In module 1 we dive into what entrepreneurship actually is and you discover which type of entrepreneur you are (yes, there are different kinds of entrepreneurs, each with their own strengths and weaknesses!).  We also look at how world-famous successful entrepreneurs approach entrepreneurship and why they are successful.

In Module 2, you will take a deep dive into yourself.  You will find out (with surprising accuracy) what your personality type is and how to harness your strengths and develop your perceived weaknesses in order to succeed with your startup.  Starting a business is as much about mastering yourself as mastering your ideas and this module will help you to master yourself.

First principles thinking is a fancy way of saying “think like a scientist.” Scientists don’t assume anything. They start with questions like, What are we absolutely sure is true? What has been proven?

In Module 3, we will look at First Principle Thinking, why it is such an important philosophy for entrepreneurs and how world-class entrepreneurs use First Principle Thinking to build highly successful companies.

The Lean Startup Methodology will give you a preliminary blueprint for your startup idea, helping you get your idea out of your head and onto paper as quickly as possible.  

In this module, you will unpack your idea for a startup and investigate whether your idea has the potential to be a revenue generating business.  

Many of us starting out on our entrepreneurial journeys face this roadblock at one point or another. “How do I make my business/website/services/product stand out?” A unique value proposition guides people to you and your services. It keeps you top-of-mind in your target audience’s thoughts. It makes an adoring following possible.

What do companies like Uber see as their Unique Value Proposition?  They get you from point A to point B as quickly and efficiently as possible.

In Module 5, you will actively dream about what your startup actually does and formulate your unique value proposition.

Deciding on what your initial brand is going to be, is an exciting and creative process. Your brand will evolve over time, but in this module, you will create your initial brand and decide what your company will look and feel like.

Remember – most companies change their branding as they grow, but as a startup founder, you have to start somewhere and build your brand as your company evolves.

Pricing your product or service is not simply thumb-sucking a price out of thin air – there is an actual science behind it.

Do you understand the difference between cost-based pricing and value-based pricing? How do you test different price points and decide which one is best?

In this module, you will develop a strategy for pricing your product or service, learn how to optimise pricing and test your different price points.

Managing your finances when launching your idea, is not only important to build a robust business, but could also be used to gauge whether your startup is evolving and growing.

In this module, you will discover the different approaches to managing your finances.  You will also formulate your first Break-Even Analysis and discover your magic number.

You will use your financial metrics as a barometer of how well your startup is doing and what the growth trajectory of your startup is.

It is important to have a basic understanding of what your client journey will look like – from finding a new client, all the way to making the sale and then what happens after the sale.

In this module, you will develop hypotheses on what your ideal customer will look like and what their journey with your startup will look like.

People will need to know about your business in order for you to build a stable client base. Marketing will help you get going. Startup marketing is different from traditional marketing in that you will be much more focused on getting the word out and signing up clients than what a traditional company will be.

In this module, you will build your initial marketing plan, set up your various platforms and learn about the power of referrals.  

Sales fuel your company and keep it alive. Studies show that 53 percent of customer loyalty is driven by the sales experience. This goes to show it’s equally important to have a great sales team for your startup.

In this module, you will build your initial approach to sales, learn about what a good sales strategy looks like and try your hand at selling your product or service.

Managing your most important asset – humans – is one of the most important and at times difficult parts of running a startup.

In this module, you will start planning your initial company structure and dream about what your company will look like when you scale up.

Effective communication is a prerequisite trait for every enterprise to taste success at an accelerated pace. Entrepreneurs and businesses often struggle to apprehend their true potential without good communication attributes. Most people negate acquiring good communication skills over the importance of accomplishing technological skills which may impede the business profitability. On the contrary, effective communication overwhelmingly payback a business in lucrative ways impacting both internal and external associations.

You have hit your milestones, you have built the foundation of your startup and you are ready to generate revenue – congratulations!

This module is different, here’s how:

1. Face-to-Face mentoring

You now qualify for 4 face-to-face mentoring sessions with a Chapter2 Mentor! 

2. Practical application of the knowledge gained

You will apply the knowledge you have gained now. You will have a living, breathing startup business after you complete this part of the programme. 

3. Become a Chapter2 Startup Mentor

When you complete this part of the programme, you will be invited to the Chapter2 Startup Mentor programme. 

4. Become part of the Chapter2 Startup Legends Club

You gain access to the network of fellow founders who have made it all the way to through the programme. Networking opportunities, discussions on best practice for your startup and other perks go along with this.

5. Eligible for funding

When you complete this part of the programme, your startup is automatically added to the list of startups that are eligible for angle investment funding from our sister company, Chapter2 Capital.

What we will work on in this module

Module 14 will be challenge based, where we will give you weekly challenges to complete. These challenges will be specific to your business and you and your mentor will set challenges during each weekly mentoring session.

The challenges will change and evolve every week and we have three objectives with the challenges:

1. Get out the door: You need to engage with possible users and the challenges will help (strongly encourage) you to do this
2. Get your first paying customer: Finding your first paying customer is a crucial part of the startup journey
3. Iteration: Adjust your product offering, make it better and refine your offering
4. Get your second paying customer: Your first paying customer is a big win, but finding a second paying customer will help you gain momentum with your venture
5. Your pitch: Learn how to pitch your business idea to investors