4M的动态

I have participated in three pitch competitions (won two), and the experience has taught me valuable lessons that I believe will benefit you. If your startup is in its early or growth stage, I strongly advise you to apply for pitch competitions. Besides the chance to win free money, here are some benefits you can gain from these competitions: ???Free Publicity: If you make it to the top finalists, as I did, you will get free publicity from the media content that organizers share across social media and mainstream media channels. ???Confidence: I have led thousands of training sessions for new and experienced hires in various industries. However, pitching your business in three minutes in front of an audience of over 100 people is a different challenge. It helps build your self-confidence. ???Business Clarity: Many organizers pair you with pitch coaches and business mentors who guide you through the process. This helps you gain clarity on your business and its potential growth. ???Credibility: Pitching your business on stage for a few minutes builds your credibility as a founder. Being selected from many applicants is an achievement. Go for it! ???Connections: You can make new connections that would be hard to achieve otherwise. I received meeting requests from investors who heard my pitch. If you found this helpful, consider resharing ???and I will post a list of some pitch competitions you can consider applying to in a later post.

Grant opportunity! Wray Forward is a free and inclusive programme designed to facilitate sustainable growth among Black-owned businesses, which are being held back with limited access to financial support, education, and opportunities. The programme incorporates expert-led business workshops, offering insights and skills on what is required to build and scale a business. Pitch Nights will also feature as part of the programme. These events will see applicants showcasing their business in front of a panel of investors and industry leaders for a chance to win a grant to support their venture. The following prizes are available: ￡3,000 for the Growth Stage Business winner ￡1,500 for the Early Stage Business winner ￡500 for the People’s Choice Winner UK registered businesses from all industries, which have at least one founder or C-suite who identifies as Black, may apply. Early stage businesses should have up to ￡50,000 turnover or be backed by investment. They must have launched their MVP and have been trading for at least six months. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/eaTHSSQU.

After listening to the inspiring stories of fellow entrepreneurs last night at the BETA State of the State event, and reflecting on the rollercoaster ride bootstrapping my last startup to a successful exit ?? , I'm once again reminded of two critical factors in your startup's success: grit and having a strong support system. If you want to make it as an entrepreneur, you must find a way to use adversity to your advantage. Each time I failed to gain acceptance to startup accelerators and incubators (I believe I failed 5 times?!), I felt the sting of rejection, self-doubt, and fear of going it alone. After a day or two of wallowing ??, I gave myself a kick in the pants: ‘Ok Katie, you can let others define you and your ideas, or you can prove them wrong. Show them what you can do.’ ?? Use rejection and being underestimated as rocket fuel. ?? ?? Lesson learned: Getting support and advice you'll need can be achieved in many ways. Reflecting back, I realize I had an extraordinary informal network serving as my invisible accelerator. From wonderful friends, especially fellow warrior moms I'd stood beside in school and community trenches, to the support of my sons and their friends (who may still be recovering from my labor exploits ??), and the helping hands and cheering of family members, amazing customers who shared their love of our products, incredible employees, vendors and advisors who were truly my partners in success, and very generous local media who shared our story – my tribe was there every step of the way and I could never have succeeded without them. ?? Building a startup network is key. Whether it was the incredible group of entrepreneurs led by Kate LaBrosse who saw me through some dark times, or last night's BETA State of the State event in Minneapolis, I’m reminded of the immense power of connections. Making time for fellowship with like-minded entrepreneurs (and those supporting us), to share information, struggles and celebrate sweet victories, is a game-changer. Now, as I embark on the exciting journey of launching Blyngz, I'm reminded of the importance of paying it forward. I had a revelation last night at the BETA event, surrounded by brilliant minds shaping Minnesota's startup landscape. It reaffirmed the value of community and collaboration. ?? Takeaway: No matter how you build it, a network is one of your greatest assets. Invest in it, nurture it, and watch it propel you forward. As I again delve into the startup ecosystem with Blyngz, I'm not just building a company; I'm contributing to a thriving community. ?? Grateful for the warm welcome and inclusion last night BETA. I'm energized after hearing diverse voices driven to innovate and build bravely. Let's keep the startup spirit alive and continue to inspire and support one another on our incredible journeys. #StartupLife #BuildingTogether #Blyngz #womenentrepreneurs #grit #powerofcommunity #womenintech

Looking for a boost of inspiration from the next generation of leaders and business owners? This event will get you there! One of my favorite events Hopeworks throws annually, our Pitch Competition always leaves me feeling really energized. This year, it’ll also be a great place to support local entrepreneurs and get ahead of your holiday shopping at our holiday bazaar! Check out the details below or reach out to me to learn more about the event or Hopeworks Entrepreneurship Program!

Check out this talk!

What is a better model for pitch competitions? Troy D'Ambrosio Paul Shin ?? Clint Betts Anne Bastien Ted McAleer James Kemp Ray Smithson Kat Weaver Jeff Erickson Katie Dunn I have participated in, judged and pretty much done every aspect of a pitch competition. I love them. I also hate them (especially when I didn't win). I mostly didn't like them for two reasons 1) The majority of people don't know how to present their business, no matter the amount of coaching that goes into it. Some make progress, but many don't. 2) A competition is not an investment. The incentives for judging are not usually aligned to the long-term success of the money or the company. Everyone hopes they do well, but there is no or very little follow-up for companies in the earliest stages of their business. So, how would you do this differently? Do you make smaller "investments" into more companies or align the incentives somehow? I feel like there could be a new model for pitch competitions that helps address the two issues outlined. Can't wait to hear your thoughts!

Are you seeking to breathe new life into your family's business or already planning on paving the way for future generations? Allow us to introduce you to the Family Business Club, nestled under the umbrella of the I&E Club. Their goal: create a community where students passionate about family businesses can come together, connect, and thrive. If this is something that sounds interesting to you, then don't hesitate to join us on Monday at our Networking event, there you'll get to know more about Yeganeh Ayati and Mikael Moraes's initiatives as the the family business co-heads, and meet like minded people. Link to join ?? https://lnkd.in/dFqUVc3B Let's now do a quick run down of what the Family business club is all about: 1?? Creating Connections: ?? Whether you come from a long line of entrepreneurs or are just diving into the world of family businesses, this club is your home. We're here to foster meaningful connections among students, bridging the gap between different backgrounds and experiences. 2?? Exploring Industry Trends: ?? Curious about where the future of family businesses is headed? So are we! Our club provides a platform to dive deep into industry trends, tapping into the expertise of both our members and industry professionals. Together, let's uncover what's on the horizon. 3?? Knowledge Sharing and Learning: ?? In the world of family businesses, there's always something new to discover. From insightful discussions to expert-led workshops, we're committed to keeping our members informed and inspired about the latest developments and future prospects in the industry. #ImperialFamilyBiz

??Our Founders Dinners' partner is hosting an event this month to find out: What are the secrets to start-up success and a successful exit to US buyers? ?? Join Shepherd and Wedderburn's, Corporate Partner, Stephen Trombala as he unpacks that question and chairs an enlightening panel discussion with leading minds who have been there, done it, and got the entrepreneurial t-shirt. ?? How did the panellists start their businesses? When did they realise they were onto something? How did they finance their growth? What steps did they take to position their businesses and how did they run their processes? What were their highs, lows and takeaways? Meet the panellists : ??Stephen Trombala, Corporate Partner, Shepherd and Wedderburn ??Varun Nair (CTO of That Works and former CTO of TwoBigEars, sold to Facebook) ??Calum Smeaton (Former CEO of TV Squared, sold to Innovid) ??Chris Wright (founder and former CTO of DeltaDNA (sold to Unity Software) ??Join from 5.30pm onwards for some drinks and networking, with the fireside chat starting at 6 pm. There will then be further networking opportunities after the fireside chat has concluded. ????

MEMPHIS! Don’t miss out on this chance to strike up new connections. ??Join us on July 30th in Bartlett, TN for: "Strike a Connection with NSBWEP"! Get ready to mix and mingle with NSBWEP and our fabulous industry Friendors in a relaxed and fun setting. We’re talking about some serious networking, future collaborations, and a bit of friendly bowling competition! Expect the best candid and open "water cooler" conversations about the industry, where you can lean in, learn, and share your insights. This is your chance to enjoy a fun and engaging activity that breaks down barriers and builds camaraderie among participants. Whether you’re aiming to expand your business or simply enjoy the company of like-minded pros, this event promises to be both enjoyable and rewarding. WHY ATTEND: ??Expand Your Professional Network: Engage with a diverse group of industry peers, opening doors to new opportunities and collaborations that can propel your business forward. ??Enjoy a Unique Social Experience: Bond with peers over a game of bowling, creating a relaxed environment that encourages open communication and the formation of meaningful connections. ??Personal Growth: Networking in a laid-back atmosphere can boost confidence and communication skills, essential qualities for any entrepreneur looking to grow their business. Come for the networking, stay for the fun! REGISTER TODAY: https://lnkd.in/eg69Vnq7 Our Motto: “We have become the change we want to be” #NSBWEP #BlackWeddingProfessionals #BlackEventProfessionals #weddingassociation #eventassociation

Attention Black founders in Atlantic Canada ??: The Innovate & Elevate Pitch Competition is your time to shine! ????What It Is: - A pitch competition for new and early-stage businesses - Opportunity to practice your 3-minute business pitches ?? Why Apply? - Receive personalized coaching and feedback from industry experts - Connect with influential leaders and potential investors in your field - Compete to win a visa gift card to fuel the innovation and growth of your venture - Gain new skills and meet new people ?? What We're Searching For: - Black founders across Atlantic Canada - Visionary early-stage startups eager for momentum - Established businesses ready to scale up ?? Application Essentials: - 6-slide pitch deck: Introduce your team, outline the problem and your unique solution, highlight market potential, share progress/results, and detail your call to action Your idea could lead the charge toward groundbreaking success, but only if you step into the spotlight. Don't let this moment pass you by, Innovate & Elevate is more than a competition—it's your next big leap forward ??. Apply Here: https://buff.ly/3w2O09X