The Practice of Leadership for Founders & Directors

You had a great idea. You started the business. Now, your team is growing—but your role is shifting toward leadership. Leading your team day-to-day, leading your company, your brand - but It’s more than that. As your business has evolved, so have your expectations for yourself and your role in the company and in the communities you serve. So often, as our business grows, so does our sense of responsibility. This 3-hour session will help you decide what kind of a leader you want to be and will help you create a framework for building up effective leadership practices that make use of your knowledge and experience and reflect your best self for this next chapter.

During this class, we’ll cover leadership styles and discuss how the leader sets the tone for a small business. You’ll hear practical, real-world tips that you can try immediately. By the end of the session, you’ll feel more confident in your leadership skills and see a path for continued growth in this area. You’ll receive a workbook during class, and there will be plenty of time for Q&A.

All participants will leave with a toolkit of resources, including templates, worksheets, and helpful links.

Small business owners are encouraged to send key employees if they are unable to attend themselves.

What To Expect:

Participants will be able to speak and interact with the instructor and others in a live, in-person session. There will be ample time for Q&A at the end, but we also have plenty of group discussions planned during the session as well. There will be two ten-minute breaks to allow for checking your email, grabbing a cup of coffee, etc.

Course Materials:

• All participants will receive a follow-along workbook to take notes, follow instructions, and complete exercises during the session.

• Presentation slides and exercises will be provided to all participants.

• Participants will also get a free toolkit - a collection of templates, forms, worksheets, and other resources that will be made available at the end of the class.

The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request - including translation and interpretation services. For assistance, please contact the Economic Development Department at 512-974-7819. The City receives and accepts Video Relay Service (VRS) calls from people who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing through Relay Texas 7-1-1.

Who Should Attend?

• Small business owners
• Startup founders
• Freelancers, writers, and consultants in need of funding
• Both new and established businesses are welcome
• Creartives
• Non-profits

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

City of Austin Small Business Program, 5202 E Ben White Blvd., Austin, United States