Startup Sprint: Bootcamp
Join us for a full-day entrepreneurship bootcamp designed to take your idea from idea to impact. This event offers two tailored tracks:
- Morning (Idea-Stage Entrepreneurs): Build the foundation of your business with sessions on the Business Model Canvas, customer discovery, and market research.
- Afternoon (Launch-Stage Entrepreneurs): Explore startup funding opportunities, learn how to prepare for investment, gain insight from live investor feedback, and leave with a clear roadmap for building your Proof of Concept.
Participants can register for the morning session, afternoon session, or both, regardless of the maturity of their business idea.
Schedule
Morning Track: Idea-Stage Entrepreneurs
9:00 – 9:05 AM | Welcome & Program Overview
Kick off the bootcamp with an overview of the day's agenda, program goals, and what participants can expect as they move through the startup development process.
9:05 – 9:50 AM | Business Model Canvas Workshop
Build a strong foundation for your venture by mapping your value proposition, customer segments, key activities, revenue streams, and other essential components of your business model.
10:00 – 10:45 AM | Customer Discovery Workshop
Learn how to validate your business ideas through customer interviews, identify market needs, and gather insights that shape product development.
10:50 – 11:30 AM | Entity Types & Company Formation
Explore common business structures, legal considerations, and the key decisions involved in forming and protecting your startup.
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM | Networking Lunch
Connect with fellow founders, mentors, investors, and ecosystem partners while enjoying lunch and expanding your entrepreneurial network.
Afternoon Track: Launch-Stage Entrepreneurs
12:15 – 12:45 PM | Funding Opportunities
Gain an overview of the funding landscape, including grants, accelerators, investment opportunities, and resources available to early-stage startups.
12:50 – 1:50 PM | Funding Application Requirements
Learn the essentials of fundraising, including cap tables, data rooms, term sheets, SAFEs, convertible notes, and investor pitch decks to better prepare for funding opportunities.
2:00 – 2:45 PM | VC & Founder Live Pitch and Feedback Session
Watch live startup pitches and hear real-time feedback from experienced investors and founders to better understand what makes a compelling investment opportunity.
2:45 – 3:00 PM | Closing Remarks & Proof of Concept Checklist
Wrap up the day with key takeaways, next steps, and a roadmap for building a Proof of Concept.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should attend?
- Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea they haven't yet validated.
- First-time founders looking for a step-by-step introduction to building a startup.
- Early-stage startup teams preparing to launch or refine their business model.
- Students and recent graduates interested in entrepreneurship or innovation.
- Researchers, faculty, and professionals exploring commercialization or startup opportunities.
- Small business owners who want to adopt startup methodologies like customer discovery or improve their fundraising readiness.
- Community members in the Greater New Orleans area who want to learn about entrepreneurship—even if they don't have a business yet.
What track is best for me?
- The morning track is ideal for individuals exploring an idea or just starting out.
- The afternoon track is geared toward entrepreneurs preparing to launch or grow their venture.
Do I need to attend the full day?
- No, participants can register for the morning session, afternoon session, or both. You can also join us for specific workshops that align with your interests, though registration is grouped by morning and afternoon sessions.
Does this event cost money to attend?
- No! This event is offered free of charge.
Will food be provided?
- Yes, lunch is included for those attending the morning session or the full day.
Do I need to have a business idea to attend?
- Not necessarily. The morning track is great for those still brainstorming, while the afternoon track is best for those with a defined concept.
What should I bring?
- A notebook or laptop for taking notes.
Will there be networking opportunities?
- Yes. The networking lunch and breaks are designed for connecting with peers, mentors, and potential collaborators.
What to wear?
- Business casual is recommended.
- Nice jeans or slacks with a blouse, polo or button-down.
- Comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking, standing, and networking.
Access and Parking Guidance
Visitor parking on campus is limited. Guests may use metered parking, ParkMobile spaces, or purchase a visitor parking pass if needed. Please follow all posted parking signs.
Additional street parking may be available in the surrounding neighborhood, subject to posted restrictions.
Directions to the building:
- Enter Tulane University's Uptown campus from Freret Street.
- Weinmann Hall is located at the corner of Freret Street and Weinmann Road, directly on the Tulane campus.
- Enter the building through Freret Street entrance.
- Once inside, the multi-Purpose Room is located on the first floor, just off the main lobby.
Rideshare
For Uber, Lyft, or taxi services, use the destination:
6329 Freret Street, New Orleans, LA 70118. Drivers can drop passengers directly in front of Weinmann Hall on Freret Street.
Have more questions? Reach out to Natalia Sandor at nsandor1@tulane.edu