The NaperLaunch events were severely cutback during the COVID-19 stay-at-home period since March. That's not to say that we've been entirely idle, as Master Mind groups, business roundtables and two cohorts of the NaperLaunch Academy continued meeting virtually by video conference. We are announcing a full slate of public programs in August with some new twists. We invite our members to join in whenever possible. Since these events will be offered by video conference, it will be necessary to register in advance so that the meeting connection instructions can be emailed to you. We'll see you soon!
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NaperLaunch Academy Updates
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In September 2016 we introduced a new educational offering called NaperLaunch Academy. Since then we have assembled 10 cohorts of business owners who have attended a series of courses and class sessions that have addressed specific needs of startup entrepreneurs. More than 170 individual company founders have attended. Most have found the curriculum well suited to helping startups find their way through a challenging process of building and launching a company. Over the past 4 years, we have adjusted the curriculum repeatedly based on feedback from participants. Now in the age of pandemics and video conferencing, we have made yet another adjustment. The weekly video conference sessions over 17 weeks seemed too onerous for most participants. Our new approach is to hold 6 workshops over just 6 weeks. We have also opened the academy up to anyone who would like to attend. Participants may now choose to attend one or all of the workshops and take that portion that they need. We expect this to be more convenient to participants. It will also place more burden on them to engage with a coach outside of the workshops to follow through on the information presented. In this way, each founder can move at her or his own pace.
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NaperLaunch Academy Workshops Open to the public, but registration required for Zoom Webinar
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The NaperLaunch Academy curriculum helps entrepreneurs develop fundamental business knowledge and learn the “lean startup process.” To meet the needs of busy entrepreneurs, the curriculum has been fitted to a series of six 2-hour workshops presented in consecutive weeks in August and September 2020. Additional series are also scheduled.
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Business Conceptualization
Tuesday, August 11, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Zoom Webinar
This two-hour workshop introduces the Lean Business Model Canvas and its all-important Unique Value Proposition concept, as well as 12 behavioral traits that have proven to be accurate predictors of entrepreneurial success and satisfaction. Business founders wanting to start a business or relaunch with new ideas are encouraged to attend. After attending this workshop founders will understand how to use a lean business model canvas to develop their business concept and how to craft a powerful unique value proposition for their business. *Registration is required to receive Zoom invitation.
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Startup Financial Issues
Tuesday, August 18, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Zoom Webinar
This two-hour workshop introduces basic concepts about funding strategies and sources, pricing models and break-even analysis. Attendees will understand how to determine the amount of money needed for a startup, how to establish an appropriate price of their product or service and how to complete a break-even analysis. SCORE volunteers and business librarians affiliated with NaperLaunch will be presenting this workshop. *Registration is required to receive Zoom invitation.
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Business Operations
Tuesday, August 25, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Zoom Webinar
To introduce key operational concerns for any business, this two-hour workshop addresses bookkeeping and accounting concepts, sales and income tax requirements, employment regulations and insurance and risk management issues. Attendees will understand the difference between bookkeeping and accounting and the value of each to a business, how federal and state tax and employment laws apply to their business and which insurance coverage is appropriate to protect the business against risk. SCORE volunteers and business librarians affiliated with NaperLaunch will be presenting this workshop. *Registration is required to receive Zoom invitation.
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Business Planning
Tuesday, September 1, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Zoom Webinar
Writing a business plan is a significant challenge to new business owners, but it is also very important. In this two-hour workshop participants can learn the basics of business planning and get an introduction to some library resources designed specifically to help business owners write a business plan. Attendees will understand the benefits of writing a plan, the basic components of a plan and how to use library databases such as the Gale Business: Plan Builder software. SCORE volunteers and business librarians affiliated with NaperLaunch will be presenting this workshop. *Registration is required to receive Zoom invitation.
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SCORE Women's Business Roundtables These discussions are intended to provide sharing of experience and knowledge among members and guests of NaperLaunch. Discussion topics are based on the interests and needs of the participants.
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