First time founders at Mason looking to kickstart their business ideas now have a new resource to help them move the needle forward. The first of its kind, the MIX Student Innovator Mastermind, was created in Spring 2024, to assist these young entrepreneurs who seek to create and grow a business venture - but need additional support. 🚀 Picture this: a dynamic community of 10+ driven student innovators coming together to supercharge their ideas through peer-to-peer collaboration and shared wisdom. It's not just about networking; it's about unleashing the full potential of their business ideas alongside a squad of like-minded go-getters. Plus, they will get valuable entrepreneurial advice by being paired with a Mentor, and extra support from seasoned business pros, smoothing their path to success.

Mastermind groups offer a combination of brainstorming, education, peer accountability, and support to sharpen your business idea and personal skills. Members challenge each other to set strong goals, and more importantly, to accomplish them.

During the 6-weeks, the student mastermind will participate in several powerful workshops given by seasoned business professionals. Each talk is centered around a best practice, strategy, or process that is compelling, transformative, and immediately executable.

What to expect:

• • The small group of selected applicants will consist of 10+ Mason student innovator/founders and one facilitator, Lisa Shapiro, Assistant Director, and serial entrepreneur. Participants earn a Microcredential badge upon completion of the 12 week program.

  • The group meet once a week, in-person, for 1 hour on a set recurring day of the week and time, and for 12 weeks.

  • Everyone speaks. In a round robin fashion, students will each report out on wins, challenges, and needs.

  • Each week, students hear from seasoned business experts on best practices, strategy, or process that is compelling, transformative, and immediately executable.

  • Students will take turns sharing with a focus on a few for "hot seat" weekly.

  • The group comes together to provide practical advice based on each of our own business experience to help each other overcome business challenges.

  • Enjoy a level of accountability as you take action after each week.

  • Resources to develop an action plan with milestones

Fall 2024 12 WEEK COURSE OUTLINE:

Week 1: September 13 - - Kickoff, meet your mastermind, Intro Presentations, overview of mastermind logistics and goal setting for program. (Provide resource guide and documents) (1.5 hours)

Week 2: September 20 - Entrepreneurship Fundamentals: The principles of entrepreneurship, including mindset, traits, and skills required to succeed as an entrepreneur. (1.5 hours)

Week 3:  September 27 - Intro to Business Model Canvas: Intro to Customer Segment & Value Proposition (Competitor analysis intro) - (1.5 hours + Follow-up activity)

Week 4:  October 4 – Creating a legal business entity, Visa status constraints, – legal aspects – Timm Johnson, Mason SBDC (1.5 hours + Follow-up activity)

Week 5:  October 11 – Customer Avatar Development and Intro to Customer Discovery – (Gain insights into identifying target markets, understanding customer needs, preferences, and behaviors, and conducting market research to validate business ideas and ensuring business idea success) (1.5 hours + Follow-up activity)

Week 6:  October 18 – Customer Discovery Interviews (Fall Break activity) = 3-5 customer interviews

Week 7:  October 25 – Interview techniques & Customer Roles and Understanding Your Segment Buying Ecosystem (1.5 hours + Worksheet)

Week 8: November 1 - Customer Discovery Insights

Week 9: November 8 - Go to Market Strategy - Define your sales strategy, including customer acquisition methods, sales channels, pricing strategy, and sales forecast. (1.5 hours + Follow-up activity)

Week 10: November 15 –Strategic marketing plan outlining branding, messaging, distribution channels, and promotional tactics.

Week 11: November 22 – The Art of the Pitch with Gisele Stolz

Week 12: November 29 Thanksgiving recess – Pitch Deck Development (activity)  

Week 13: December 2-6 (Final Pitch Presentations & Celebration)