From Maker to Market – A Makerspace Business Accelerator

Are you currently participating in one of the nine Inland Empire Community College Makerspaces? Do you have an idea for a new product or service that you want to turn into a business? Get ready for our new small business webinar series, From Maker to Market – A Makerspace Business Accelerator.

This exciting webinar series will guide you through the fundamentals of starting your own business by, creating a business plan, discovering what channels are available for you to sell your products/services, marketing your business, and building a financial forecast to set you up for success.

Session 1 – Your Business Framework
Turning your concept into a business. This class will cover the basics of entrepreneurship including identifying resources, forming the corporate entity, conducting market research, licenses/permits, and solving your customer’s problem.

Session 2 – Business Viability
Setting my prices and creating financial projections. We will explore niche markets, creating a financial model, building revenue and cost assumptions, inventory management, and pricing considerations.

Session 3 – Win Your Customers
Where do I sell and how do I reach an audience? This class will focus on Marketing and Product Branding. This class will provide education and tips related to winning your first customers. The class will cover online (email, social media, website, etc.) marketing as well as how to identify other sales channels.

Session 4 – Managing and Operating Your Business –
Becoming a Business Owner! This class will focus on operational considerations. We will cover shipping and fulfillment considerations, POS systems, and customer service challenges.