Participants will learn about different aspects of starting a business, including identifying potential markets, writing a business plan, running the finances of a business, and marketing a business. You'll work with mentors and peers in fun breakout activities designed to help strengthen your business ideas and prepare you for success!
Networking
Network with other entrepreneurs in a fun and collaborative environment
Proven Approach
Uses proven methodology for starting diverse businesses
Market Research
Learn how to conduct thorough market research from the experts
Expand your Resume
Certificate of completion
Business Structure
Help with establishing your business structure
Dreams to Fruition
Learn steps needed to make your entrepreneurial dreams come true
Business Plan
Create your unique business plan
Solid Foundation
Learn how to create a customer-centric foundation that will keep your customers satisfied and returning
Conducted Across the State
Opportunities near you and virtually statewide.
"Over the course of four weeks, I tackled everything, from refining our value proposition to developing a comprehensive business plan. Lindsey's hands-on approach, which included breakout rooms, guest speakers, and other engaging activities, allowed me to learn more than I could have ever thought possible."
Joseph Ayinde
Four Week Cohort Outline
The Voice of Your Customer
A human-centered design thinking experience to understand future customers and their needs. Experiment with solutions through storytelling to gather feedback and learn quickly.
Homework: Sign up as an SBTDC client. Begin the Ice House Opportunity Discovery Canvas (Customer only). Talk to at least 3 potential customers.
SBTDC Business Launch Specialist: Send Start-up guide prior to next session to all attendees. Check in with participants about feedback received from future customers and how that affects their idea/business model.
Upon registering as an SBTDC client, you will receive: Industry market research/IBIS research results.
A Plan for Success - Develop Your Business Model
Using the Ice House Opportunity Canvas, participants will visually fine-tune their Customer, Solution, and Connection and will receive feedback from others. The first steps of “how to” legitimize the business will be discussed.
Homework: Establish business structure (e.g., register LLC). Set up a Live Plan account. Start work on Business Plan using information from Opportunity Canvas developed today.
SBTDC Business Launch Specialist: Send Capital Opportunities guide prior to next session to all attendees.
SBTDC clients will receive: Feedback on Business Plan developed in Live Plan.
Cash is King
Investment and initial capital, burnrates, cash flow, and/or product pricing will be developed by participants in the session. Live Plan and QuickBooks will be explored as a tool for monitoring long-term financials.
SBTDC Business Launch Specialist: Provide cash flow template.
SBTDC clients will receive: Review of projections. Comparison against industry standards (ProfitCents) where applicable.
Pitch Night! Marketing your Business and Celebrating your Business Launch
Using the insights about your customer, value proposition, and financials, you will develop and share your business pitch. Best practices for marketing your new business’ new product or service will be discussed.
This is also graduation night! Successes from the cohort will be shared and highlighted. Clients that completed all four modules receive an SBTDC Certificate of Completion.
SBTDC Business Launch Specialist: Refer established businesses to SBTDC Counselors and partners.
Taking the Leap Cohorts
Starting a business without any guidance can be daunting. Why leap without having the tools to soar? Have an idea for a product or service but don’t know where to start?
Our free, four-week Taking the Leap cohorts are your first step! These interactive sessions will provide you with a unique opportunity to connect with other like-minded individuals, share your ideas and learn from one another. You'll also have the chance to ask questions and receive personalized advice from our instructors and guest mentors.
Entrepreneurs can expect to add the following items to their toolbox:
June 6 at Raleigh Founded (2409 Crabtree Blvd Ste 107, Raleigh, NC 27604)
June 13 on Zoom
June 20 on Zoom
June 27 at American Underground (201 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701)
Taking the Leap Focused Workshops
These free, short-form events allow participants to gain valuable insights into the key elements of starting and running a successful business.
Learn about and apply the fundamentals to your business idea including identifying your target market, business planning, developing your financials, and more. These events are the perfect way to get the knowledge and inspiration you need to take your business idea to the next level.
Two-day workshop for Veterans
Fayetteville Area
Registration coming soon
Veteran entrepreneurs can expect to add the following items to their toolbox:
Understanding of Veteran specific benefits (VOSB, SDVOSB, VIP)
Awareness of NC military ecosystem (NCMBC, VBOC, DANC, NC Vet Biz, etc.)
Business Foundations (Structure, Plans, Financials)
Planning Tools (Lean Canvas, Customer Discovery, Industry Research)
Contact Us
Have questions or want to learn more about the Taking the Leap program?
Send us an email at launch@sbtdc.org.
