Startup
fundamentals
Want to learn how to start and grow your
business in just ONE DAY?
ABOUT THIS PROGRAM:
Are you overwhelmed with starting a business? Did you accidentally start a business and now it's outpacing you? Whether you're a first time founder or an experienced entrepreneur, Startup Fundamentals takes you step by step through the process of building the smart, scalable business of your dreams, giving you solid business foundations, a supportive community, and access to the qualified experts and resources you need to prepare for success.
Throughout this full-day workshop, you will:
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Develop a 1-page business model
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Practice pitching your idea
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Work on identifying your target customer and what makes you unique
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Have access to mentors all-day from a variety of industries for input and guidance!
"Class instructors were very cheerful and knowledgeable it made it easy learn and to feel comfortable in asking questions. The mentors were very resourceful and patient. I loved being a part of such a great institution that cares enough for those of us starting out in business, some of us with no clue on how to begin. This workshop gives professional advise and direction." - Gaby D.
A big Thank you to our prize sponsor!
what's on the agenda?
Module 1: Intro to Lean Methodology and the Lean Canvas
In this session, you'll give your first pitch! Then we'll focus on the "Problem/Solution Fit," challenging you to answer this question: Am I solving a real problem for a real person?
Module 2: Intro to Business Models & Business Finance
Next, we'll take a look at some foundational business planning topics: What is your business model and how will you make money?
Module 3: Market Discovery
Understanding the potential market size and researching your competitors are critical steps as you test and build your idea, and we'll ask you this: What makes you different?
Module 4: Customer Discovery
Identifying your target market helps you narrow where to focus your resources, and you'll use the tools provided to answer: Who is my ideal customer, where do they spend their time, and what are their challenges/pain points?
Module 5: Validate Your Idea
Lastly, we'll walk through some ways you can test your idea and check your assumptions, now answering: What experiments can I run to test my idea?
Pitch Showcase
Putting together the day's work, you'll update your pitch to incorporate new discoveries and get feedback from the mentors.
"The programming was excellent and very useful. The workshop really challenges the participants to think about ways that they can turn a dream into a feasible business model. With a busy job and a family, I really appreciated the one-day format. I would recommend the workshop to anyone looking to start a business." - Rick R.
Why should I attend?
Whether you have an existing business and want to revisit some foundational concepts, or you are launching a brand new product or business and want to get started on the right foot, Startup Fundamentals takes you step by step through the process with instruction and activities designed to help you complete your Lean Canvas.
One of the most impactful parts of this program is the mentors who join us for the duration of the day, facilitating activities and providing opportunities for feedback and idea sharing. And to help you get more experience talking about your idea, the day is bookended with two opportunities to pitch your idea to the mentors and your peers.
What will I learn?
Get a better understanding of your customer, your competition, and the market by focusing on:
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How your business can solve a true problem for your customer
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How to make yourself stand out against the competition
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How to whip up low cost and quick experiments to test out new ideas
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Confidently and effectively presenting your idea to others
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Implementing real-time feedback from course mentors
You'll walk away with:
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Snapshot version of your business plan
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Planning checklist to help you determine tangible next steps
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Customer interviewing script to help you design better solutions
This workshop is great for:
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First-time startup founders
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Small business owners
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Creative entrepreneurs and makers
After completing Startup Fundamentals, you'll also be invited to join our free membership program! Membership benefits include:
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Access to subject matter experts and mentors
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Office hours with the Startup Tucson team
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Partner referrals
"This was a very insightful, jam-packed day. As an aspiring entrepreneur, it really helped me focus my energy and dial in my thoughts with expert advice from individuals who have been there." - Sam L.
registration details
Valued at $1000, we are able to provide the workshop at an affordable rate thanks to the City of Tucson and to the Thomas R. Brown Foundation who have underwritten the program.
We offer this workshop a few times each year, alternating between Fridays and Saturdays. The cost for the first or solo team member is $60 and additional seats are $30/team member. Deli-style lunch and a t-shirt are included in the registration fee.
In order to facilitate the interactive content, the workshop is offered in-person only. Workshops are held from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM at Startup Tucson's office in downtown Tucson.
Still have questions?? Connect with us at info@startuptucson.com!
"This was a very helpful workshop in helping me unpack my brand identity and specialization. The mentors and instructors were all incredibly helpful and friendly." - Ben K.