On Wednesday, February 4th, the Social Impulse Hub hosted its eighth module of the Business Skills Program at Salinenstrasse 34 in Erfurt, continuing the hands-on learning journey of the Social Impulse Academy with a workshop focused on pitching. Facilitated by TRIP – Thuringian Regional Innovation Program, the regional program works as an accelerator for entrepreneurs and ventures alike, from STIFT – Stiftung für Technologie, Innovation und Forschung Thüringen. The session brought together aspiring entrepreneurs to acquire insights of how to successfully present their innovative ideas as to attract possible investors and future partners.
The workshop opened with participants promoting their entrepreneurial concepts to TRIP’s associates – Christian and Florian -, having served as an opportunity to simulate a 3-minute pitching. After this exercise, the participants received feedback on distinct aspects of their ideas: from timing to presentation design, to the structure of their presentations, and even about the idea itself, with the purpose of strategically maximizing the potential of their ideas. These observations allowed the aspiring entrepreneurs to critically reflect about their business ideas, as well as to raise follow-up questions about how to successfully concretize them.
Afterwards, the associates of TRIP Community delivered an elucidating and thorough presentation on the conventions and best practices when pitching a business proposal to possible financiers. Participants learned that a good pitch must be structured with a comprehensive yet straightforward pitch deck, and that their ideas become expansive when the entrepreneur shares and relates the story behind them. Concepts are important, and so is the visual delivery; for this reason, suggestions were given for an appealing and impactful visual presentation that opportunely conveys the essence of the business idea. Pitching moments can take place on-site or through online meetings – in both cases, entrepreneurs must consider their presentation skills. The attire, keeping stress under control, and the general body language are equally relevant features for a good pitch – your venture is also advertised by your presence!
By the end of the session, the participants were enlightened about the importance of giving a clear and straightforward impression of the purpose, the benefits, and the novelty of their business ventures. This session also facilitated an occasion for aspiring entrepreneurs to connect with TRIP Community: not only through particular feedback, but also through establishing contact for future possibilities that can bolster their entrepreneurial ventures.
The project has been co-funded under the Interreg Central Europe program of the European Union through the project “TASK4ISI” – Transnational Action to advance Skills and Competences for Inclusive entrepreneurship and Social Innovation.
