusiast and seeks to immerse herself in various projects.

Octavia embraces the opportunity to collaborate with the NBIC team, support Angela, and contribute to the company’s mission. Having witnessed the growth of businesses firsthand gives Octavia special insight into the entrepreneurial world and the hard work that goes into operating and expanding your business.

With her extensive background in the oil industry and her unwavering dedication to assisting others, Octavia continues to make a positive impact within NBIC, among her peers, and within the entrepreneurial community as a whole.