Topic outline

  • What will you learn

    - Business Model Canvas (Mapping Creative Ideas, Concept Development and Testing)

    - Various design issues to consider during your entrepreneur's trip (Sign User Centric Products, 

    - Operational foundations of a tech start-up

    - Navigating the legal Landscape for start-ups

    - Sales and Marketing 

    - Accounting and Tax for start-ups in Cyprus

    - Funding and Investors Tips for Start-ups

  • Business Model Canvas

    • This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the Business Model Canvas (BMC) methodology. Participants will learn how to effectively utilize the BMC tool to map out and visualize innovative business ideas. 

      Through an interactive session, practical examples, and guidance attendees will learn how to map out and analyze key components of a business model, including value proposition, customer segments, channels, revenue streams, and more. By the end of the session, participants will have acquired valuable skills in the use of BMC and be equipped to transform their creative ideas into actionable plans for success.

    • This session builds on the previous session on BMC. Participants will learn how to articulate their business ideas effectively and how to turn their business model canvas into a concise and compelling concept statement. They will also be taught about the essential techniques for evaluating the feasibility and desirability of business concepts. Through a combination of theoretical learning and practical application, learners will explore various techniques for gathering feedback and evaluating concepts. By the end of the session, participants will have acquired the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of concept development and validation.

    • PDF version of Power Point Presentation used in video 

      FFSF24 - S3 Concept Development and Testing

  • Sustainable Economy

    • As European and global economy navigates a landscape shaped by ever-evolving laws, market demands, and sustainability imperatives, the pressure on businesses and especially start-ups to adapt has never been greater. New regulations such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the EU Taxonomy, and the Green Claims Directive, coupled with market push and shifting market dynamics, underscore the urgent need for proactive sustainability management strategies. 

      All these create challenges: maintaining compliance, meeting market expectations, and securing funding and investments. As laws evolve and market trends rapidly shift, it's crucial to remain at the forefront. The fast-paced nature of the green shift is challenging but creates opportunities for businesses that have the knowledge and are bold and innovative to adapt fast to the new environment and embrace sustainability as an inherent part of their development.

  • Design Thinking

  • Agile Development

  • Marketing and Sales

    • The old way of making sales is dead! In this workshop we will break free from the old ways of selling and we will engage into making a better understanding of what sales are all about in today. We are going to break things down and step by step make a clear and structured plan from scratch on the procedure of selling our services or products. How can a new entrepreneur build resilience on objections, and how to benefit from understanding the needs of our potential customers. 

       The first hour and 15 minutes will be spent on explaining the basics in sales, the fundamental truths about sales in today's world, relationship building, which is a major key in creating customer loyalty regardless of the outcome and how to overcome the fear of making cold calls for sales. Understanding the different personality types to master our skills and grow a deeper understanding on the challenges we are constantly facing while trying to accelerate sales. 

       The rest 45 minutes could be used for Q and A, but the most important part of this session will be to challenge the participants to join me in a role game and try to implement the techniques and tips explained beforehand.

    • PDF version of Power-Point presentation of Session 9

      FFSF24 S9 - Unleash Today's Way of making Sales.

    • The workshop teaches women entrepreneurs how to grow their startups organically through digital marketing, community building, and brand loyalty cultivation. It places a strong emphasis on hands-on learning throughout the entire startup marketing cycle, with a specialized focus on leveraging organic strategies such as SEO and ASO. 

       In the Customer Discovery phase, participants learn to craft narratives optimized for search engines, seamlessly weaving SEO into their brand storytelling to ensure not only problem-solving but also enhanced discoverability. The workshop transforms Testing Channels into a strategic marketing exercise, revealing secrets to optimize landing pages and messages for users and algorithms, turning each channel into a dynamic force for organic growth. Scaling takes center stage, viewed through the lens of organic marketing as a game-changer. Attendees discover how to harness the power of SEO and ASO for cost-effective customer acquisition, unraveling mysteries of content optimization and social media strategies that elevate visibility without draining budgets.

    • Trust is arguably the most important thing you’ll need, to start seeing ROIs in companies of any size. In a world where people are being fed content all day, every day, it’s important to be able to stand out from the crowd, while building the trust of potential customers. This is where UX Content Marketing comes into play. Ensure you’re effectively targeting your ideal audience - speaking their language and publishing in the places they want to see it! 

       This workshop will teach you what UX content marketing is, and how to build brand messaging that actually speaks to your audience. Don’t just create content for the sake of looking alive. Create targeted and thoughtful content that delights your audience and resonates with them. It’s all about making a connection, and building a moment - not just throwing things at a wall and seeing what sticks. This isn’t spaghetti.

  • Legal and Funding

    • In the dynamic world of startups, understanding and navigating the legal landscape is paramount for success. From inception to expansion, startups encounter many legal considerations, requiring robust legal support throughout their business lifecycle to build strong foundations. Establishing a solid legal framework early on through tasks like entity formation, founder agreements and intellectual property protection is crucial. 

      In our upcoming workshop, we will delve into the primary and most critical legal issues that founders of technology startups should consider at the outset of their entrepreneurial journey. This workshop will not only cover pivotal topics like setting up the business plan and choosing the right business structure but also extend to protecting intellectual property rights, regulating the relationship between partners/shareholders and raising capital. 

      Additionally, we will explore the essential aspect of building the right relationships through legal agreements and effectively interacting with the public. The trainer’s expertise will guide participants through these complex challenges. The workshop aims to empower startup founders by providing them with in-depth knowledge and practical strategies, enabling them to establish resilient foundations and pave the way for sustainable growth and long-term success.

    • The presentation will offer an insightful exploration into the accounting and tax considerations relevant to startups. 

      Initially, we'll highlight the importance of maintaining precise financial records and delve into key aspects of accounting, keeping accounting records, define key statements. We will additionally present the financial reporting requirements specific to Cyprus. 

       In the second part, we'll outline the various taxes applicable in Cyprus, shedding light on essential tax benefits that startups can leverage, such as the IP regime and NID deduction. 

      By the conclusion of this session, participants will have established a foundation in essential accounting and tax principles. This newfound knowledge will empower them to make well-informed financial decisions, handle their tax obligations, and establish a robust financial framework for their startup's journey.

    • Elena’s session targets startup founders and entrepreneurs involved in the early-stage startup ecosystem. It includes tips for improving pitch decks, common mistakes to avoid during pitches, and insights on investor behavior and preferences. 

      Elena will delve deeper into the art of storytelling in pitches, and share effective presentation tools and some presenting and communication tips. 

      After the session, you will understand what are some key factors that investors consider when reviewing pitch decks and how can founders increase their chances of successfully raising funds during the pre-seed stage.