If you are interested in starting an entrepreneurial venture, then this series of workshops will help you learn the fundamentals. Individuals submitting a New Venture Grant proposal are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND ALL FOUR workshops.

For more information on the workshops, contact Lisa Burton (burtoneg@wfu.edu) at the Center for Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship, 230 Reynolda Hall.  Workshops will be held in the new Innovation Station in 230 Reynolda Hall.

This year's workshops are sponsored by a grant from the NCIIA.  The grant also covers other sessions, including an all day conference in the Spring.  (read more)

 Spring 2012 Workshop Schedule

MARKET & INDUSTRY ANALYSIS AND TARGETING

Tuesday, January 24 – 230 Reynolda Hall  6pm - 7pm

In order to be successful, a venture needs to have a clear and compelling competitive advantage.  To identify that competitive advantage, it is important to understand the industry and where the market potential is and to know specifically who the intended target is and why they would be motivated to buy.  This workshop will help you understand how to do this analysis.

Information about the Russell D. and Elfrieda Hobbs Fund, and the the Chambers Family Fund for Entrepreneurship will also be distributed.

BUILDING COMPETITIVE AVANTAGE AND PUTTING THE RIGHT BUSINESS MODEL TOGETHER

Tuesday, January 31 – 230 Reynolda Hall  6pm - 7pm

If you are wondering…How does the basic business model go together? How do I identify the resources I will need? How will I source and deliver my product or service? What are the key success factors? … then don’t miss this workshop. This workshop will consider the basic elements of the business model and how they work together.

FORECASTING FINANCIAL NEEDS AND PRICING

Tuesday, February 7 – 230 Reynolda Hall  6pm - 7pm

This workshop will help you understand how to put together the financial model so that the business is sustainable. If you have an idea and are wondering…How much money do I need to get started? How should I set up the model so I have cash to operate the business? How will I ensure that the venture is sustainable? How should I price my product or service to be both competitive and profitable?... then this workshop is for you.

PITCHING YOUR PROPOSAL

Thursday,  February 9 – 230 Reynolda Hall  6pm - 7pm

Often entrepreneurs have great ideas and have a sound business model, but their proposal is not well written and the funding pitch is weak.  Being successful at raising funds is a learned skill and requires training and rehearsal.  This workshop will help you hone your pitch so you will me more likely to be successful in getting the funds your venture idea deserves.