​Every successful startup begins with a clear blueprint for how it creates, that’s where the business model comes in.

​A business model describes the rationale of how an organization creates, delivers, and captures value. It serves as a foundational document for detailing a startup company and is often required to access both debt and equity capital. In this workshop, we’ll break down the key components of a business model (and its short-form version, the Business Model Canvas) and explore how it can be used to highlight value creation while identifying risks and assumptions in your business. By the end of the session, all participants will have begun (or refined!) their own business model canvas to help chart a stronger path forward.

​Led by Michelle Cote

​Michelle Cote is a Lead Instructor at CCEI, as well as Director of Launc[H], an innovation ecosystem in Hartford. At CCEI, Michelle teaches courses that help students and faculty build skills critical for entrepreneurship and innovation, and supports them in forming and bringing new ventures to market.

​​Through Launc[H], Michelle leads the design and development of initiatives that help to make Hartford a visible and vibrant hub of entrepreneurship and innovation. Working together with anchor institutions and other community partners, Michelle has helped to seed and support several key accelerator and incubator programs, including: Hartford InsurTech Hub, Digital HealthCT, and Nassau Re/Imagine. Launc[H] also provides entrepreneurs with critical connectivity to business growth resources across the Hartford region.

​About Traction Workshops

​Twelve workshops will be offered each academic year to support entrepreneurs at various stages of building a business idea. These workshops are open to all UConn students, and are led by experienced entrepreneurs, CCEI instructors, and UConn faculty. Learn more about the program at ccei.uconn.edu/traction.