Days 1–3: understand the workplace
Start with a welcome, introductions, emergency procedures and a tour. Ask how each area supports the daily workflow. Clarify what you may observe, what you may practice and what is off limits. Keep a notebook of unfamiliar terms. The host should explain confidentiality and safety before showing financial records or equipment.
Days 4–8: follow daily systems
Trace a typical sale from stock or service preparation to payment and reconciliation. Watch opening and closing routines, supplier ordering, inventory checks and customer questions. Ask the host to explain why a decision is made, not simply demonstrate a shortcut. Practice only agreed tasks with appropriate supervision; staffing gaps are not a reason to expand a learner’s responsibilities.
Days 9–12: explore costs and decisions
Use anonymized examples to discuss purchasing, pricing, waste, margins and monthly expenses. Ask which licenses, inspections and insurance arrangements apply to that business. Discuss customer feedback and the response to an operational problem. A few days cannot reveal a full year of seasonality, so ask for context without treating examples as verified forecasts.
Days 13–15: test your personal fit
Summarize what you enjoyed, what felt difficult and what you still need to learn. Write down a realistic owner schedule and the tasks you would delegate. A useful outcome may be deciding not to pursue this type of business. This outline is an example, not a promise that every FirsthandBiz program includes these activities. Confirm the written scope, tuition and approved schedule before payment.
Further reading
SBA business planning resources
SBA counseling and local assistance
General educational information, not financial, legal, tax or investment advice. Training does not guarantee income or business success. Confirm current requirements with qualified advisers and relevant authorities.