- Empowering people through Entrepreneurship
Sign up now for our Fall 2011 Stark County Session!

FIT GAP FORM

Owning a business is the dream of many Americans... starting a business converts your vision and dream into reality.

Before enrolling in The Center for Entrepreneurial Success, this checklist will help us as well as yourself evaluate the "Fit and Gap" between your dream and reality that can be filled with careful planning and the attitude and passion to become a business owner or operator.

This Fit-Gap identifies questions and challenges you will face in converting your business idea into a feasible endeavor.

When operating a successful small business, you need to have a vision for the future.

  • Realistic planning with a solid foundation
  • Technical skills
  • General management knowledge in finance, record keeping, legal issues and market analysis
  • Dedication and sacrifices to reach your goal

The Center for Entrepreneurial Success will help this Fit-Gap process, but you must first think about the questions below.



* denotes required field

Name *

I. Reasons for being in business

1. Financial Independence
Yes
No
2. Passion for wanting to provide demand for goods or service
Yes
No
3. Improve standard of living
Yes
No
4. Becoming more involved in the community
Yes
No
5. Burnt-out in current job
Yes
No
6. Being your own boss - independence
Yes
No
7. Unique Idea
Yes
No
8. Other

II. Your niche or idea

1. Identify and briefly describe the business you want or are pursuing. *
2. Explain the product or services you plan to sell. *
3. How will you be competitive in selection quality or value? *

III. Market Analysis (gather your facts on your customers and the demand)

1. Who will be your customers? *
2. Who is your competition *
3. Have you evaluated your location? Explain. *

IV. Self Analysis

1. Do you have good physical stamina?
Yes
No
2. Do you like to make your own decisions?
Yes
No
3. Do you have self-discipline?
Yes
No
4. Are you organized and understand time management?
Yes
No
5. Do you get along with people?
Yes
No
6. Do you enjoy competition?
Yes
No
7. Do you have emotional strength?
Yes
No
8. Are you prepared to make some sacrifices?
Yes
No
9. Do you have support from you friends, family, and faith?
Yes
No
10. Do you understand the importance of good business ethics?
Yes
No

V. Finances

1. Do you have supplemental income and benefits to get you started? *
2. Do you have assets or collateral equal to 20% of what you need to borrow? *
3. What will be your start-up costs? *
4. What will be your expenses the first 3 months? *

VI. Skils and Experience

1. Have you ever been involved with a small business similar to the one you want to operate? *
2. How much business have you had? *
3. Do you have any partners or support advisors that will help in your business? *
4. List your strengths. *
5. List your weaknesses *
6. What do you expect to get out of The Center for Entrepreneurial Success? *


Upon completion of the Fit-Gap, you will have your first consultative session, which is an interview and evaluation with the Center Director.

If you have any questions about the program or application process, please contact Marcie Bragg, Director of the Center for Entrepreneurial Success at (330) 445-1059 or mbragg@goodwillcanton.org.