SimpleSTEPS™ Faculty

Simple Steps for Starting Your Business™
Series Workshops

Is starting a business right for you?


Find a workshop schedule that is convenient and register
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Join this talented team of experts for five three-hour modules that help you understand the basics of:

  • the concepts involved with assessing a business idea,
  • marketing your product or service,
  • understanding business financials and how they work,
  • how to fund and finance your business.

     

Tom Clark (Testing Your Idea, Module 1)

Worked in various fields of engineering, sales and marketing as well as a small business partnership with spouse where he operated the business side of the firm. Opened and managed a 25 person environmental consulting business in Atlanta.  Tom is past Chairperson of the Atlanta branch of SCORE.
Education: BSME, MBA

Linn Matthews (Developing the Concept, Module 2)

Linn worked for two major US corporations, starting in research and development and then moving into various positions in sales, marketing and business management as well as general management. Most of this work was done in the area of high performance materials, both on the market development side of the business and in more mature areas of product application. Linn has traveled extensively and lived in both Europe and Asia.

Priscilla Diggs-Costen (Testing Your Idea, Financial Projections, Modules 1 & 4)

Priscilla Diggs-Costen, EA, MBA successfully owns and operates Costen Tax Group and  has experienced over 12 years of success developing and nurturing thriving tax practice. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Virginia Wesleyan College in Accounting. Priscilla is also an enrolled agent, licensed to represent taxpayers before the IRS. Currently a SCORE volunteer she mentors emerging and existing business owners.

LEWIS P. “LEW” KRAVITZ (Testing Your Idea, Module 1)

Lew ia a coach and business advisor, organizational consultant, and meeting facilitator.
He is recognized among top professionals in the areas of career counseling, communications skills, and interpersonal business relationships.
Lew has been quoted in local and national media, including the Wall Street Journal, Fortune Magazine, Money Magazine, Atlanta Business Chronicle, Atlanta Journal/Constitution, and Business Atlanta; and has appeared as a guest on Atlanta area radio and television.
Assists individuals to achieve positive change in their business lives. Career spans over 40 years of corporate, entrepreneurial, and consulting experience.

Verona Eaton (Marketing Plans, Module 3)

Verona is an accomplished marketing strategist with extensive leadership experience in Fortune 500 and Non-Profit Organizations. For more than 25 years she has demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, marketing communications, brand/business management, program & creative development and team building, facilitation & training. Verona received a BA from Miami University (OH) and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.