Jump/Start Lecture Series
Come to all 6 Session for a Full Review of How to Start a Business
01 Who will buy it? | Market Analysis
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Instructor: Christine Hammer – Center for Women & Enterprise Vermont | Hammer Consulting
Every startup begins with an idea and a passion. But, just because you love your product or service doesn’t mean that others will and when it comes to success in business, it’s all about the customer. Some basic keys to starting a successful business are identifying who wants what you’re selling, will they pay for it, what you need to do to stand out from others in the marketplace, and studying potential competitors. We’ll explore these issues to get you on your way to formulating an effective business plan.
02 How will people buy it? | Revenue Generation
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Instructor: Kimberly Stellavato – Center for Women & Enterprise Vermont
You’ve decided what to sell and who will buy it, but how will you bring your product or service to market to generate revenue? An effective go to market strategy will improve your business results by aligning your strategy to the evolving needs of your customers. In this session, we will take an in-depth look at how to capture your customer, how to develop a pricing and revenue model, and how to launch with success.
03 How will you manage it? | Financial Management
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Instructors: Bret Hodgdon and Matt Cleare – Davis & Hodgdon
Once you have your go to market strategy and you’re ready to start generating revenue, you’ll need a plan for managing your financials. This session will cover the Accounting basics you’ll need to become familiar with in order to turn your idea into a business. We’ll explore cost structures, basic accounting and bookkeeping principles, and strategies for tracking expenses and revenue, setting up a reliable accounting system, and managing cash flow.
04 How will it compete? | Business Formation & Intellectual Property
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Instructor: Justin McCabe – Dunkiel, Saunders, Elliott, Raubvogel & Hand
Intellectual property (IP) can give your business a leg up on your competition, focus your research, give your investors confidence, and protect your business assets; however, it takes planning and nurturing throughout the business development process. This session will provide an overview of the different types of IP, how to acquire and protect your IP, and, most importantly, discuss pitfalls that entrepreneurs encounter (e.g., pitch contests, taking to investors, waiting to consider IP protection). The session will also touch on the pros and cons of incorporating and when it may be a good idea for your new business.
05 How will people know about it? | Brand Development
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Instructors: Michael Jager – Solidarity of Unbridled Labor
For entrepreneurial thinkers and makers, a great idea, product, or service is not enough to build your idea’s true potential. Your ability to capture, communicate, and create and refine your cultural relevance in people’s lives is essential. This is the practice of a Living Brand. It’s about strategic thinking and design and how to practice and apply it in oneness with your idea – because an idea that is not in motion, learning, and relevant is no idea at all. We will review what a brand is and why it matters and dig into the process, practice, and some cases of Living Brand work in action. Resources and reading materials for creating, clarifying, communicating, and cultivating your idea will be shared.
Sponsored by: 
06 How will you fund it? | Financing
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Instructor: Cairn Cross – FreshTracks Capital
Financing is an important consideration for all entrepreneurs. This session will provide an overview of debt and equity instruments available to Vermont startups and discuss the pros and cons of different types of capital. We will also discuss which lenders and equity providers in Vermont are active participants in the market and how a startup can organize its “pitch” to obtain capital.
