The Education Series: For Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses

Curriculum Schedule

The series focuses on providing the tools and skills needed to start and run a successful business.

Designing Your Business Model

Saturday, February 7, 2026

Joy Fairbanks

• What are the nine key components of a Business Model Canvas?
• How do I craft a compelling Value Proposition?
• Who are my Customer Segments and how do I identify them?
• What should I include in my Cost Structure?
• Which Channels are most effective for reaching my customers?
• How do I develop a sustainable Revenue Model?

All Things Accounting & Elevator Pitch Practice

Saturday, February 14, 2026

Sabrina Landa

• Financial Literacy
• Basic accounting principles
• Types of accounting platforms
• Financial statements

Marketing Essentials & Social Media Strategy

Saturday, February 21, 2026

Christine Kang

• Who are my target customers?
• How do I reach them?
• What channels do I use to reach them?
• How do I price my products/services?
• The 4 P’s (promotion, place, price, product)

Aleks Lason

• What digital marketing strategies can I use to increase my reach?
• How do I effectively target my audience online?
• Which social media platforms are best for my business?
• What are the best practices for each social media platform?

Understanding Finance

Saturday, February 28, 2026

David Ochi

• Finance basics for business owners
• Traditional types of funding opportunities
• Non-traditional types of funding opportunities

Building Your Strategic Plan & PitchFest Prep

Saturday, March 7, 2026

Kenji Klein

• How to set and prioritize achievable 1-to-5-year goals
• Strategies for acquiring and retaining valuable partners and customers
• Techniques to build resilience against economic shocks (e.g., pandemics, recessions)
• Methods for effective decision-making in uncertain business environments
• Best practices for maintaining a stable and healthy cash flow
• Tools for scenario planning and risk management

Where to Locate Your Business & How to Negotiate Your Lease

Saturday, March 14, 2026

Austin Metoyer & Karie Armstrong

• Appropriately zoned site for your business
• Foot traffic and parking requirements
• Office specific requirements / suggestions
• Retail specific requirements / suggestions
• Restaurant specific requirements / suggestions
• Putting it all together
• Understand lease options
• Do I need a broker?
• Who pays for tenant improvements?
• What can I negotiate?
• Research the area prior to lease negotiations

Pitch Practice & Networking Like a Pro

Saturday, March 21, 2026

Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship & Emmanuel Rivera

• Practice for PitchFest on March 28, 2026
• Basics and importance of networking
• How to use your natural surroundings to practice networking

PitchFest

Saturday, March 28, 2026

• Pitch your existing DTLB business or future DTLB concept for the opportunity to win capital.

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