Focus Your New Business Vision with The Business Model Canvas - 11/27/18 

With this workshop you will use the Business Model Canvas to:

• Overcome your fear of business planning
• Validate your concept
• Visualize your strategy on one page
• Identify & understand your target customers
• Determine your value proposition
• Assess economic viability
• Test for success
• Use the Canvas as the precursor to a full business plan or a stand-alone guide

The Business Model Canvas, created by Alexander Osterwalder, Strategyzer.com, is widely used worldwide by businesses large and small.  The Canvas is a strategic management and start up template for developing new or documenting existing business models.  It is a visual chart with elements describing a firm’s or product’s value proposition, infrastructure, customers and finances.

In this 3-hour workshop you will learn how to use the Business Model Canvas and test your understanding with a case study.  You will brainstorm your ideas with the group, and you will leave with a good start on your own Canvas.

WORKSHOP PRESENTER BIO: 

Mariann Zylstra spent two decades as a commercial banker and financial services executive, helping businesses of all sizes in structuring optimal financing packages, budgeting, forecasting and managing cash flow.  She has served businesses in a wide variety of industries as a trusted advisor on multiple business issues, with the last 10 years spent in an executive role leading sales teams with profit center management responsibilities.  She has also served as Executive Director for two nonprofit organizations as well as serving on multiple nonprofit boards.  Over the years, Mariann has read and provided feedback on dozens of lengthy business plans, and she was delighted to discover the Business Model Canvas, a one-page business concept validation tool.  Mariann has an MBA from Indiana University.