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Welcome & Updates

Week 2 Day 1

Drop-in: March 20 (11–1pm)
Next Class: Thursday 4:30–6pm

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Check-In

1 Win
1 Goal for this week

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Practice Pitch

30–60 seconds
WHY, Problem, Solution

Business Validator Updates

What did you test?
Feedback?
What did you learn?

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How to Start a Business

Idea → Validation → Name → Plan → Launch

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🔍 How to Check if a Business Name is Available

1. Check Google First (Quick Scan)

Search your business name in Google:
Example: “Focus Fuel Coffee”
👉 Look for:
Existing businesses with the same or similar name
Businesses in your area (especially important)
Social media presence
💡 Rule: If someone in your city or industry is already using it → consider changing it

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🔍 How to Check if a Business Name is Available

2. Check Business Name Registration (Legal Name)

Go to your state’s business registry:
For you (California):�👉 https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/search/business
Search your name:
If it shows up → it’s already taken (or too similar)
If not → you’re likely good to proceed
💡 This matters if they plan to:
Register an LLC
Open a business legally

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🔍 How to Check if a Business Name is Available

3. Check Domain Name (Website)

Use sites like:
GoDaddy
Namecheap
Google Domains

Search:�👉 yourbusinessname.com

💡 Look for:
.com availability (best option)
If taken → try slight variations

Example:

focusfuelcoffee.com ❌
getfocusfuel.com ✅
focusfuelcafe.com ✅

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🔍 How to Check if a Business Name is Available

4. Check Social Media Handles

Search on:

Instagram
TikTok
Facebook

Look for:�👉 @yourbusinessname

💡 You want:

Same name across all platforms if possible

Example:

@focusfuelcoffee (ideal)
@focusfuel_co (okay)
@officialfocusfuel123 (not great)

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🔍 How to Check if a Business Name is Available

5. Check Trademark (SUPER IMPORTANT if scaling)

Go here:�👉 https://tmsearch.uspto.gov/
Search your name:
If trademarked in your industry → avoid using it
💡 This prevents:
Legal issues later
Being forced to rename your business

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Business Plan Layout

Executive Summary
Company Description
Products/Services
Market Analysis
Competitor Analysis
Marketing & Sales Plan
Operations Plan
Management & Organization
Financial Plan

Business Plan Layout: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14Kjf2L3_mvSF_anXokfQNs9KmDb1j-A94SxIFiti1Cs/edit?usp=sharing

Example Business Plan: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qKV17NzH-oiu-c0mcnESJbBDyvORiFmjpfza83B659M/edit?usp=sharing

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Executive Summary Example

The executive summary is the most critical page of your entire business plan. It’s your one chance to capture an investor’s attention, tell a compelling story, and convince them to read on.
It’s your business’s first impression and your most important sales pitch, condensed into a single, persuasive page

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What To Include in an Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Business Name: [Insert Name]
Location: [Insert Location]
Mission Statement: Include a few sentences explaining why your business exists, the purpose your work serves and the impact you want to make in your industry or community.
Business Concept (what you sell): [Insert Concept]
Target Market: [Insert Customer Type]
Value Proposition (why customers choose you): [Insert Value]
Short-Term Goals: [Insert 1–3 goals]