Membership Engagement Levels
The Lewis Innovation Hub is able to assist two groups of entrepreneurs. For early-stage entrepreneurs with an idea, we can assist in taking your business idea to the next step. Whether that is developing a business plan or working on a prototype, the Lewis Innovation Hub wants to help future entrepreneurs find the time to put these thoughts into action.
For entrepreneurs who are currently in business, our goal with the Incubation Program is to provide member companies with the resources they need — access to seed capital, mentors, potential partners, a collaborative community, et cetera — to transform their big idea into a big deal, as quickly as possible. The Lewis Innovation Hub is unique as it provides C-Level Advisors (who are also faculty) with customized expert advice, guidance, and assistance in everything from management and marketing to legal and financial issues, and more.
Level 1: Pre-Incubation
As the name implies, this is the entry level for an individual or a team who have no prior experience building start-ups using the lean start-up approach. Entrepreneurs who choose this level are typically start-ups at the ideation or conception phase. An individual or a team at this level can enter the co-working space where they can participate in coaching, workshops, and networking.
Our coaching/workshop objectives at this level are to help start-ups:
- Find the problem worth solving and formulate viable business models (problem/solution fit) for their proposed product/service.
- Research market and competition.
- Develop their business acumen.
- Build balanced teams.
- Get a sense of commit and willingness to continue with their start-up development.
Level 2: Incubation
This level is for individuals or teams who have the ability to demonstrate their concept or idea using the lean start-up worksheet but need assistance getting started. Once accepted, the individuals or teams enter into a two-year intense business incubation program.
Our coaching/workshop objectives for year 1 is to help start-ups:
- Build and refine their better product or service
- Legalize the business with licenses, insurance, etc.
- Attain clear market validation or product/market fit
- Customer discovery/sales
- Develop powerful messaging and content marketing
- Establish clear milestones for growth
- Connect to funding and other resources need to grow the start-up
Once the business is established, year 2 will typically focus on scaling the business. After the two-year program is complete the business then may graduate (move-on) from the program if they are ready or request to stay an additional year.
Our coaching objectives for year 2 help businesses:
- Attain business development and sales traction
- Get investment ready
- Hire employees
- Connect businesses to funding and other resources they need to grow
Alumni
Established businesses who complete either program are our alumni. Businesses at this level are established and have completed one or both of the incubation programs. Individuals or teams at this level have attained stability and ready to move out of the incubator into the local community. Businesses who graduate will have a number of services offered to them as well as local and regional municipal funding incentives.
Interested?
Set an Appointment now for a more in-depth discussion of your needs. For other concerns, you can reach us at 800-897-9000 for assistance.