The BUILD program is one stream in the Black Start-Up Project, a unique program to provide Black entrepreneurs and business owners in Atlantic Canada with access to services and opportunities in the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem.
BUILD provides education and workshops tailored to Black entrepreneurs, including live workshop sessions delivered by successful Black leaders, experts and entrepreneurs. Using a hands-on approach, this program also offers resources and wraparound services like mentors and experts-in-residence, grant writing support, and funder introductions.
Lesson topics:
1. How to Conduct Market Research
Facilitators: Tiffany Young and Mani Itiveh
What we’ll cover:
- Establishing your purpose in business
- Understanding your target market
- Competitor analysis
- Identifying market gaps
- Product/service pricing
2. How to Build a Business Model & Strategy
Facilitator: Natalie Frederick-Wilson
Date: March 29, 2023 (6:30PM-8PM ADT)
What we’ll cover:
- Envisioning the business
- Setting business goals
- Writing a business plan
3. How to Build a Brand & Marketing Strategy
Facilitator: Ross Simmonds
What we’ll cover:
- Building a brand
- Creating a marketing strategy
- Understanding sales techniques
- How to prepare relationships with consultants
4. How to Build a Team & Hire Talent
Facilitator: Bradley Daye
What we’ll cover:
- Hiring a contributor
- Building and managing a team
- Building an inclusive workplace culture
- Inclusive leadership
5. How to Find & Manage Cash Flow
Facilitator: Zawadi Mayeka
What we’ll cover:
- Building Budgets & Financial Statements
- Cash Flow Management and Projections
- Monetization Strategy – revenue vs. profit
- Understand the mechanics of cash flow
- Compliance and tax readiness
- Raising capital and securing funding (loan financing)
- Risk tolerance
- When can a founder pay themself
6. What is Intellectual Property?
Facilitator: Lorraine Fleck
What we’ll cover:
- What is Intellectual Property?
- Why should you protect your IP?
- What can you do with IP?
- Advantages and disadvantages of IP
7. How to Manage Finances, Accounting, Bookkeeping and Taxation
Facilitator: Alexandra MacLean
What we’ll cover:
- Systems for bookkeeping
- Liaising between the accountant
- How to avoid firefighting with finances
- What’s involved in tax season and readiness
8. How to Fund your Business part 1
Facilitator: Tia Upshaw
What we’ll cover:
- Where to locate grants
- How to apply for grants and funding
- Building grant applications and proposals
9. How to Fund your Business part 2
Facilitator: Marlon Thompson
What we’ll cover:
- How to raise venture capital
- Readiness of startup
- Traits of an investment-ready startup team
- What motivates investors
10. How to Grow your Business and Build a High Performing Team
Facilitator: Laurissa Manning
What we’ll cover:
- Business Growth
- The Startup Roadmap
- Team functionalities
11. Pitching Your Business to Investors
Facilitator: Amoye Henry
What we’ll cover:
- Types of pitches
- Components of a pitch and pitch deck
- Asking for capital
- Telling your business’ story
12. Wrapping Up and Next Steps
Sign-up for FREE weekly mentorship with Black mentors
Join small mentorship sessions to dive deeper into specific business problems and receive tactics from our Black expert mentors. Black business mentors with lived experience are available every week to support you with your business development and obstacles, build accountability, and provide encouragement and guidance.
Each mentor is available for an hour per week; make sure to book your time early, as space is limited.
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