Starting a business takes more than just a great idea – and that’s where the TEC VenturePrize Seminar Series comes in.
The Seminar Series, running weekly from October 20 to November 24, 2010, includes six lectures geared towards helping entrepreneurs develop a strong business plan. Entrepreneurs from all over Alberta have the opportunity to register and attend the lectures, taught by seasoned entrepreneurs and made available to various locations via video conferencing.
The TEC Seminar Series topics include Elements of a Successful Business Plan, Strategic Business Issues, Marketing, Financing – Raising Money & Managing Funds, Management & Organization – the Legal Perspective, and Selling Your Plan. While a business plan should evolve over time, it’s important to have a well thought-out plan in order to direct business activities and persuade stakeholders of the viability of a project.
In addition to the content, the TEC VenturePrize Seminar Series offers access to a mentorship program, important opportunities to meet like-minded people, forge business relationships, and social connections as well as prepare to compete in the TEC VenturePrize Fast Growth Business Plan Competition for over $150,000 in prizes.
“Participating has helped our company progress tremendously,” said Eugene Chen, Firenest Innovations Inc. one of the semi finalists of the 2010 TEC VenturePrize Business Plan Competition. “The opportunity the expert-driven Seminar Series provided to connect with the enterprising entrepreneurs was just incredible.”
This Alberta based competition takes place in two categories: the Fast Growth category, open to individuals, teams or new companies, with high-growth concepts or businesses; and the Student Business Plan category, exclusively for post-secondary students.
Know of a student interested in starting a business? Let them know that there is no cost to attend the TEC Seminar Series if they are registered in either of these regional student competitions: Edmonton and northern region: I2M Student Competition, Calgary and region: Student Technology Innovation Challenge (STIC) and Lethbridge/Medicine Hat region: South Venture Student Business Plan Competition.
Chen appreciated learning how to prepare an investment-focused pitch, practice it, and then deliver it.
“Every Alberta startup should enter TEC VenturePrize!” said Chen.