In an effort to offer professional support to small businesses in and around the University Circle neighborhood, University Circle Inc. (UCI) is accepting applications for NextStep, an executive training program designed for businesses that are already established.

Classes will begin in January and continue for seven months. This will be the third cohort, with a cap of 15 participants.

UCI's vice president of services Laura Kleinman recalls the impetus of NextStep: "We wanted to see if there was a way to provide a program that would focus not on start-ups, because there's quite a bit in the community that focuses on those, but there is less in terms of programs that focus on owners of existing businesses that help them scale."

Topics include financial health of the companies, including a focus on what's working and where there is room for improvement; capital investment and identifying financial resources; human resource issues and contracts and lastly, marketing - a module that includes a daunting task.

"We have them interview a customer they've lost," says Kleinman, "assuming they're brave enough," she adds with a laugh before noting that those clients who have parted ways with a business often have immensely valuable information that business can use going forward.

Attendees meet every other week for three hours in the evening; however, conferring with other classmates on off weeks is encouraged. While the program is infused with guest speakers from local anchors such as University Hospital and Case Western Reserve University, Michael Obi, who has a banking, entrepreneurial and coaching background, is the instructor throughout the course.

"He is a very enthusiastic and helpful instructor," says Kleinman.

While some question the duration of the program, Kleinman notes that the timeframe gives way to opportunities that an intense two- or three-day seminar does not, such as applying what participants are learning to their business in real time.

"Over a seven-month period, you can take things you learn, make some tweaks, give it a little time to simmer and see what happens," she says. "You can bring it back to class and get feedback."

The process also nurtures relationships between the business owners, particularly those who make a stalwart commitment to the program. 

"I think it's ideal for someone interested in learning from other business people," says Kleinman. "It takes a couple of weeks for people to get comfortable with one another and for that trust to develop, but the more open minded someone is to that, there's so much value that one can derive from being with like-minded business owners over a seven month period." She cites hearing about others' mistakes as an immediate benefit.

"That peer-to-peer learning and support they get from one another is usually cited as one of the most beneficial things that comes out of the program," says Kleinman.

The curriculum is based on that of Interises's StreetWise 'MBA'™, which has also been adapted by New York City, Columbia University and the national Small Business Administration.

"That was a good endorsement," says Kleinman. "I think its important to acknowledge this is a proven curriculum that has won awards."

The end goal of NextStep is the establishment of a strategic growth action plan for each participating business. Kleinman describes it as and actionable document with specific growth goals.

Seventeen persons have graduated from NextStep. They have included grocers, restaurateurs, an architectural firm, the owner of an auto body shop and an IT company among others.

Requirements include that the company has attained at least $250,000 in sales annually and has at least one employee other than the owner. Businesses that are on the verge of significant change such as opening a second location or going through succession planning, wherein the business in shifting from a parent to a son or daughter, are excellent candidates.

Miesha William of NuLife Fitness Camps touts the program as having pushed her out of her comfort zone in order to lend a critical eye to her business practices. Jennifer Brunkow of CGB Tech Solutions reports that since completing the NextStep program, her number of employees has increased 45 percent and revenues are up 57 percent.

"You owe it to yourself. You we to your business," offers Kleinman to prospective participants. "Take some time out and do some of this analysis. Understand what's working better, understand what's not, and kick some things around with other business owners."

The NextStep program costs $1,250, although financial aid is available to some applicants. UCI is accepting applications through Nov. 15.