Lean Startup 

The very traits common among successful startup founders—a bias towards action, dogged determination, single-mindedness, and boatloads of self-confidence—are often the same characteristics that can doom some would-be entrepreneurs to failure. Not because they have a bad idea or a lousy team, but because they never take the time to systematically evaluate whether or not there's a market for their products. Too often they dive into the deep end of the startup pool, naively believing “if I build it, they will come”, only to find themselves splashing about and gasping for air. 

In this workshop, you'll learn how to:

• Minimize such miscalculations using an evidence-based approach to starting and growing a business.
• Avoid the common mistakes that doom many entrepreneurs.
• Quickly test your startup ideas without spending a lot of money. 
• Nail your value proposition and make customers deliriously happy.
• See how a Lean Startup works with a presentation of an actual case study.

This session is recommended for those starting a business and for existing companies considering launching a new product.

Facilitator and Instructor:  Cynthia Franklin
Cynthia Franklin is the senior associate director of the New York University's Berkley Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the Stern School of Business. There, she oversee the development  of various programs that nurtures entrepreneurial talent at NYU. Cynthia also teaches a popular course at NYU Stern, Getting to Launch: The Lean Startup Lab.  In addition, she is the instructor for  Strategic Steps for Growth, a capacity-building course designed for CEOs of high-potential M/WBE firms offered in partnership with the NYC Dept of Small Business Services.  Cynthia is a "recovering entrepreneur" who, prior to joining Stern, was executive vice president of KIP Communications, an award-winning b-to-b marketing and media company she cofounded.  She holds an MBA from NYU Stern.

Presenter:  Jessica Cohen
Designer of products, spaces, and experiences, Jessica has given talks throughout the world on systematic innovation as a means of increasing global competitiveness, and entrepreneurship for inventors, particularly women. She holds master’s degrees from Stanford’s popular Product Design Program, and from U.C. Berkeley in architecture. Her work in furniture and restaurant design has been featured in many publications.

Workshop Fees:

Online registration $59, walk-ins $69
There is a $10 discount on all Student and SEAP registrations
(valid ID must be presented at the door).