Discover | Platform Calgary

In the world of startups, knowing your customer is the North Star guiding your every move. Understanding their needs, pain points, and preferences is the key to creating products that resonate and flourish in the market. The Discover program is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to learn this critical aspect of entrepreneurship.

Duration: 4 Weeks (Monday Evenings)

Start Date: May 27th, 2024
End Date: June 17th, 2024

Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm (MDT)

Location: Online (Zoom)

By the end of the Discover Program, you will be well-prepared to:

• Understand core pillars of early stage startups.
• Navigate the lean(er) canvas with confidence.
• Conduct meaningful customer interviews to inform startup development.
• Identify and target early adopters.
• Perform competitive analyses to identify market positioning.
• Understand the minimum viable product (MVP).
• Build and validate the problem statement canvas.

This Program is for:

• Founders: Those who have identified a problem or have an idea for a business which utilizes technology.

• Startup Employees: Employees of an early stage startup looking to contribute to the development and growth of the company they work with.

• Students looking to launch a career in tech as a founder or employee of an early stage startup.

What to Expect

Discover is a dynamic 4-week program where you will collaborate with fellow founders and receive expert guidance from a dedicated Startup Advisor. This program is your gateway to understanding early adopters, conducting customer interviews, understanding the problem statement and analyzing competitors.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll accomplish during this transformative experience:

Week 1: Startup Basics and Customer Discovery

6-8 PM (MT) | Online

• Review the fundamentals of startups, including team dynamics and culture.
• Understand how to validate your startup idea and achieve product-market fit.
• Explore essential aspects of business models and the art of customer discovery, segmentation, and conducting impactful interviews.

Week 2: Lean(er) Canvas and Early Adopters

6-8 PM (MT) | Online

• Conduct customer discovery and reflect on your findings.
• Utilize the Lean(er) Canvas to structure your startup's vision.
• Identify early adopters and understand their key characteristics.
• Develop a compelling value proposition and establish an effective feedback loop.

Week 3: Competition and Problem

6-8 PM (MT) | Online

• Determine the process of defining your problem statement, conducting market research, and validating your identified problems.
• Gain insights into your market landscape through competitive analysis.

Week 4: Summary & Final Presentations

6-8 PM (MT) | Online

• Summarize your findings and insights from the program.
• Showcase your entrepreneurial development by sharing a Final Presentation.

When you enrol into the Discover program, you will gain hands-on experience and access to invaluable startup knowledge, resources and tools, and a supportive community of like-minded founders and trusted advisors. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your entrepreneurial journey and expand your startup knowledge base.

Reach out to programs@platformcalgary.com for more information, future cohort dates or questions about the program.

Program Disclosure:

By participating in this program, you grant Platform Calgary permission to capture photos/videos and use this content in print and/or across our various digital platforms, including our social media, newsletter and website. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact communications@platformcalgary.com.

Platform Calgary is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. Learn more about our Safe Spaces & Code of Conduct.

"I am extremely impressed and satisfied with Platform Calgary's commitment and dedication towards building a thriving startup ecosystem in Calgary. The Startup 101, Customer 101 and Discovery programs offered by them have been invaluable in providing me with the necessary knowledge, skills and resources to kick-start my entrepreneurial journey. The instructors were highly knowledgeable and supportive, and the programs have helped me gain a better understanding of the market, customers and various aspects of running a successful startup. I highly recommend Platform Calgary's programs to anyone looking to start a business in Calgary." - Jitender Singh Dahiya, Rocket Pay Private Limited