Join us for the Business Plan Competition Resource Nights! If you’re interested in starting your own company or working at a start-up, this is an opportunity for you to learn about the business side. The resource nights are open to all students – you can just show up. More information is available on our website.
http://www.foster.washington.edu/centers/cie/businessplancompetition/Pages/schedule.aspx
Marketing in a Competitive Environment with Sharelle Klaus, CEO of DRY Soda
Thursday, January 28 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. in Sieg 134
Who are your customers? What drives them to make a purchase? How do you segment the market? Acquire the tools you need to overcome marketing challenges commonly facing startups from a woman who understands the importance of marketing, and developing and managing your brand.
Thinking Through Your Financials with Alan Dishlip, CFO of Billing Revolution
Thursday, February 4 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. in Sieg 134
Wondering what’s with all the talk about hockey sticks? Come learn the fundamentals of putting together the financials for a business plan. Alan Dishlip will cover financial projections–what they are, how to create them, and how to avoid the common pitfalls that drive investors crazy–and he’ll give tips on how to raise capital.
Legal Issues for Start-Ups with Matthew Forkner of Fenwick & West
Thursday, February 11 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. in Sieg 134
What are the legal issues to consider in starting your own company? How do you divide equity, protect your IP or structure the company? Matthew Forkner, Fenwick &West, will walk you through the essentials.
Business Plan Competition Overview and Insights from Past Participants
Thursday, February 18 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. in Sieg 134
We’ll cover how the Competition works and what to expect. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn from those who have gone before you. We’ll have a panel discussion with past Business Plan Competition competitors, giving insider tips and advice for WINNING and getting the most out of your experience. Panelists are Brent Lamphier of Athleon, BA ’07 and Second Place winner of the 2008 BPC, and Daniel Rossi of Nanocel, EveMBA 2010 and winner of the 2009 BPC, and Ann Greeley, MBA 2002 and Second Place winner of the 2002 BPC. Moderator will be Jason Hahn, MBA 2010 and BPC Co-Chair.
Bootstrapping with Steve McCracken, CEO of CultureMob
Thursday, February 25 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. in Sieg 134
How are you going to finance your new venture? MOST companies are not appropriate for venture funding but instead are self-funded or bootstrapped. How can you start a venture on a shoestring? Come learn funding strategies for footing the bill (and keeping more of your equity!).
What Do Investors Look For? with Rebecca Lovell, Executive Director of the Northwest Entrepreneur Network
Thursday, March 4 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. in Sieg 134
Why should an investor put money into your company instead of someone else’s? What are the critical elements you need to have and what could kill the deal? This session walks the audience through potential sources of investment dollars as well as HOW to give a pitch in a compelling way. Will feature an investor pitch from the CEO of Findood, Jamen Shively.
Resource Nights are offered by the UW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. These sessions are open to students and the public. To learn more about the Resource Nights or the Business Plan Competition, contact Sarah Massey at masses@uw.edu or 206.685.9868.
http://www.foster.washington.edu/cie
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Sarah Massey, Assistant Director
Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Michael G. Foster School of Business
University of Washington
P: 206.685.9868 | masses@uw.edu