Application deadline: Friday September 16, 2011

An intensive and hands-on workshop that compels the entrepreneur to think critically about the true value, commercialization potential and positioning of their business idea. It covers critical elements of business planning and product management such as sustainable differentiation, pricing, sources of capital, market and expansion strategy.

Who should apply? You're an entrepreneur, founder and/or CEO building a new or early-stage BC-based technology company. Note: priority is given to candidates presenting a clean technology or clean energy idea or venture.

Note: Five $1000 travel bursaries will be awarded to select participants.

Workshop consists of three full days in Vancouver and three one-on-one mentor sessions with Mark. A final project is assigned upon completion of the last workshop which forms the basis of the three mentor sessions where Mark will work with each company independently.

Workshop dates: 9:00am to 5:00pm; Friday, October 21, 28 & November 4

One-on-one coaching session dates: Friday November 18, December 2 and 16

Cost is $269 per company (value = $4,000)

Visit http://www.bcic.ca/programs/talent/entrepreneurship-workshop to learn more or email Nadine.

The workshop is taught by Mark Dance, an experienced tech leader who was instrumental in the growth of Creo, one of the most successful BC grown tech companies.

Click here to learn what else Mark has to say about the BCIC Commercialization & Business Planning Workshop.

Workshop Topics

Using a classic product management approach, the following topics will be covered:

• Value analysis and the role of a business
• Valuation and financing
• Market analysis
• Market strategy
• Product management I & II
• Go-to-market
• Operations and business projections

Workshop Outcomes

• Critical analysis of the value of your idea and how it can be captured and protected
• Selection and analysis of target market(s)
• Development of market penetration and acquisition strategies necessary to secure early customers or partners
• Development of a refined business and cash projection model
• Creation of critical elements for your business plan and investment proposals
• Identification of key risks and plans for mitigating those risks
• Networking and relationships with other like-minded entrepreneurs

About Mark Dance:

Mark Dance worked at Creo, one of the most successful BC grown tech companies, from 1994 to 2005, when it sold to Kodak for over $1.2 billion. In 1998, Mark was appointed COO and in 2000 took on the additional portfolio of President, Graphic Arts. In 2002 he assumed the role of both COO and CFO.

Mark has vast experience working with many local early-stage tech companies as both an investor and board member. He has helped numerous tech companies in the areas of business strategy, distribution and partnerships, financing, pricing and product strategy, operations and more. Mark is currently on the Boards of Allnorth Engineering and CopperLeaf Technologies, and the Advisory Boards of Evoshift Communications, Awesense Wireless, Urbanstream, Crosswind Power Technologies and Allocadia Software, all of whom are BC-based companies in various stages of growth.

The Commercialization & Business Planning Workshop is a BCIC program in partnership with: