Startup Basics is comprised of weekly sessions and seminars presented by Accelerate Okanagan Staff, Executive in Residence Mentors, Partners, and Alumni. Each session is designed to educate the entrepreneur on the fundamentals needed to transform idea into startup.
This year's fall sessions include:
Session #1 - The Fundamentals September 14th, 2016
This introductory session will kick off Startup Basics with all you need to know about the startup ecosystem in the Okanagan. Accelerate Okanagan's Operations Manager; Brea Retzlaff will take entrepreneurs through key tech & startup lingo, community resources & supports, and the various stages of funding for startups.
Session #2 - Positioning Statement September 21st, 2016
Are you getting lost trying to define your market? Accelerate Okanagan Executive in Residence (EiR) will help you find your way as you learn the 7 steps to building a successful positioning statement, and put what you learn into practice with real life examples.
Session #3 - Legal & Accounting Basics September 28th, 2016
There is no way to escape numbers or lawyers if you want to start a successful business. This session take-aways include financing basics, due diligence checklist, overview of company structures, and a compilation of typical legal needs and costs.
Session #4 - Pitching October 5th, 2016
You have an amazing idea but do you know how to communicate that to potential customers or investors? AO EiR, visionary, and innovative executive; Larry Smith will take you through the key aspects of a successful pitch and have you practicing your new learned skills by the end of the session.
Session #5 - Business Model Canvas October 12th, 2016
Invent, innovate and ignite your idea into the start of a business with this session on the Business Model Canvas. This extensive session will have you planning the next step for your business idea and have you working through collaborative examples with other entrepreneurs in the room.
Session #6 - Budget Basics & Business Protection October 19th, 2016
Leave this session knowing how your business is protected legally and financially. Accelerate Okangan legal and accounting partners will be taking you through the legalities of protecting your idea and the essentials of a basic budget.
Session #7 - Customer Discovery October 26th, 2016
Customers are the most important investor a business can have. Finding your first one will be a breeze after this session where entrepreneurs will learn the best practices and cost of customer acquisition.
Session #8 - Lived it & Learned it Panel November 2nd, 2016
Learn from Accelerate Okanagan Program Alumni who have been on the startup path for a while and have likely faced many of the same struggles as those attending this course. At this panel session, local startup founders will be sharing the lessons that they have learned along their journey and tips and tricks for the early stage entrepreneur.