Now offering a free self-guided digital entrepreneurship education program

Invent Penn State’s LaunchBox & Innovation Network has recently unveiled a new online resource aimed at supporting entrepreneurs in Pennsylvania. The digital curriculum, titled Customer Discovery 101, is a self-guided entrepreneurship education program available to all, regardless of any affiliation with Penn State. This initiative is part of the LaunchBox & Innovation Network’s ongoing efforts to provide early-stage entrepreneurial support to individuals across the state.

Customer Discovery 101 is designed for individuals with business ideas who are looking to kickstart their ventures, as well as existing small business owners seeking to innovate or expand their offerings. The program consists of four learning modules, each containing educational videos, readings, and activities that users can engage with at their own pace. Additionally, participants are encouraged to work with a coach of their choosing throughout the program, with assistance available from Invent Penn State in identifying a suitable coach from their local ecosystem.

Annie Hughes, the statewide coordinator of the Invent Penn State LaunchBox & Innovation Network, emphasized the program’s accessibility and inclusivity. “We created Customer Discovery 101 to provide all Pennsylvania entrepreneurs and current business owners with free, accessible content to support the development and growth of their business,” Hughes stated. The initiative aims to reach individuals who may face physical or geographic limitations in accessing traditional entrepreneurial resources, particularly those in rural areas.

The curriculum of Customer Discovery 101 focuses on guiding entrepreneurs through the crucial process of customer discovery. This process helps to mitigate risks associated with launching new ventures or products by prompting individuals to identify and test their core business assumptions. By engaging in customer discovery, entrepreneurs can refine their business plans before committing significant resources to their endeavors.

Brad Zdenek, the director of economic development and student programs in the Office of Entrepreneurship and Commercialization, highlighted the significance of customer discovery in the entrepreneurial journey. “It asks an entrepreneur to identify and test their core business assumptions, so they can adjust their plan before investing money, effort, and time into building a new business or product,” Zdenek explained. This strategic approach can ultimately lead to more informed and successful business ventures.

Pennsylvania entrepreneurs are encouraged to explore the Customer Discovery 101 program by visiting the provided link. The initiative is funded in part by federal funding allocated to Penn State for the Industry 4.0 initiative, aimed at empowering the workforce in central Pennsylvania. Additionally, the program received support from the PA Congressional Delegation through congressionally directed spending.

Invent Penn State is a statewide initiative focused on fostering economic development, job creation, and student career success. By combining entrepreneurship-focused academic programs, business startup training, funding for commercialization, and collaborations with various stakeholders, Invent Penn State aims to facilitate the transformation of research discoveries into valuable products and services that benefit both Pennsylvanians and society at large.

This project was made possible in part by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community & Economic Development. The Customer Discovery 101 program represents a significant step towards supporting and empowering entrepreneurs in Pennsylvania, regardless of their background or location.