Entrepreneurship 4 Good

From Idea to Action

Part graduate course, part online accelerator, this program is designed for those who are starting or hoping to start a new mission driven venture.

It uses a cohort learning model convening 10-20 people over 8-10 weekly sessions. Each class session is live, online for 2 hours. Based on the content of the lean start-up graduate courses taught by the lead instructor, Terri Barreiro, the series goes deep into all the best practices for an effective social venture business plan.

The result for you will be a deep understanding of how to launch or expand your specific business!

Now accepting applications!

Apply Now

1

↓

KNOW YOUR IMPACT

1

KNOW YOUR IMPACT

Get clarity about the issues you address and how to explain it to others.

2

↓

UNDERSTAND YOUR CUSTOMER

2

UNDERSTAND YOUR CUSTOMER

Learn how to use interviewing to gather actionable information and create a customer centric ecosystem for your venture.

3

↓

CREATE A VIABLE PLAN TO LAUNCH & GROW

3

CREATE A VIABLE PLAN TO LAUNCH & GROW

Get familiar with the Business Canvas and Logic Model – complementary tools that frame a social enterprise.

4

↓

FIND FINANCING

4

FIND FINANCING

Create a realistic budget with projections and gain confidence in pitching to potential investors.

1

KNOW YOUR IMPACT

Get clarity about the issues you address and how to explain it to others.

2

UNDERSTAND YOUR CUSTOMER

Learn how to use interviewing to gather actionable information and create a customer centric ecosystem for your venture.

3

CREATE A VIABLE PLAN TO LAUNCH & GROW

Get familiar with the Business Canvas and Logic Model – complementary tools that frame a social enterprise.

4

FIND FINANCING

Create a realistic budget with projections and gain confidence in pitching to potential investors.

FAQ

How does it work?

Each week a new aspect of venture development is introduced. The weekly live sessions will include mini-lectures, group discussions and practice applying the concept to your venture. You will have access to pre-recorded topic videos and the textbook and related workbook. The cohort will have a private group channel that will allow for peer discussion and feedback and access to all pre-readings. Each session will be recorded for later reference. See weekly session outline below.

How much does it cost?

Tuition fee is $1500 for 9-10 sessions plus a pitch event to an audience of other entrepreneurs and investors – payable in 3 payments.

FOR HENNEPIN COUNTY BASED BUSINESSES: Individuals living in or starting their business in Hennepin County there may be eligible for tuition waiver provided by Elevate Hennepin (SM) .

A deposit of $100 is required upon acceptance into the cohort. If your completed Elevate Hennepin application is approved by the Hennepin County that deposit will be refunded.

When does the program run?

Spring, Summer & Fall

Tell me more about the instructors.

Terri Barreiro is an expert in systems change and a mission-driven venture advisor. She is an adjunct instructor of Social Entrepreneurship at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs and venture advisor to students at Carlson School of Business, U of MN. She is co-founder of and volunteer venture coach at Impact Hub MSP and consultant to nonprofit and philanthropic organizations. She is co-author of Social Entrepreneurship: the Journey from Issue to Viable Venture and founder of the Donald McNeely Center for Entrepreneurship serving the College of Saint Benedict and Saint Johns’ University.

Learn more via Linkedin.

Tina Pfau Gonzales is a collaborative professional with cross-sector expertise in building social enterprises, relationship management and donor cultivation. Her specialties include: strategic partnership development, business operations, executive coaching and board maximization.

Learn more via Linkedin

What materials will be used?

The primary textbook is Social Entrepreneurship: From Idea to Viable Plan (included in course fee). Additional materials will be provided on a private shared drive that supports readings, videos, uploaded documents and interactions between cohort members.

What is the outline of sessions?

Week 1: Overview of social entrepreneurship & structure options

Week 2: Getting clarity about the issues you address and explaining it to others

Week 3: Know your customer

Week 4: Introducing the Business Canvas and the Logic Model

Week 5: Defining, describing & measuring your impact

Week 6: Financing – Creating a realistic budget, projections and cash flow

Week 7: Finding financing

Week 8: Getting started – Minimal viable product design

Week 9: Writing a business plan

Week 10: Elevator pitches and promo video development

“The E4G course was exactly what I needed at the stage I am at with my business. Terri’s class provided me with the tools and coaching I needed to take a meaningful next step in building my business.” – Paul, 2021 participant