What is the solution (product or service) your business or proposed business offers to solve the problem you described above? What evidence can you provide, if any?
How would you describe your target customer? Be as specific as possible. You may have multiple customer segments that you are serving. If this is the case, provide detailed descriptions for each customer segment.
What is your value proposition? For example, "We help _____________ (target customer description) solve ____________ (describe customer problem) through _______________ (describe your product/service/solution).
How do you currently reach, or intend to reach, your target customers (channels)? Do you think this is the best way to reach your customer, or have you learned by speaking with your customers (if you have any) that this channel is their preferred method for establishing contact with your business? Examples of channels may include physical location, i.e. retail store, online, through a distributor, etc.
How do you acquire, or think you will acquire, new customers (i.e. word of mouth, advertising, etc)? What type of relationship does each customer segment expect from you? What evidence, if any, can you provide to support the information you are providing?
What are some of the key on-going activities you engage in while running or starting your business? What sorts of things (key performance metrics - kpi's) do you track, or anticipate tracking, on a regular basis to hold yourself and your team accountable?
What resources do you need, or anticipate needing, to deliver your value proposition (solution/product/service) to your customers? In addition, what resources are needed to generate revenue (sales)? What resources are needed to reach your customers? What resources are needed to operate your business?
Who are your key partners (this is not referring to business partners)? Key partners may include mentors, suppliers, government entities, etc. Why do you need these partners?
Who is your competition? How much research have you done on the competition in the market space you are focused on?
What is the problem that your business or business, or idea for a business solves? What evidence can you provide that would help to support your belief that the problem you are solving (or plan to solve) is a "real" problem? For example, "I have surveyed or spoken to hundreds of people that I think are the target customer, and X% have confirmed that the problem I am solving is a serious problem for them."
How does your business or anticipated business generate revenue?
If you are a non-profit, how do you fund your business?
Please describe your social entrepreneurship focus.
Why is this social issue important to you?
What is your website address i.e. http://www.xyx.com?
Do you have a video that explains your business? If so, please provide the link to that video.
What is/was your program of study?
If you are planning to transition out of the military, please give the approximate date that you plan to begin your transition.
First Name *
Last Name *
Street Address *
City *
State *
Zip Code *
Email Address *
Phone *
What is today's date? (MM/DD/YYYY) *
How did you learn about Operation Startup? *
If you have not yet started a business, what would you anticipate the name of your business to be?
If you currently own a business, what is the name of your business?
How can we best help you achieve your entrepreneurial goals? *
If you have formed a legal business entity described in the question above, why did you choose that option?
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