Concept-to-Commercialization Workshop Series
Cohort Overview
A practical roadmap from idea to pitch-ready business. The first LaunchLab cohort begins September 8, 2026 at Launchpad.
6
Modules
12
Core Sessions
6
Recap Sessions
20 startups
Max Cohort
Evening · In-person
Format
$299
Participation
Possible corporate sponsorship / grant funding may cover part of the participation cost.
Session Time
5:00 – 7:30 PM
5:00 – 5:30 PM
Check-in & Registration
5:30 – 7:30 PM
Training Session
The Six Modules
1
Sep 8 — Training
Sep 10 — Training
Sep 15 — Recap
Module 1
From Idea to Opportunity
Concept Validation & Problem-Solution Fit
- Identifying real market problems worth solving
- Validating assumptions through customer discovery
- Differentiating innovation vs. “nice-to-have” ideas
- Competitive landscape & white-space analysis
Outcome · Clear value proposition and validated problem statement.
2
Sep 22 — Training
Sep 24 — Training
Sep 29 — Recap
Module 2
Business Model & Go-To-Market Foundations
Turning Ideas into Viable Businesses
- Business model selection (SaaS, platform, marketplace, services, hybrid)
- Revenue models and pricing strategies
- Go-to-market planning for early traction
- Identifying early adopters and strategic partners
Outcome · Defined business model and initial go-to-market strategy.
3
Oct 6 — Training
Oct 8 — Training
Oct 13 — Recap
Module 3
Legal Formation, Equity & Tax Structure
Building the Right Foundation
- Entity selection (LLC, C-Corp, S-Corp) and why it matters
- Founder equity, vesting, and cap table basics
- IP protection and ownership considerations
- Tax implications for startups and growing companies
- Preparing for future investment and due diligence
Outcome · Proper legal, equity, and tax structure aligned with growth goals.
Educational overview only — no legal or tax advice provided.
4
Oct 20 — Training
Oct 22 — Training
Oct 27 — Recap
Module 4
Leveraging Technology & Building the Product
From MVP to Scalable Solution
- Defining MVP vs. overbuilding
- Leveraging technology as a competitive advantage
- Buy vs. build decisions
- Data, security, and compliance considerations (early-stage)
- Scaling technology responsibly
Outcome · Clear product roadmap and technology strategy.
5
Nov 3 — Training
Nov 5 — Training
Nov 10 — Recap
Module 5
Commercialization, Growth & Capital Readiness
Moving from Product to Market Impact
- Customer acquisition and early sales strategy
- Metrics that matter (traction, CAC, LTV, retention)
- Operational readiness for growth
- Funding pathways: bootstrapping, grants, angels, VC
- What investors actually look for
Outcome · Commercialization plan, basic financial model, and investor-ready business narrative.
6
Nov 17 — Training
Nov 19 — Training
Nov 24 — Recap
Module 6
Funding & Pitch Preparation
Telling the Story That Wins — and Finding the Right Capital Path
- Understanding the full funding landscape for startups and small businesses
- Funding options: bank & SBA loans, grants, CDFIs, microloans, crowdfunding, pitch competitions, angels, revenue-based & vendor financing, partnerships, bootstrapping
- Preparing for lender, grantor, investor, and partner conversations
- Defining a clear funding ask, use of funds, repayment plan, and growth case
- Structuring a compelling pitch deck for investors, lenders, partners, and customers
- Storytelling: problem, solution, market, business model, traction, vision, defensibility
- Live pitch coaching, feedback, and refinement
Outcome · A polished pitch deck, confident delivery, a clear funding strategy, and practical knowledge of the capital options available to launch, stabilize, or grow.
Program Culmination
Pitch Competition
- Founders pitch to judges — investors, operators, and community leaders
- Feedback, recognition, and potential follow-on opportunities
- Winning pitch secures small investment + an Innovation Hub proof-of-concept slot
- Content capture for post-event promotion and continued learning
What You Walk Away With
By graduation, every startup exits with a practical, investor-ready foundation and a complete core venture toolkit.
Business & Strategy
- One-Page Business Summary (Investor Snapshot)
- Clearly defined Value Proposition & Problem Statement
- Validated Customer Segment Profile
- Competitive Landscape & Positioning Map
- Documented Go-To-Market Strategy
- Commercialization & Early Growth Plan
Structure & Foundations
- Entity Structure Decision Framework (LLC / C-Corp / S-Corp guidance overview)
- Founder Equity & Cap Table Starter Template
- IP & Ownership Considerations Checklist
- Compliance & Due Diligence Readiness Checklist
Product & Technology
- MVP Definition & Product Roadmap
- Build vs. Buy Technology Decision Outline
- Core Feature Scope for Initial Release
- Data / Security Early-Stage Considerations Summary
Financial & Capital Readiness
- Basic Financial Model (Revenue, Cost, Unit Economics Framework)
- Early Traction & KPI Dashboard Template
- Capital Pathway Plan (Bootstrapping / Grant / Angel / VC readiness)
- Funding Readiness Self-Assessment
Investor Materials
- Investor-Ready Pitch Deck
- Pitch Narrative & Story Framework (including Elevator Pitch)
- Executive Pitch Script (5–7 minute version)
- Demo or Product Walkthrough Outline (if applicable)
Market Execution Tools
- Customer Discovery Interview Summary
- Early Adopter Outreach Plan
- Partnership Target List
- Pilot Project Proposal Template
Program Culmination Assets
- Recorded Final Pitch (for founder review and promotional use)
- Judge & Advisor Feedback Summary
- Post-Program Action Plan (Next 90-Day Execution Roadmap)
The Result
Each graduating startup leaves LaunchLab not just educated, but equipped with tangible, usable business, financial, product, and investor materials — ready to pursue customers, partners, and capital immediately after the program.
Ready to apply?
Apply to join Cohort 1. You'll need a free Innovation Henderson profile so you can save your progress and finish later.