Troy's SBDC to begin Weekend Ventures

Troy University students are invited to practice their business-building skills in a stress-free environment with the Small Business and Development Center’s (SBDC) new three-day intensive named Weekend Ventures.

“We are seeing a growing number of entrepreneurial-minded students and community members who are interested in entrepreneurship, but entrepreneurship takes much more than simply having a good idea,” said Juliana Bolivar, SBDC director and lead business advisor.

According to Bolivar, Weekend Ventures will attempt to create a more intensive and immersive learning environment opposed to the typical traditional workshop.

“We want participants to experience what it is really like to take an idea, test it, work through challenges with a team, make changes when something does not work, build something and then communicate that idea effectively,” Bolivar said.

“This will be the first Weekend Ventures hosted at Troy University, but the program has previously been delivered in partnership with Auburn University’s Lowder Center for Family Business & Entrepreneurship.”

The three-day intensive is meant for anyone willing to try it out, and no prior experience is required.

“Students also do not need to arrive with an existing business or even a business idea,” Bolivar said. “Everyone starts from the same blank page and works on something new together.”

According to Bolivar, the program is designed around short lessons followed by immediate real-world application.

The intensive is scheduled to begin on Sept. 18 and continue throughout the weekend before concluding on Sept. 20.

Friday, Sept. 18 will be about identifying problems worth solving, pitching ideas, forming teams and beginning customer discovery.

Saturday, Sept. 19 will be about participants working through the Business Model Canvas, customer discovery, prototyping, pricing, coaching sessions and dedicated build time.

Sunday, Sept. 20 will consist of pitching, public speaking, final development, rehearsal and a live pitch competition in front of judges.

The current schedule for the days are Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Meals are included throughout those days.

“If I had to give students one reason to participate, I would say [that] you do not need to already be an entrepreneur to benefit from thinking like one,” Bolivar said.

Those looking to sign up for the weekend of business building can visit eventbrite.com and search for Troy University Weekend Ventures. Tickets cost $50 and sales end on Sept. 18.