Session Format:

• 3 mentorship sessions, 3 different topics.
• 1 hour each session.
• 6 entrepreneurs and 1-2 mentors per breakout group.
• Going around the table, each entrepreneur gets 5 minutes of mentorship.

During this time, it is essential that you come prepared with specific questions based on the topic being discussed. The 5 minutes are for you to leverage the mentors in your group.

• After going through all 6 entrepreneurs (30 minutes), you will have 30 minutes of open discussion based on the session topic.

Topics and guiding questions:

Session 1: Team Building (1 hour)

• Recruiting / Firing (key) employees
• Assessing hiring needs
• Creating a company culture
• Performance tracking and incentive schemes
• Training the team
• Best practices for team collaboration
• Hiring internally vs externally
• Delegating tasks
• Time management

Session 2: Operations (1 hour)

• Business development and Partnerships
• Expanding into new markets
• Customer Service
• Fulfillment optimization
• Marketing and client acquisition techniques
• Distribution channels
• Setting up a sales structure
• Legal issues
• Picking and tracking metrics

Session 3: Raising & Managing Funds  (1 hour)

• When is the right time to raise funds.
• Who to raise funds from and how much.
• What are investors looking for.
• How to perfect the pitch.
• How to negotiate the term sheet.
• Ensuring the business running while fundraising
• Managing cash flow and keeping proper books.
• Optimizing pricing models.

ACTION ITEMS- COME PREPARED:

1. Prepare specific questions and compile the challenges you face for each of the 3 topics above.

2. Prepare a quick introduction of yourself and your business.