An entrepreneurial learning environment
A key aspect of the VentureLab concept is that the participants are responsible for, and in control of their own learning and development process. At the start of the programme, all participants fill in a portfolio to assess their level of entrepreneurial competence. Based on this self-assessment and the participant’s availability, the personal development coach and participant agree on an individual training programme. The training sessions allow for differentiation in level of experience and phase of business development to accommodate this. This individual programme is captured in the personal development plan (PDP). Both the portfolio and PDP are support tools for the participant as well as their coach to shape and monitor the participant’s competence development.
The VentureLab training programme offers supply- as well as demand-oriented training and a stimulating learning community. This competence-based and flexible set up enables participants to spend as much time in VentureLab as they need and are able to. The training programme is available to all participants as long as they are registered.
Training
The VentureLab programme consists of supply- as well as demand-oriented training. There is a continuous training offer, with one* fixed training day per week on Friday, covering topics in the following six areas:
- Strategy
- Marketing
- Finance
- Technology
- Organization
- Personal and team skills
Download here an overview of all the trainings that we offer. Please note the training programme is subject to changes, according to participants needs.
Apart from the weekly training day VentureLab also offers a number of services and activities such as:
- Extra (skills) training (for example presentation techniques
- Regular visits by experts (IP, legal, …), the team trainer, the personal development trainer/coach, researchers, venture capitalists, entrepreneurs
- Trainers may visit the location for questions and to support the participants in translating what they have learned to their own situation
- Regular business panels to which participants can present their business plan and receive feedback from experienced entrepreneurs, investors and other experts.
- A monthly lecture by a renowned speaker from industry or science on a topic relevant to ‘high-tech, high-ambition’ business development (VentureClass).
Next to this supply-oriented offer, participants can also request extra training on a specific topic, or to clarify or elaborate on a topic from the regular programme.
Learning community
The strength of the environment however, is in working and learning with and from other participants, as well as the input they have in shaping the learning environment to suit their needs. Groups of approximately 6-8 participants are formed and assigned a group coach. The differing levels of experience and phase of business development within these groups provide a powerful environment to learn from each other. These groups will stay together throughout the programme for group coaching and group reflection (intervisie). A few examples of activities which may occur within this environment are:
- Presentations within and feedback from the group on business development progress
- Participants can exchange and use each other’s experience by means of simple Q&A or by organizing presentations in someone’s area of expertise.
- Working on group assignments
Regular group reflection (incorporated within the VentureLab training day) - Requesting/organizing excursions/visits to organizations, businesses, research facilities, …
External expertise
VentureLab invites people who feel they can contribute to the VentureLab project as a trainer, an expert or a coach.
A trainer within VentureLab gives training in specific topics. Experts can be contacted by individual participants or small groups for advice in their area of expertise. They can also be asked to give presentations to all participants. The coaches support participants in the development of their high-tech start up company as well as their entrepreneurial competences. You can send your offer, plus CV and a letter of motivation to i.haverkate@utwente.nl
* except for two, 2-day introduction sessions for a new group
