Sara Phelan

A Strategy-First Workshop for Small Business Owners

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI), focusing on its definition, applications, and impact across various industries. Participants will explore the transformative effects of AI on business processes, understanding both the benefits and challenges of AI adoption, not just in marketing. 

The course will also delve into real-world use cases, particularly for small businesses, showcasing successful AI implementations through case studies. Attendees will learn to identify key areas where AI can enhance efficiency and decision-making and will be guided through an implementation roadmap that outlines best practices for integrating AI technologies into their operations.

By the end of the course, participants will have a solid foundation in AI and practical insights into leveraging AI for business growth and innovation.

Ever wonder how your business is really doing? As entrepreneurs, it's challenging to see the reality of our own businesses when we're deeply involved in them—like trying to read the label on a bottle from the inside. Are you on the right track to reach your goals?

This course will introduce you to a new way of evaluating your operations, managing risk, and crafting a strategic plan. You’ll learn to view your business from a fresh perspective, ask the right questions, and structure your ideas to identify key priorities. Drawing on proven best practices and foundational business principles, the course will guide you through the Evalu8 Framework and a self-assessment checklist to kickstart your journey.

You’ll be challenged to take a hard look at your entire business, identify what needs attention, and spot opportunities for growth. Once you have a clear big picture, you'll know exactly what to focus on next. Then, take action, measure your success, and repeat the process in 6-12 months to ensure continuous improvement.

By the end of this workshop participants will be able to:

• evaluate the business and rate its health, template provided.
• identify and prioritize activities to action
• strategically plan and measure results.

This workshop is for Non-profit, Charity and Board of Trade Directors in Canada

This workshop will cover:

Understanding Governance, Roles, and Responsibilities: Learn the essentials of non-profit governance, focusing on the roles and responsibilities of volunteer board members. Participants will gain a clear understanding of their duties, including compliance requirements, to ensure effective oversight and accountability.

Building a Knowledge Base for Risk Management and Strategic Planning: Board members will learn to manage organizational risk, strategically plan activities, and implement workflows that promote accountability and transparency. Get practical templates to help structure and streamline board operations.

Evaluating and Supporting the Executive Director: Learn the board's role in evaluating and supporting the Executive Director. It will cover leadership in operations and team management, equipping board members with the tools to foster strong leadership and effective organizational management.

What do you sell and how much Money does each sale actually make you? Time to raise your prices?

Let's talk about your Revenue Streams.

This workshop is designed to help business owners assess and improve their current offerings and operational efficiency. Participants will evaluate their products or services, identify potential risks or bottlenecks in their delivery processes, and gain a deeper understanding of financial metrics crucial to business success.

This workshop is designed to help business owners optimize their teams for growth and productivity.

Who is on your team? How are you setting them up for success?

You will learn how to assess your current team, identify key roles, and set them up for success. We’ll cover how to establish non-negotiable expectations, and dive into recruitment, onboarding, retention, and performance management strategies using a comprehensive 150-point checklist.

Additionally, we’ll explore best practices for aligning company culture with team dynamics, and improving communication for sustained growth. 

This workshop provides an in-depth exploration of strategic sales, focusing on the essential components that drive success in today’s competitive marketplace. Participants will engage with practical strategies and tools to enhance their sales processes, optimize customer relationships, and effectively close deals.

This comprehensive financial workshop is designed for business owners looking to enhance their financial acumen and make informed decisions based on data. Participants will engage in a detailed analysis of their financial statements from the last three years, build solid financial assumptions, understand cash flow dynamics, and develop three-year pro forma forecasts.

This workshop is built for real-world small business owners who want to make better money decisions—without the jargon or overwhelm. We break down the numbers that matter, show you how to use AI tools to support your thinking, and walk away with a plan you can use tomorrow. 

What You'll Learn:

• How to understand and use your Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Report (yes, you can do this)
• How to use AI to build a 3-year forecast (even if Excel isn't your jam)
• How to spot margin gaps and adjust pricing strategically
• How to run break-even and cash flow scenarios in minutes
• Plus: Prompt templates and a fill-in-the-blank workbook to use again and again

You will need access to your AI of choice.

Cut Through Chaos, Plan Smarter, and Lead with Confidence Using AI + Strategy

Inflation. Tariffs. Fewer customers. Business owners are under pressure—and guessing is expensive.

This workshop is built for small business leaders who are done with reacting and ready to lead with clarity. Using the Evalu8 Framework and AI tools, we’ll show you how to uncover blind spots, simplify decisions, and prioritize with purpose. It’s hands-on, real-world strategy using AI as a thinking partner- not a gimmick.

By the end of this workshop participants will be able to:

• Use AI to support financial, customer, and operational decisions
• Cut through noise and find the right next move
• Build a prompt library tailored to your business
• Pressure-test ideas, prioritize actions, and plan with confidence