Demystifying the Entrepreneurial Journey

Issued by Northeastern University

In Demystifying the Entrepreneurial Journey, badge earners addressed issues women often face but not commonly addressed in traditional entrepreneurship programs. Raising funds, building networks, and operational scaling were explored. Participants learned fundamentals related to advancing ideas, analyzing markets and negotiation. They also developed strategies in de-risking start-ups through “sidepreneurship,” overcoming imposter syndrome, and finding inspiration from role models in innovation.

Type Learning
Level Foundational

Skills

Earning Criteria

Leveraged role models, to inspire development of new ideas
Defined “entrepreneurial mindset”
Defined “impostor syndrome” and how it can impact success
Developed confidence as an entrepreneur
Examined “sidepreneurship,” as a strategy to minimize risk and test business concepts
Conceptualized starting a new venture
Validated a business strategy
Built a business plan according to best practices provided by the experts
Identified potential funding sources and how to choose them
Identified the challenges women entrepreneurs face when raising capital
Identified types of networks that support the entrepreneurial journey
Learned that developing and nurturing business relationships is different for men and women
Identified techniques to engage networks in long-term relationships