Tuesday, January 9th
Topic: Program Essentials
Let’s get things started off on the right foot. In our opening session together, we’ll start fast by looking at the unique value proposition of your business. That will allow you to then start vision casting – both for your company in general and your time in the program. You’ll also do a basic self assessment and set some personal goals for the program.
Tuesday, January 16th
Topic: Leadership Style & Strengths
In this session, we’ll use the DiSC assessment to help you understand your leadership style and strengths. Leading a company is hard, especially one that is growing, so our facilitators will help you leverage your strengths to learn to lead effectively well into the future.
Tuesday, January 23rd
Topic: Business Model Canvas
It’s tough to know where you’re going if you don’t have a map. In this session you’ll learn the 9 core components of a Business Model Canvas. This tool will enable you as a founder to measure and be strategic about your business while creating a shared language that will help you discover opportunities and iterate quickly.
Tuesday, January 30th
Topic: Ideal Customer Profile / Product Market Fit
Many businesses flounder because they never find the right audience. Don’t let that happen to you. Together, we’ll define your ideal market and customer profile(s) by identifying, evaluating, capturing, and maximizing your market opportunities. This deep dive will have you thinking critically and strategically about who you’re trying to reach.
Tuesday, February 6th
Topic: Sales Goals, Processes, Tools, & Planning
It’s not enough to talk about sales; you’ve got to go out and get them. But first, use this session to define your sales goals and sales plans by defining the sales/buying process and leveraging the right tools to get the job done efficiently and effectively. We’ll also cover best practices in hiring and managing a sales team.
Tuesday, February 13th
Topic: Marketing and Branding
Despite how talented your sales team is, growing companies know that the right marketing and branding can make sales even easier. Learn how to develop marketing/brand strategies and plans that really work using tactical startup marketing and brand examples.
Tuesday, February 20th
Topic: Product Development & Pricing
In this session, with the help of a trained expert, you’ll build a product roadmap for your business. This will then allow you to develop a product/service pricing strategy and determine product/service profitability. That way, you can focus your time on selling what is most beneficial for your business while more easily launching new offerings in the future.
Tuesday, February 27th
Topic: Financial Management & Modeling
We’ll cover all the ins and outs of managing financials – budgeting/forecasting, P&L, balance sheet, cash flow. But beyond that, in this session you’ll learn how to use your financials as a strategy so that they can be your roadmap to growth.
Tuesday, March 5th
Topic: Building, Managing & Motivating Teams
If you’re thinking of making your first hire, or needing to make your first key hire, this session will equip you to find the right people for the right role. We’ll look at a structure and strategy for managing your employees while also establishing and nurturing a culture that helps grow your business.
Tuesday, March 12th
Spring Break: No Meeting This Week
There is no scheduled meeting this week.
Tuesday, March 19th
Topic: Capital Access
The capital landscape is cluttered and confusing, especially for founders seeking to raise capital for the very first time. In this session, you’ll learn the various capital options for assorted business models (Angels, VCs, banks, grants, etc.). You’ll also get an understanding of capital alternatives including debt and equity, along with strategies and plans for seeking and obtaining capital.
Tuesday, March 26th
Topic: Founders Board
Founders boards are smaller, focused meetings with your cohort peers. Led by a champion mentor, these boards set the stage for you to leverage the insights of peers during and after Inflight.
Tuesday, April 2nd
Topic: Working Session
Think of it like “study hall.” Work on your final project side by side with other entrepreneurs while being able to access mentors and experts in real time.
Tuesday, April 9th
Topic: Founders Board
Founders boards are smaller, focused meetings with your cohort peers. Led by a champion mentor, these boards set the stage for you to leverage the insights of peers during and after Inflight.
Tuesday, April 16th
Topic: Working Session
Think of it like “study hall.” Work on your final project side by side with other entrepreneurs while being able to access mentors and experts in real time.
Tuesday, April 23rd
Topic: Founders Board
Founders boards are smaller, focused meetings with your cohort peers. Led by a champion mentor, these boards set the stage for you to leverage the insights of peers during and after Inflight.
Tuesday, April 30th:
Pitch Prep Week: No Meeting
There is no meeting this week. Use the time to put the finishing touches on your presentation.
Tuesday, May 7th (4:00-8:00PM)
Topic: Investor and Customer Pitch Night
You tell the story, we’ll do the rest! On this night, we’ll pack the room with investors, customers, supporters, and media to listen to you! Ask for capital, demo your product, tell your story – you never know what may happen! The presentations (which are optional) will be followed by drinks and appetizers so you can meet everyone in attendance.
