Do you have a business idea but don't know how to bring it to life? Join us and test it worry-free with mentorship support! If you recognize a problem that needs a market solution but don't know where to start, come and get the tools that will set you in motion! Whether you're afraid to begin or have already started but haven't succeeded, take courage with interesting conversations and entrepreneurs who are just starting out too! If you currently don't have an idea but are curious and enthusiastic about entrepreneurship, join one of the teams and connect with new people and knowledge! Are you thinking about career change and starting your own entrepreneurial venture? This is the perfect opportunity for YOU!
Public call for a two-day innovation challenge ‘Bijeljina Start-Up Drill 2022’
Introduction
BIJELJINA START-UP DRILL 2022 means learning, teamwork, and mentorship! It is open to everyone – students, employed, unemployed – with a business idea.
Perhaps you’ve heard of the Lean Startup methodology based on the Build-Measure-Learn principle, famously initiated by Eric Ries. Do you know how to apply it? Why are program hypotheses important and how to precisely define them? Do you know who your early customers are, why they’re crucial, and how to find them? Have you heard about the customer development methodology? Do you know how to manage the customer development process? What’s the difference between qualitative and quantitative customer experiments, and how to measure their success? How can you distinguish between accurate and inaccurate user interviews, and why is it crucial? Is the product you’ve developed in the last 6 months an MVP (Minimum Viable Product)? Is it better to use the Concierge or Wizard of Oz method?
After 24 hours of the START-UP DRILL, you’ll know the answers to the following questions:
· Where to start testing my business idea?
· How to apply the Lean Startup methodology to reduce the risk of our idea?
· Do I know who my early customers are, why they’re important, and how to find them?
· How can I determine if there is a market for my idea?
The main value each participant must gain is learning how to test ideas and align their products with customer expectations to achieve product/market fit as the ultimate goal.
Training will be conducted by representatives of the innovation agency Lean Startup Croatia in collaboration with the Section for Local Economic Development and European Integration of the City of Bijeljina.
Lean Startup Croatia sees its mission in encouraging and empowering new ideas through the development of innovation, entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurial knowledge, which form the foundation of a healthy economy.
Description of trainings
During the START-UP DRILL, you work in a team composed of individuals who may not necessarily know each other beforehand and who bring different perspectives and experiences. Together with them, you work on validating the problem, and on this journey, everyone learns together—with mentorship support! Teams are formed around the problems presented at the beginning of the event. If a sufficiently large team doesn’t gather around your presentation, you’ll have the opportunity to join another team.
To participate in the START-UP DRILL, you don’t need any prior experience or knowledge; we will provide you with all the basics from the very first minute!
Participation in the START-UP DRILL is free, and the venue is the Innovation Centre for Sustainable Development – InCOR, address: Filipa Višnjića (above the Garden café) in Bijeljina.
Who is eligible to apply?
• Adults – students, employed, unemployed – it is essential to have a business idea.
Participants will receive a certificate of participation in the ‘BIJELJINA START-UP DRILL 2022.’
Due to the limited number of spots (30), priority will be given to the first thirty candidates who apply.
How to apply?
Applications are to be submitted electronically only no later than 31 August 2022 (Wednesday) at 12:00. The application form is available at the following link: https://forms.gle/31Mdr1Q3JwQgKVNeA
After the application period expires, applicants will be informed about the results.
Where can I get more information?
More information can be obtained at the Section for Local Economic Development and European Integration of the Bijeljina City Administration, located at Karađorđeva 4, offices number 15 and 17, by phone at +387 (0)55 233 169 and 233 159 or via email at bijeljina.development@gmail.com.
