Incubator
Delbarton Incubator
Entrepreneurial Workshop
This is a hands-on, self-directed class where students will demonstrate creativity and problem solving skills. In teams of 3, students will come up with a product idea and develop a business around that product. Teams will work independently, pursuing their business just like they would in the real world. They have a budget to work with and by the end of the year are expected to have a working prototype, a business plan and a website and other social media. Throughout the year, alumni, who are successful entrepreneurs, will come in to consult with the teams and offer feedback and advice.
Some Topics Covered:
- CAD
- Prototype Development, Testing and Improvement
- 3D printing
- Building a website/ Social media
- Photoshop work Photography
- Setting up e-commerce
- Video production
- Injection molding / Mass production
- Product Conception and Validation
- Common Business Structures
- Business Ethics
- Partnership Agreements
- Intellectual Property
- Funding sources
- Writing a business plan
- Business spreadsheets
- Fixed and variable expenses
- Budgeting
- Marketing Plan
- Pricing Strategies
- Role of social media in marketing
- Selling and E-commerce options
- Developing your Pitch
- Forming the groups
- Assigning roles
- Getting the work done.
- Dealing with disagreements
- Recognizing strengths and weaknesses
- Value of skillsets
- Evaluating feedback
Instruction:
The class will consist of full class lessons, small group instruction, articles, guest speakers/consultants and links to resources. This course will not show them exactly how to do everything, but will give them a framework and the resources to figure out how to do it. The struggle is part of the process. They won’t be micro-managed, but they will have to meet certain benchmarks by specific dates. The teacher will facilitate the process, provide regular feedback on the progress and work, and be available as a business advisor/product development consultant.
For more information contact Dave Martin at dmartin@delbarton.org
