Startup Fundamentals Online Workshops
What: Startup Fundamentals Workshops are offered in collaboration with the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship at the Robert H. Smith School of Business and Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute at the Clark School of Engineering. All sessions are offered virtually via Zoom platform and many (but not all) are recorded and are available on our StartupUMD YouTube Channel.
Place: All sessions are offered virtually via Zoom platform. Please see schedule for registration details.
Subscribe to our newsletter: Please join our mail list to receive announcements about upcoming workshops, events, funding opportunities, and other news of interest to entrepreneurial faculty.
May 2024 Online Workshop Schedule
I-Corps Info Session
I-Corps Info Sessions are an informal opportunity to meet the University of Maryland I-Corps team and ask questions related to Business Model Generation, Customer Discovery, and Regional I-Corps programs, as well as NSF National I-Corps programs. They are offered monthly and are casual so feel free to bring lunch.
Wednesday, May 1 | 12:00-1:00 PM
Startup Guide for UMD Faculty and Graduate Students
The University of Maryland and the State of Maryland have an abundance of resources for aspiring entrepreneurs. This workshop will provide an overview of the resources and programs, and a suggested path to navigate them in the most efficient way. The workshop is designed specifically for faculty and graduate student startups based on university innovations.
When: Wednesday, May 8 | 9:00-10:00 AM
Presenter: Alla McCoy, Director, Startup Support, UM Ventures
Funding Sources for the University of Maryland Startups
The University of Maryland offers access to over $1 million in funding to startups founded to develop University innovations into products or services benefitting the public. Find out details about funding programs to validate technology, form your startup, enhance R&D and other. We will also discuss some startup opportunities available to any state of Maryland-based startups, or University System of Maryland affiliated startups.
When: Friday, May 10 | 12:00-1:00 PM
Presenter: Alla McCoy, Director, Startup Support, UM Ventures
Franchising 101: Unlocking the Essentials, Legal Know-How, and Commercial Strategies
Join us for "Franchising 101," an online workshop designed to demystify the world of franchising. In this informative session, we've gathered a panel of experts including Terp Alumni franchise owners, a seasoned franchise attorney, and a successful commercial developer. Our session will cover topics such as:
1. Franchising Essentials: Gain a comprehensive understanding of franchising, including key terms, acquisition timelines, and fundamental business concepts.
2. Hear from Franchise Owners: Get invaluable insights from Terp Alumni franchise owners who will share their personal journeys, from their prior professional experiences to the franchise acquisition process and their current business environments.
3. Legal Insights: Our franchise attorney will provide an overview of essential documents such as the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and Franchise Agreement, ensuring you're well-prepared for legal aspects.
4. Commercial Development Best Practices: Learn from a seasoned commercial developer about their experiences in the business environment and gain access to industry best practices.
5. Interactive Discussion: Engage with our panelists during a Q&A session, where you can ask your burning questions and receive expert advice.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from industry insiders and equip yourself with the knowledge needed to succeed in the franchising world. Whether you're considering franchise ownership, legal intricacies, or commercial development, this workshop has you covered. Register now to secure your spot and take the first step towards franchising success!
Monday, May 13, 12:00-1:30 PM
Presenters:
Hallie Williams, Founder and CEO, Right Next Door
Luke Watson, CEO, Timber Pizza (franchisor)
John Bates, College Hunks of Annapolis (franchise owner)
Carlos White, Franchise Attorney, Lathrop GMP
Sonya Williams, Managing Partner, JS Greenleaf Partnership LLC
Founders Equity: How to Divide it Fairly and Keep Your Company Attractive for Investors
Are you a startup founder grappling with the challenge of fairly dividing equity in your company? Join us for an insightful webinar where we'll explore key considerations and best practices for equitable equity distribution. Doug Humphrey, seasoned entrepreneur and angel investor, will share valuable insights to help you navigate this critical decision-making process.
Webinar Highlights:
- Understanding the Dilemma:Learn why founders often find themselves torn between competing interests when it comes to equity allocation.
- Factors at Play: Discover the various factors that influence equity division, including contributions, roles, and future growth prospects.
- Avoiding Pitfalls: Uncover common mistakes that founders make and their potential consequences.
- Investor Perspective: Understand how equity distribution impacts investor perception and attractiveness.
When: Thursday, May 16 | 12:00-1:00 PM
Presenter: Doug Humphrey, Entrepreneur in Residence, University of Maryland
Cooking Up Success: Launching Your Food Business
Ready to take your food business idea from the kitchen to the market? In this interactive webinar, we’ll explore what is needed to launch your food business: assets and skills required, licensing and regulatory requirements, cost control, and financial considerations specific to food entrepreneurs.
When: Thursday, May 23 |12-00-1:00 PM
Presenter: Eric McCoy, MBA, MS, chef and food entrepreneur turned culinary arts instructor at the Howard Community College.
Legal Essentials for Small Businesses
Whether you're just starting out or looking to shore up your legal know-how, this session is designed to arm you with the critical legal insights every small business owner needs to navigate the complexities of today's business world. Greg Tinch, Esq., will break down the complexities of the legal landscape, and as a bonus, he will answer your burning intellectual property questions. So come, join the conversation, and get empowered.
When: Tuesday, May 28 | 12:00-1:00 PM
Presenter: Greg Tinch, Esq., Owner and Principal, Tinch Law Firm, P.C., an intellectual property boutique helping founders and small business protect ideas and brands since 2018.
Fundraising for Startup Founders: Strategies for Success
New startup founders often make mistakes when raising money for their venture. We invited an experienced investor to demystify essential strategies for successful fundraising. We’ll delve into critical topics, including optimal timing for engaging investors, constructing a robust investor pipeline, and executing effective outreach techniques. By establishing a solid foundation, you’ll be better prepared for a successful fundraising campaign.
When: Thursday, May 30 | 3:30-4:30 PM
Presenter: Mike Ravenscroft, Managing Director, Maryland Momentum Fund, University System of Maryland.
Watch videos of previous workshops on our YouTube channel.
