Entrepreneurial Tool Kit
Getting Started and Ideation:
81 Creativity Triggers To Energize Your Ideation Process - These 81 refined, proven creativity triggers will infuse new thinking into your new product, feature and business model ideation process.
How to get Startup Ideas - Jared Friedman shares advice on how to get startup ideas.
An Expert Guide to Developing the Perfect Startup Idea - There are a multitude of ways that fledgling founders can discover and develop their startup ideas. This guide is a great place to start.
Entrepreneur Dictionary for Startups - The entrepreneur dictionary is a glossary of terms and definitions used by entrepreneurs, investors, accelerators, startup ventures and startup financing.
The Startup Playbook - To have a successful startup, you need: a great idea, a great market, a great team, a great product, and great execution.
Value Proposition
The Value Proposition Canvas - A value proposition is a simple statement that summarizes why a customer would choose your product or service. It communicates the clearest benefit that customers receive by giving you their business.
Business Model Canvas
The Business Model Canvas - A business model canvas is a visual representation of a business model, highlighting all key strategic factors. In other words, it is a general, holistic and complete overview of the company's workings, customers, revenue streams and more.
Market Validation
The Ultimate Guide to Validating your Startup Idea for Free - After structuring your idea in a fuss-free and coherent manner the next thing for you to do is to get out of the building and validate!
Minimum Viable Product
Several Strategies for Building a Successful MVP - The startup community has long realized the importance of a minimum viable product (MVP) for the success of their mobile startup. Every startup entrepreneur is looking to build the perfect MVP for attracting investors as well as general users towards its offerings.
How to Plan an MVP - Michael Seibel shares his approach to building an MVP and getting your first users as a pre-launch startup.
Access to Capital
Startups: Bootstrapping, Accelerators, & Incubators
Startup Funding: What It Is and How to Get Capital for a Business-NerdWallet's recent article on startup funding offers a comprehensive guide for small business owners aiming to secure financial backing for their ventures. The piece dives into various funding options available, providing insights on loans, grants, angel investors, and more.
Startup Capital: Everything you need to know-Are you a budding entrepreneur looking to secure funding for your startup? Explore the ins and outs of raising startup capital with this informative article. Discover key strategies, common challenges, and expert tips to help you navigate the world of startup funding successfully.
31 Best Startup Accelerators 2024-Discovering the right startup accelerator can be a game-changer for entrepreneurs looking to catapult their ventures to success. If you're seeking insights into the top startup accelerators of 2024, this web article on Startup Savant provides a comprehensive guide.
Early Stages Businesses: Borrowing from Friend/Family & Business Loans
How Business Loans Work-Business loans are a crucial financial tool for many companies looking to grow or manage their operations. In this comprehensive article by NBC Banking, the intricacies of how business loans work are explored in detail.
Guide to Business Loans from Family & Friends-This web article delves into the concept of obtaining business loans from family and friends. It discusses the potential advantages and pitfalls of such transactions and offers advice on how to navigate this financial arrangement successfully.
Tips for Borrowing from Friends & Family-This web article explores essential factors to consider when borrowing money from family and friends. It delves into the complexities of financial transactions within personal relationships, offering insights on how to navigate such situations.
Borrowing Agreement Worksheet-This document from the Small Business Bureau is a resource for managing & clearly defining borrowing terms from friends or family in order to establish proper written documentation of borrowing terms and to avoid disputes.
Ohio Business Resource Connection-Discover a wealth of information and support for entrepreneurs and business owners on the Ohio Secretary of State's website. From registration and licensing guidelines to business resources and compliance tools, this online resource hub offers a valuable repository of information to help businesses thrive in the state.
U.S Small Business Administration-The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers various funding programs and loans to support entrepreneurs and small business owners. Visit the SBA website to learn more about the funding options available and how they can help your business thrive.
Scaling Businesses: Grants, Crowdfunding, & Angel Investment
Grants 101-Grant applications can be complex and time-consuming. If you're new to the world of grants, understanding the basics is essential. Check out this article on Grants.gov that covers the fundamentals of grants, perfect for beginners looking to navigate the grant application process.
Grants.gov: Grant Programs-Grants.gov provides valuable insights into different grant programs available to individuals and organizations. Explore diverse grant programs and gain a better understanding of the eligibility criteria, application process, and important deadlines.
Ohio Chamber of Commerce: Grants Available for Businesses-The Ohio Chamber of Commerce's website discusses the latest updates on state economic initiatives and legislative advocacy efforts. Dive into the article to explore business grants at the state level & stay informed about Ohio's business landscape and the Chamber's role in supporting local businesses.
The Basics of Crowdfunding-This web article delves into the concept of crowdfunding, shedding light on its definition, benefits, and how businesses can leverage this innovative financing method. It provides a comprehensive overview suitable for entrepreneurs seeking alternative funding sources.
17 Crowdfunding Sites-FreshBooks Hub explores the world of small business crowdfunding, offering insights, strategies, & a current list of online crowdfunding sites for startups looking to leverage this funding approach.
What are Angel Investors-Angel investors play a crucial role in funding startups and small businesses. In a recent web article by Forbes Advisor, the concept of angel investors is explored in depth, shedding light on their significance in the investment world. From defining who angel investors are to explaining how they differ from venture capitalists, this article provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs seeking financial support.
USA Angel Investment Network-Angel Investment Network is a platform connecting entrepreneurs with angel investors to facilitate funding for innovative business ideas. By providing a space for individuals to showcase their projects and connect with potential investors, the website aims to foster entrepreneurship and drive business growth.
High Growth Businesses: Venture Capitalists
Understanding Venture Capital-This web article on venture capital from Forbes Advisor offers valuable insights into the world of investing in startups. With a focus on venture capital, the article delves into strategies, risks, and potential rewards associated with this form of investment.
Angel Investing vs Venture Capital-In the world of startup financing, understanding the distinctions between angel investing and venture capital is crucial for entrepreneurs seeking funding. This insightful article delves into the nuances of these two primary investment avenues, shedding light on their unique characteristics, pros, and cons.
List of Venture Capitalist Firms-The website vc-mapping.gilion.com offers a detailed directory of venture capital firms in the United States. With a user-friendly interface, users can easily navigate through the extensive list of firms, providing valuable insights into the landscape of venture capital in the country. Whether you are an entrepreneur seeking funding or an investor looking for potential opportunities, this website serves as a valuable resource for exploring the world of venture capital in the United States.
These tools are provided through our partnership with the Ohio State University South Centers, Endeavor Center in Piketon, Ohio: