These inspiring stories demonstrate the transformative power of the OI!+WEDC Inclusive Accelerator. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur with a new idea or looking to refine your existing business model, this program teaches you to create your own roadmap, while reducing risk, and building a robust network. Join us and take the next step towards realizing your entrepreneurial dreams.
Join the Journey: Ideation Bootcamp for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Jennifer Robert
“My utmost gratitude for the impact Ossining Innovates! has made on me and my growing desire to become a business leader. Ossining Innovates! has not only provided me with knowledge and skills but has also fostered a sense of community and collaboration. This experience has been truly transformative.”
Have you ever dreamed of starting your own business but felt overwhelmed by where to begin?
The Ideation Bootcamp will include:
- Introduction to the IDEATE Method: Learn a structured approach to generating and evaluating business ideas.
- Problem Identification: Master the skill of distinguishing between symptoms and root causes to define and articulate problems effectively.
- Idea Generation: Use the IDEATE Box to capture and assess ideas through the Discover, Enhance, and Anticipate lenses.
- Evaluating Opportunities: Understand how to size the market opportunity, build value for multiple parties, and identify key stakeholders who will buy, use, and benefit from your ideas.
Testimonials from Past Participants:
“Ideation Bootcamp was an exciting and eye-opening experience. Having experts such as Abby and Henry guiding me through the process of identifying an idea for a business has been a privilege. They kept me on my toes throughout the entire process, providing quality feedback and suggestions on how to proceed whenever I got stuck. This is a great program to get your ‘feet wet’ before you embark on a lifelong journey of creating your own business.” – Adrian Valiejo, Taken Online: Jan. 2023
“The collaborative workshop environment offered by the IDEATE Bootcamp is a great way to develop the skillset needed to identify an idea that you might bring to fruition. I learned how to ask the right questions and use my creativity in new ways, and it was a privilege to get to learn from such skilled and experienced facilitators. I highly recommend everyone benefit from this unique course!” – Daniel Blake, Taken Online: Jan. 2023
“I did the IDEATE class last summer as an opportunity to explore an idea I had to advance healthcare for seniors. How to put your ideas on paper and to explore all the possibilities … one idea that could continue to generate new thoughts for new businesses. The team was incredibly supportive; they provide you with the tools you need. If you have an idea, any idea that you’ve been tossing around, take the class … I left very impressed.” – Wendy Marrero, Hybrid: August 2023
Next Bootcamp is Hybrid!
Returning to the Ossining Riverworks Coworking Space! The next Ideate Bootcamp will be held on July 20 from 10a-5p in person and August 7, 6-9pm via zoom.
Join Us at the next Ideation Bootcamp
Whether you have a fledgling idea or are seeking inspiration to start a new venture, the Ideation Bootcamp provides the guidance, tools, and community support to help you succeed. Don't let uncertainty hold you back—take the first step towards your entrepreneurial dreams today!
Register Now
Let’s innovate and create together!
The Power of Focus: Insights from Cal Newport's "Deep Work"
We have launched a Business Book Club! A community dedicated to reading and drawing actionable insights from highly regarded books in the business world. Each month, we dive into a new title, exploring its key concepts and discussing how to apply them to our professional lives. This month, we delved into Cal Newport's book, "Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World."
Unlock Your Entrepreneurial Potential with Our Ideation Bootcamp
Are You Ready to Unleash Your Inner Entrepreneur?
Starting a business can seem daunting, but what if you had a roadmap to guide you through the process of generating and evaluating business ideas? That's exactly what our Ideation Bootcamp offers. This 10-hour program, designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, combines hands-on activities, expert guidance, and a supportive community atmosphere to help you turn your ideas into potential businesses.
What is Ideation?
Ideation is the creative process of generating, developing, and communicating new ideas. It's the first step in the entrepreneurial journey, where you brainstorm solutions to problems and identify opportunities in the market. At our Ideation Bootcamp, we will introduce you to the IDEATE Method, a structured approach to finding and evaluating business ideas. You'll learn how to notice and document problems, define and refine them, and brainstorm solutions that people are willing to pay for.
What does our Ideation Bootcamp offer?
Structured Learning: Our program is designed to guide you through the ideation process step-by-step. From understanding what makes a successful business idea to capturing and evaluating your ideas using the IDEATE Box, you'll gain the tools and frameworks needed to think like an entrepreneur.
Hands-On Experience: During the in-person session on July 20, you'll engage in interactive exercises that bring theory to life. Working individually and in groups, you'll develop and refine your business ideas, receive feedback, and learn from the experiences of others.
Ongoing Support: The learning doesn't stop after the in-person session. On August 7, we reconvene for a virtual class where you can share your progress, get additional insights, and continue to refine your ideas. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to create an Idea Board and receive personalized feedback from our team.
What We’ll Cover:
1. Introduction to the IDEATE Method
- Structured approach to generating and evaluating business ideas.
2. Problem Identification
- Distinguish between symptoms and root causes.
- Define and articulate problems effectively.
3. Idea Generation
- Use the IDEATE Box to capture and evaluate ideas.
- Apply the Discover, Enhance, and Anticipate lenses.
4. Evaluating Opportunities
- Size the market opportunity.
- Build value for multiple parties.
- Identify who buys, who uses, and who benefits from your ideas.
Includes:
- Workbook and Materials
- Interactive Exercises
- Share and develop ideas together.
- Real-time feedback and idea refinement.
- Create an Idea Board for your top idea.
- Network with aspiring entrepreneurs.
Why Attend?
- Develop Essential Entrepreneurial Skills
- Identify and solve real problems.
- Generate innovative and sustainable business ideas.
- Structured Learning and Practical Application
- Step-by-step guidance.
- Practical exercises to apply concepts.
- Supportive Environment
- Encouragement to take risks and be creative.
- Constructive feedback from peers and mentors.
When:
- Comprehensive 10-Hour Program
- 7 Hour In-Person Session
- Location: Riverworks Ossining
- Date: July 20
- Time: 10 AM - 5 PM
- 3 Hour Virtual Follow-Up - Zoom
- Date: August 7
- Time: 6 PM - 9 PM
Ready to Turn Your Ideas into Reality?
Register Now for Ideation Bootcamp
- Sign Up Today!
- Visit our website: Ossininginnovates.com
- Contact us: ossininginnovates@gmail.com
Join us for an exciting journey and start your entrepreneurial adventure!
What Next?
Apply for Our Accelerator Program
After completing the bootcamp, take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey!
Use Your New Skills
Apply what you’ve learned to your business, career, or community work.
Let’s innovate and create together!
Stay in Touch!
Follow Us: Facebook & Instagram
@OssinningInnovates!
Ossining Innovates! Stories: Caridad DiMiceli, Owner, Sweets by Cari
Ossining Innovates! Stories: Lana Kitcher, Owner and Consultant, LK Consultants
Ossining Innovates! Stories: Laurie Gershgorn, Chef & Owner, Good Choice Kitchen
Four Simple Entrepreneurship Tips
“Use all of your experiences to passionately fuel yourself forward”, messages from Peter Murdock, owner Cravin Jamaican, Meet the Entrepreneur Next Door, September ’17
As Peter tells the story, it all started one evening after another long drive just to pick-up jerk chicken for dinner - and it wasn’t even as good as what he made back home when he was growing up. He came home, called the family together, and announced: “I’ve got a name!” By the time he was done, his son had drawn the logo.
Peter set out to bring the food of Jamaica to his new hometown of Ossining. His goal: recreate the senses of Jamaica for Jamaicans as well as for those who’ve visited. As he built his business, he also tapped into his other passions: a love of serving people and building a positive workplace that is good for everyone.
Peter summed-up his story with four great pieces of advice:
Be passionate. Don’t be blind but be passionate about what you care about.
Create a team. Starting a business is not a one man (or woman) show. Having someone who shares your passion step in it with you makes it so much easier!
Stay optimistic. There will be lots of doubters, people who are experts at finding the negatives. Know when to ignore them!
Use mentors. Peter had four mentors, two who had succeeded and two who had not. They all openly shared their experiences / lessons learned and were a great group to bounce ideas off of. As Peter put it: “Don’t be an island by yourself.”
It doesn't hurt that Peter’s delicious food should keep everyone going back!
Peter Murdock, Cravin Jamaican, shared his story and passion for people and family
Ken Coogan's Top Ten Tips for Entrepreneurs
Captured at our September Meet the Entrepreneur Next Door event:
Play bigger than you are
You might be working out of your basement but get a proper phone, website, and e-mail account. And if you use web-conferencing, fix-up your backdrop!
Be a good listener
After every conversation, ask yourself “what did I learn about this person today?” If nothing, it wasn’t a good call.
One thing at a time
It’s hard to start a business. Really put yourself into it.
Set benchmarks for success
Track even small milestones and keep going.
Evolve with the times
Keep relevant and keep learning.
Manage your time wisely
Ask yourself what’s a value added activity and what’s not and carefully select what you do yourself and what you get others to do for you.
Invest and believe in yourself
If you believe in yourself others will too.
Live below your means and cover your overhead
Pay yourself regularly and don’t dip into proceeds just because you feel like it.
Experiment and don’t be afraid to fail
That’s how you learn and grow.
Stay contemporary
Personally understand the latest trends and what drives your customers.
Ken Coogan, CooganPartners, shares his insights