On March 15, 2011 LEDA will host 1stGear— the inaugural session of the Opportunity Machine (OM) and the Louisiana Small Business Development Center's (LSBDC) collaborative series of seminars designed for technology start-ups, spin-offs, and the development of new service lines. The session will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at LEDA, 211 East Devalcourt Street in Lafayette, LA.
The 1stGear "business boot camp” will focus on teaching attendees how to develop a robust and functional business plan optimized to facilitate the growth and success of their company. Attendees will learn methods for effective business planning such as research, industry analysis, positioning for target markets, risk assessment, and putting their business plan to use. They will also receive a copy of one of the most practical resources on the topic, Successful Business Plan: Secrets and Strategies by Rhonda Abrams. This book is frequently cited as one of the leading texts on the subject. Q&A sessions and group exercises will be interspersed among the presentations. At the end of the day there will be a discussion of future Opportunity Machine events.
"This series is an in-depth look at starting and growing the kinds of companies that form a new facet of our economy,” says Mark Galyean, LSBDC Director. "Louisiana entrepreneurs have a history of creating high-tech, high-growth companies, and this program will help today's entrepreneurs continue that tradition by exploring how to ensure a better chance of success for their vision right here in Acadiana.”
"Lafayette has in place leading-edge technology infrastructure that allows individuals and companies with creative ideas to thrive in the digital economy. However, even in today's digital world, successful entrepreneurship requires a special set of knowledge, tools and personal character,” says Dr. Joby John, Dean of the UL Lafayette Moody College of Business Administration. "These boot camps will help participants understand what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur and what Lafayette has to offer to an emerging business.”
1stGear costs $70 per person. This provides participants with the Opportunity Machine's GearBox, a business development resources kit, and the hands-on feedback of seasoned executives. A flash drive loaded with the speakers' presentations is also available to participants who provide feedback for the development of future sessions. Space is limited so preregistration is required; payments may be made in advance or upon arrival. Lunch will be provided. For more information, or to pre-register for 1stGear, please contact the Louisiana Small Business Development Center by calling (337) 262-5344, by emailing lsbdc.ull@lsbdc.org, or by visiting http://www.acadianasmallbiz.com/.
The Opportunity Machine is a business accelerator whose goal is to encourage the creation of innovative businesses and related jobs in Acadiana through start-ups, growth of existing firms, and the recruitment of technology-intensive companies. OM is a partnership between the Lafayette Economic Development Authority, the Louisiana Immersive Technologies Enterprise, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, and the Louisiana Small Business Development Center.
