There is a lot of excitement around the upcoming 504ward and Tulane Entrepreneur Association business plan competitions. I have had many people contact me excited to enter and looking for direction with biz plans.  I think it would be really helpful for all of us in the New Orleans entrepreneurship community to have a workshop to review and strengthen the biz plans we all plan to enter in these competitions. So, let's do it!

Part 1: Business Plans 101

• Thursday, November 13th - 5:30 - 7:30 pm
• Voodoo Ventures Offices
• Learn how to write a winning business plan. Chris Schultz and other coaches will lead a group discussion and share resources about the fundamentals of a sound business plans. Learn about the sections you should cover, how to prepare financial pro-forma's, and pitfalls to avoid.
• Resources: We'll provide a list of valuable resources online to help you craft that perfect plan.
• Prepare: Come ready to give your "elevator pitch" to everyone in the room.  It doesn't have to be perfect. Just be ready to pitch.
• Bonus: Filmmaker Benjamin Reece will give a session on making a compelling video submission for 504ward.

Part 2: Workshop Your Business Plan

• Saturday, November 22nd - 9am - 12pm
• Voodoo Ventures Offices
• Workshop your plan with experts.  We will have a "speed dating" sessions with biz plan coaches who are local entrepreneurs and VC's.  You will have a session with each of them to workshop your plan, review strengths/weaknesses and get feedback on your idea.  If you have a video submission storyboarded ready, you will get the opportunity to review that with filmmaker, Ben Reece. 
• Prepare: Come ready with a draft of your executive summary or the whole plan if you've got it.  Entering a video? Bring any ideas or storyboarding.