Course Details

Building Strong Foundations: Governance for Startups & SMEs Training Course

INTRODUCTION

Startups and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are the lifeblood of innovation and economic growth. However, without sound governance, even the most promising ventures can falter. This Governance for Startups & SMEs Training Course equips entrepreneurs and business leaders with the essential knowledge and practical tools to establish effective governance frameworks, fostering sustainable growth and mitigating risks. Participants will learn to navigate the complexities of early-stage governance, build strong organizational structures, and ensure accountability, setting their businesses up for long-term success.

This focused program is tailored for startup founders, SME owners, early-stage investors, and aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to understand the critical role of governance in building successful businesses. Through interactive workshops, case studies, and practical exercises, attendees will develop the ability to create clear ownership structures, establish advisory boards, and implement essential compliance measures. The course emphasizes the importance of building a culture of transparency and accountability from the ground up, ensuring that growth is both rapid and sustainable.

DURATION

5 days

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the importance of governance for startups and SMEs.
• Develop clear ownership and organizational structures.
• Establish effective advisory boards and early-stage boards.
• Implement essential compliance measures and risk management strategies.
• Navigate the legal and regulatory landscape relevant to startups and SMEs.
• Foster a culture of transparency and accountability.
• Manage stakeholder relationships and communication.
• Understand how governance scales with growth.

COURSE MODULES

• Foundations of Governance for Startups & SMEs:
• Understanding the unique governance challenges of early-stage businesses.
• Exploring the benefits of good governance for growth and sustainability.
• Understanding the different governance models for startups and SMEs.
• The importance of early governance implementation.
• Ownership Structures and Legal Considerations:
• Establishing clear ownership structures and shareholder agreements.
• Understanding legal entity formation and compliance requirements.
• Protecting intellectual property and assets.
• Understanding the importance of legal counsel.
• Building Advisory Boards and Early-Stage Boards:
• Identifying and recruiting qualified advisors and board members.
• Defining roles and responsibilities for advisory boards and early-stage boards.
• Structuring effective board meetings and decision-making processes.
• The importance of independent advisors.
• Risk Management and Compliance:
• Identifying and assessing key risks for startups and SMEs.
• Implementing essential compliance measures and internal controls.
• Developing risk mitigation strategies and action plans.
• Understanding how to build a risk register.
• Financial Governance and Reporting:
• Understanding basic financial statements and reporting requirements.
• Implementing financial controls and budgeting processes.
• Managing cash flow and fundraising.
• The importance of financial transparency.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Communication:
• Building relationships with investors, customers, and employees.
• Developing effective communication strategies.
• Managing stakeholder expectations and feedback.
• Understanding how to build trust.
• Scaling Governance with Growth:
• Adapting governance structures to accommodate growth.
• Implementing formal policies and procedures.
• Transitioning from an advisory board to a formal board of directors.
• Understanding how to maintain governance through rapid expansion.
• Ethical Conduct and Company Culture:
• The importance of early implementation of ethical codes.
• Building a culture of transparency and accountability from the start.
• Understanding the founders role in setting the ethical tone.
• How to handle ethical breaches in an SME.

CERTIFICATION

• Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

• Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

• Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

• Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com