The program includes two weekly sessions led by multiple trainers utilising a state-of-the-art curriculum. Participants will gain hands-on experience and be introduced to various tools and techniques to enhance their skills and help them run their businesses effectively. Additionally, this program aims to support the expansion of their entrepreneurial journey.
This program is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs as well as established enterprises that are eager to innovate.
Level: C
Duration: 8 Weeks
Starting: 29 June 2025
Location: The Foundation Hub, Culture Factory, Slemani
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Program Syllabus
Format: 8 Weeks – 16 Sessions (2 per week, 2 hours each)
Target Audience: Aspiring Entrepreneurs, Startups, SMEs
Outcome: Participants will develop and pitch an investment-ready solution to a real-world problem
Week 1: Discovering Problems & Opportunities
Session 1 – Problem Discovery
Exercise: Identify 10 real-world problems (per group)
Fieldwork: Evaluate 1–2 existing products/services
Tools: Problem-Solution Mapping, Space saturation, 5 Whys, Jobs-To-Be-Done
Session 2 – Idea Generation
Exercise: Brainstorm possible solutions for identified problems
Tools: Crazy 8s, SCAMPER, "How Might We" Statements
Week 2: Filtering & Researching Ideas
Session 3 – Prioritizing Ideas
Exercise: Select 10 high-potential ideas
Tools: NUF Test, RICE Scoring
Session 4 – Initial Research
Exercise: Market research for selected ideas
Output: Short research briefs per idea
Week 3: Choosing a Path
Session 5 – Idea Selection
Exercise: Choose 1–2 ideas to develop
Output: Team presentation and rationale
Session 6 – Understanding the Customer
Exercise: Customer Segmentation, Empathy Interviews, Personas, Journey Map
Tools: Empathy Map, Persona Canvas, Value Proposition Canvas, Customer Journey Mapping
Week 4: Validating the Value
Session 7 – Co-Creation & Value Proposition
Exercise: Validate Value Proposition with 5+ users
Output: Validated Value Proposition Canvas
Note: Introduce "Pivoting" mindset based on user feedback
Session 8 – Building the Business Model
Exercise: Draft Business Model Canvas (BMC)
Tools: BMC Template, Peer Review
Week 5: Testing & Building
Session 9 – MVP & Prototyping
Exercise: Create low-fidelity MVP/prototype
Tools: Paper Prototype, Miro, Canva
Session 10 – Competitor & Pricing Strategy
Exercise: Conduct competitor scan
Select pricing & revenue models
Tools: SWOT, Pricing Canvas
Week 6: Making It Real
Session 11 – Financial Feasibility
Exercise: Draft 3-month cash flow plan
Tools: Budget Template, Google Sheets
Session 12 – Legal Foundations
Exercise: Legal research & registration checklist
Output: Compliance & Legal Overview
Week 7: Story & Selling
Session 13 – Branding & Marketing
Exercise: Define brand identity & founder story
Output: Brand board + narrative
Session 14 – Sales Strategy
Exercise: Create basic sales funnel and outreach plan
Tools: AIDA, Sales Funnel Canvas
Week 8: Feedback & Pitch
Session 15 – Customer Feedback & Iteration
Exercise: Test MVP again, integrate feedback
Tools: NPS Survey, Feedback Loops
Mindset: Discuss Iteration and Pivoting again
Session 16 – Final Pitch & Implementation Plan
Deliverable: 3-minute pitch + portfolio:
BMC, MVP, Financial Plan, Brand Story, Sales Strategy, KPIs, Legal Readiness
Implementation Plan (next 90 days roadmap)
Feedback from mentors/investors