Eps Unit 1
Eps Unit 1
CONTENT
• Unit I: Overview, Idea Generation /
Evaluation:
• Startups and businesses,
• Types & stages of start-up,
• Idea generation strategies,
• Startup life cycle,
• Boot-strap financing,
• angels/VCs – elevator pitch,
• incubators and, business accelerators,
• entrepreneur’s mindset,
• General environment Analysis for
identifying opportunities.
Businessman Entrepreneur
Business Definition
• Business refers to an enterprising entity or
organization that carries out professional
activities. They can be commercial, industrial,
or others.
• For-profit business & non-profit
• Business ownership includes partnerships,
sole proprietorships, corporations, etc.
• Businesses can be small-scale or large-scale.
• Some of the biggest businesses in the world
are Amazon and Walmart.
What Is a Startup?
• Stages of operations
• Founded by one or more entrepreneurs
• Develops a product or service for which they
believe there is demand.
• Generally start with high costs and limited
revenue
• Founders normally finance their startups and
may attempt to attract outside
investment before they get off the ground.
• Sources include family and friends, venture
capitalists, crowdfunding, and loans.
• Startups must also consider where they'll do
business and their legal structure.
Key traits of entrepreneurs
• Passion: Entrepreneurs are often driven by a deep passion for
their business or idea. This passion fuels their perseverance
and dedication, helping them overcome obstacles and stay
motivated.
Risk-Taking:
- Embracing Failure : Viewing failure as a learning opportunity rather than a setback helps entrepreneurs take
bold steps and innovate without fear.
- Experimentation : They frequently experiment with new ideas and approaches, accepting that not all will
succeed but each will provide valuable insights.
Creativity and Innovation
2. Leveraging External Influences
Networking:
- Collaborations : Working with diverse teams and networking with other professionals can spark
new ideas through shared experiences and knowledge.
- Mentorship : Seeking guidance from experienced mentors can provide new perspectives and
insights that foster creativity.
Market Insights:
- Customer Feedback : Engaging with customers to understand their needs and pain points can
lead to innovative solutions tailored to market demands.
- Competitive Analysis : Analyzing competitors' strengths and weaknesses can inspire new
approaches and highlight opportunities for differentiation.
Creativity and Innovation
3. Implementing Practical Strategies
Structured Creativity:
- Brainstorming Sessions : Regular brainstorming sessions, both
individual and team-based, can generate a wealth of ideas.
Mind Mapping : Visual tools like mind maps help in organizing thoughts
and exploring connections between ideas.
Innovation Processes:
- Design Thinking : This user-centric approach involves empathy, ideation,
prototyping, and testing to develop innovative solutions that meet users'
needs.
- Lean Startup Methodology : Focusing on building a minimum viable
product (MVP), testing it in the market, and iterating based on feedback
allows for rapid innovation and development.
Creativity and Innovation
4. Creating an Innovative
Environment
Culture of Innovation:
- Encouraging Creativity : Creating a work
culture that encourages and rewards creativity
helps foster an innovative mindset among team
members.
- Flexible Workspaces : Designing
workspaces that promote collaboration and
spontaneous idea sharing can enhance creative
thinking.
Creativity and Innovation
4. Creating an Innovative
Environment
Resource Allocation:
- Investment in R&D : Allocating resources
to research and development enables continuous
innovation and improvement of products and
services.
- Technology and Tools : Utilizing the latest
technologies and tools can streamline processes
and inspire new ways of solving problems.
Creativity and Innovation
5. Personal Development and Self-Care
4. Networking: Building a
strong network of peers,
advisors, and industry experts
can provide support and insights.
This network can offer different
perspectives on risk and how to
handle it.
Entrepreneurs develop risk-taking ability through
• Mutual Respect:
o Acknowledge and appreciate their contributions
to your business success.
• Timely Payments:.
o Negotiate fair terms and conditions that benefit both parties.
Competitors
• Healthy Competition:
o Focus on improving your own products and services rather
than undermining competitors.
• Market Insights:
o Learn from your competitors by observing their strategies
and customer interactions.
• Community Engagement:
o Engage in community development and social
responsibility initiatives.