When it comes to shared working spaces, sometimes the best work we can do is actually learning new information. This is especially true for new business owners and those who simply have an idea they feel they could potentially turn into a business. We took this to heart and decided to host a very special event in our flexible workspace in Lake Forest; it was all centered around one question: “I have a Business Idea – Now What?”

The no-cost event was held on October 15 and was presented in collaboration with Lake Forest College, CIC Business Incubator, Score for the Life of Your Business, Adelante, and America’s SBDC Illinois International Trade Center. It gave attendees all the resources and tips they needed to take their business ideas to the next level.

Big Ideas Get a Helping Hand

On top of an intimate meet and greet, our diverse group of guests were treated to a series of engaging businesses presentations and informational speed mentoring sessions. These were crafted to give attendees the best chance for success once they decide to pursue their goals.

Business Presentations:

Market Analysis

Our presenters gave the audience insight into how to gauge and analyze markets regardless of specific industry so that potential business owners would know how to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats their endeavor might encounter.

Value Propositions

Even though a value proposition is supposed to be a simple statement, it often is anything but simple to develop. At the event, attendees learned the right way to communicate how their product or service can benefit their soon-to-be customers.

Business Model Canvases

Vitally important for maintaining structure and organizing business developments, business model canvases are a strategic tool no entrepreneur should be without. We made sure everyone got the tools they needed to create their own, setting them up for lasting success.

Financial Pro Forma

For most, the idea of starting a business based on an original idea is extremely daunting and fills the future with uncertainty. That’s why it’s crucial to have some idea of what the road ahead looks like. Our guests got to see the right way of handling forecasting as it relates to their business, so they could leave the event with a bit more confidence than they had before.

Speed Mentoring:

While there was so much to learn from the day’s presentations, there’s nothing quite like getting real, in-person mentoring. Attendees got instruction on a number of business-related topics that were designed specifically to boost their chances of success. The expertly curated topics included: “Discussing your idea,” marketing, business planning, funding, and finally legal, licensing and insurance.

Another Great Event

Starting a business can be one of the most exciting experiences a person can undertake, but it can also be one of the most terrifying. Bringing a great idea to a new level and creating something out of it takes more than just passion, it takes knowledge. We were so happy to be able to provide a platform to deliver just that with this special event. We hope we get to meet even more of you when the next one comes around!

Visit our events calendar to see what we have in the works and be sure to claim your free Lifeworking day pass while you’re there.