The idea behind this program is to expand the entrepreneurial ecosystem that is already developing in Reno – Tahoe area, and develop an entrepreneurial ecosystem in rural Nevada. This will include supporting entrepreneurs with:
- Mentorship,
- Access to capital, and
- Networks of entrepreneurs.
Through partnerships with existing resources such as Great Basin College, StartUpNV, Entrepreneur’s Assembly, the Nevada Small Business Development Center and Nevada Cooperative Extension, we will create an entrepreneur network that has less separation between rural entrepreneurs and Nevada’s population centers. It will be comprised of mentors, entrepreneur support organizations, government entities, founders and investors. This will increase Nevada’s resiliency in the face of downturns and increase the economy statewide.
This entrepreneur network will create a complete ecosystem of entrepreneurs, mentors, and investors resulting in successful business development across Nevada. Utilizing the networks and resources of this partnership, we will develop Entrepreneurship program for rural Nevada, and eventually develop a statewide business incubator and economic development driver for entire state.
As a part of this program, we want to support rural Nevada business talent through:
RURAL NEVADA STARTUP PITCH COMPETITION
To prepare participants for this Pitch Competition, we will deploy series of online training, information sessions, and consultations to prepare you for your Pitch Day competition.
PITCH EDUCATION SCHEDULE:
May 15, 2020 - Recording 0: How to use Zoom to participate in Live Sessions.
June 2, 2020 - Recording 1: Are you Ready to be an Entrepreneur and Validating Your Idea (will include Value Proposition, NABC method, Concept Statement test, and an introduction to the Business Model Canvas Homework: Value proposition; customer validation plan and questionnaire; collated results of any interview).
July 23, 2020 - Recording 2: Are you Ready to be an Entrepreneur and Validating Your Idea (will include Value Proposition, NABC method, Concept Statement test, and an introduction to the Business Model Canvas
Homework: Value proposition; customer validation plan and questionnaire; collated results of any interviews
August 6, 2020 - Live Session One: Office hours with Karol and Liz or Maggie – value proposition and customer validation
August 13, 2020 - Recording 3: Deconstructing Customer Validation research
Homework: Create cost analysis
August 20, 2020 - Recording 4: Business Model Canvas
Homework: Complete all sections of Business Model Canvas
September 3, 2020 - Live Session Two: Office hours - questions about BMC and customer validation
September 10, 2020 - Recording 5: Market Research instruction- Case Study TAM SAM SOM - Homework: Target market description, demographics and estimated market size
September 24, 2020 - Recording 6: Pitch instruction - Homework: Create a pitch deck and script for your pitch
October 8, 2020 - Live Session Three: Office hours – questions and review of TAM SAM SOM - Homework: complete and submit pitch deck
October 22, 2020 - Live Session Four: Office Hours - pitch decks questions and review
October 29, 2020- Live Session Five: Pitch Practice
⇒ November 6, 2020 - PITCH DAY! – live and online ⇐
If you are interested in sponsoring or need additional information please contact:
Patricia Herzog
Director, Rural Economic and Community Development
775-687-9911
pherzog@diversifynevada.com
BUSINESS DAY PITCH SPONSORS AND PARTNERS:
