What is Launch University?
It is the entrepreneurial stepping stone offered by Fuse Coworking Space in Richland, WA. This program is a golden opportunity for first-time founders, innovators, and dreamers. If you've never started a business before or are brimming with an original idea for a product or service you'd like to offer as an independent business owner, this class is designed with you in mind. Over the course of five weeks, we delve into key aspects of starting a business. This isn't
just theory - it's a hands-on, practical approach that prepares you for the real-worldchallenges of entrepreneurship. The class is structured as a series of workshops, each occurring once a week, with a focus on interactive learning and active engagement.
Here's what you'll learn:
- Customer Validation: Understand who your customers are, what they want, and how youridea fits into their lives.
- Business Modeling: Learn how to craft a sustainable business model that aligns with your vision and market realities.
- Pitching: Master the art of pitching your idea to investors, partners, and customers. This is a key skill for any entrepreneur.
- Founder 101: We'll cover the basics of what it means to be a founder, from managing your time to dealing with uncertainty, navigating relationships, and more.
The program culminates in a "Pitch Night", where you'll have two minutes to talk about your idea, Shark Tank-style. This isn't just a chance to showcase what you've learned - it's a chance to attract attention and get valuable feedback on your venture.
What makes Launch University truly unique?
For starters, it's an affordable and low-commitment option to dip your toe into the entrepreneurial pool. The classes are conveniently scheduled during evening hours, making it easier for those who work during the day. The Launch program is a unique opportunity in Tri-Cities, WA for learning that has been tried and tested for years to turn out quality businesses like Solar Spirits Distillery, PerplEXIT Escape Room, and Soundbite.AI.
Week 1
Customer Validation
This week, you'll dive into the heart of your business -your customers. Using a series of activities, you'll develop basic marketing personas, define different customer types, and measure real-world demand for your offering. The tools we'll use include surveys, interviews, and unique strategies tailored to your business. By the end of this week, you'll have a firm grasp of who your customers are, what they want, and how your idea will meet their needs.
Week 2
Business Modeling
Here, we'll focus on the "Business Model Canvas", a tried-and-tested approach to visually document the activities and resources needed for your business. We'll dig into the details, exploring customer segments, building channels, and more. By the end of this week, you'll have a tangible business model that aligns with your vision and market realities.
Week 3
Pitching
This week, we'll work on how to communicate your offering effectively. You'll start by building a detailed set of components for any pitch, then refine it into a short-form "elevator pitch". This exercise will push you to communicate your ideas simply and powerfully, equipping you with a key skill for any entrepreneur.
Week 4
Founder 101:
This week is all about getting you prepared for the personal, legal, and financial journey of running a business. We'll establish a framework for answering questions around these topics, helping you map out the road ahead. By the end of this week, you'll have a solid understanding of the challenges that lie ahead and how to navigate them.
Week 5
Pitch Night
To cap off your Launch University experience, you'll participate in a "Pitch Night", where you'll present your idea to a panel of judges. They'll offer you a "Red, Yellow, or Green" rating for their perception of your business, along with invaluable advice on your next steps. But it's not just about the pitches - Pitch Night also serves as a celebration. Enjoy catered drinks and snacks, and network with attendees from the broader community. It's a fitting celebration as you take your first steps into the world of entrepreneurship.
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a professional looking to launch your own venture, Launch University provides the tools, guidance, and network to help you succeed. Sign up today and embark on a transformative journey into the world of business. We look forward to welcoming you to our community of innovators.
🍾🎈Our entrepreneurial adventure doesn't end in the classroom - we celebrate in style! After five weeks of intense learning and development, we host a Pitch Night party with catered food, drinks, and a fantastic community of local business enthusiasts. Learn, network, celebrate - that's the Launch University way! #Entrepreneurship #CommunityVibes
Transform your ideas into a reality. We believe in nurturing innovation, fostering learning, and supporting the birth of new businesses right here in our community. We can't wait to see what you'll create.
Interested in learning more this upcoming Fuse Launch event? Send us a note below and we'll add you to our mailing list!
