2021 Fall Make Startups Postponed -
Registration is Still Open for you to Express Interest in New Program Dates!
About Make Startups
Have a business idea? Maybe you have an old business that needs revamping? Need advice and guidance on getting it started? Then have we got a program for you!
The Make Startups Entrepreneurship Certificate, is a 12-week entrepreneurship practicum, followed by 6 months of mentoring. It provides education and mentoring on your business idea, unlike most "entrepreneurship classes" in higher education. It is heavily based on the teachings of Steve Blank (an entrepreneur turned professor from Stanford) and Eric Ries (the author of Lean Startup).
The program runs the gamut from creating a strong "Why" for your entrepreneurship journey, to utilizing lean startup principles for validating your customer, to building your financial model, to incorporating structure and intellectual property.
Who Should Attend?
The Make Startups Entrepreneurship Certificate is for anyone who is ready to get started with and test their business idea or anyone who wants to refresh or update an old business. You don't need a ton of money in the bank to get going, but it will take commitment to the program.
Entrepreneurs or aspiring entrepreneurs interested in learning about The Make Startups Entrepreneurship should plan to attend an Info Session on 08/28/2021. This free session will contain an overview and details of the full program schedule. After attending, you will have a better idea if you want to commit to the full program.
When and Where do We Meet?
The Fall launch of the program has been postponed. New dates are TBA. If you are interested in participating, we encourage you to complete your registration now. We will be in touch with you when we announce the launch.
Meetups will occur twice per week, every Tuesday & Thursday from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Please scroll down for a program overview.
Workshops will take place virtually via Zoom. Registrants will be emailed a Zoom link once their application is approved.
What Can I Expect?
To get the most out of these bi-weekly meetups, it is important to attend the entire 12-week program. The program will require activities, research, and communication between weekly workshops.
Benefits of the Program:
All classes except the Info Session will run from 6-8pm, and feature roughly one hour of lecture followed by one hour of workshop and/or active participation time. Attendees will be expected to share updates with the group on their progress and where they need assistance or guidance.
Classes will be taught by Jennifer Bonnett, Recovering Entrepreneur/StartupChick, Executive Director of the Creative Coast, and Vice President of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Savannah Economic Development Authority. Jen is a serial entrepreneur who has raised over $50 million in angel and venture capital funds across three startups. Previously she led the Advanced Technology Development Center for 7+ years in Atlanta before moving to the area in 2018.
Dwayne Stephens will also be instructing and mentoring classes. Dwayne is the Program Director at the Creative Coast for Make Startups, and is a budding serial entrepreneur. At the age of 28, Dwayne started his entrepreneurial journey as the Owner & Operator of a retail business in Savannah's Historic Landmark District. He has since launched another venture as a Built Environment Consultant where he advises companies and everyday people alike, on how to navigate building projects. Additionally, he is part-owner of a small tech venture. To date, Dwayne has amassed 10 years of entrepreneurial experience and doesn't plan to stop his entrepreneurial journey anytime soon.
In addition to Jen and Dwayne's instruction, the program will offer various lectures and mentorship from a pool of very talented subject-matter-experts at every stage as well. The Make Startups Entrepreneurship Certificate is a community effort including contributors such as Savannah SCORE mentors, as well as the Savannah Economic Development Authority and the City of Savannah.
The Program At a Glance
SATURDAY, AUGUST 28
“The Entrepreneurial Lifestyle” - FREE Pre-course teaser class.
Intro Session on the Bootcamp.
If you missed this free Session, you can still apply for the full program.
Watch the Info Session HERE to get caught up.
DATE TBD
“Market Analysis & Customer Discovery”
Overview of How to Do Market Research and Customer Discovery
DATE TBD
COMPETITIVE & INDUSTRY ANALYSIS
A deep dive on how to do both Industry and Competitor Analysis
DATE TBD
BUSINESS MODEL DESIGN
Develop your business model with a deep dive on customer segments, value propositions, and channels to market
DATE TBD
PRICING STRATEGY
We will discuss various pricing models/strategies for your business.
DATE TBD
LEGAL "STUFF" & EXIT STRATEGY
We will make sure you have all your legal "ducks" in row from a corporate formation perspective to ensure you don't run into trouble down the road.
DATE TBD
MARKETING / BRANDING / SALES
In, this important session, we will be discussing how to get customers! Without customers, your business is just an expensive hobby.
DATE TBD
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Yup, we know... not your favorite part. But, with out the right financial management skills your business will fail. Let's build the skills, so you can be successful.
DATE TBD
FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS - SALES & EXPENSES
Just a continuation of financial management session, with a deep dive on revenue & expense calculation.
DATE TBD
FINANCIAL MODEL REVIEW
Just a continuation of financial management session, with a mentor reviewing your financial model.
DATE TBD
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, LEGAL & REGULATIONS
We've touched on legal before... but, in these sessions, we are going to talk about protecting your idea and ensuring your business stays in compliance.
DATE TBD
ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE & TEAM
Starting with the "END" in mind, let's figure out what your organization and team needs to look like as your company grows.
DATE TBD
HAPPY THANKSGIVING - DAY OFF!
Take time to give thanks with your family and friends! And don't forget to share your business success!
DATE TBD
CASHFLOW IS KING
Need we say more....
DATE TBD
FUNDING YOUR BUSINESS
There are TONS of ways to raise finances to get your business off the ground and/or grow it. Let's talk about them.
DATE TBD
BUSINESS PLAN
Develop your business plan, it's your map on your entrepreneurial journey. Let's make sure you get on the right road, fast.
DATE TBD
BUSINESS PLAN REVIEW
Some one-on-one time with a mentor and your business plan.
DATE TBD
LAUNCH
It's time. Let's LAUCH!!!!
DATE TBD
LEADERSHIP & CULTURE,
They say "Culture is King". Let's make sure you are creating a great company culture through your leadership.
DATE TBD
MEASURING & FINANCIAL SUCCESS
If you don't measure, how do you know you are successful? Let's talk key metrics and measuring for success.
DATE TBD
GRADUATION CEREMONY
Invite your family and friends to our graduation ceremony, where you will share your progress and receive your diploma!