Untapped Adult Program Summary:

This 9-week program is designed for adult learners looking to launch small businesses, particularly those with limited access to formal business training. Adults participate in weekly workshops, build a comprehensive business plan, and prepare to pitch for micro-grant funding through the Panther Tank.

Objectives:

• Guide participants in discovering their business purpose and customer need
• Provide adult learners with market-based tools for sustainable entrepreneurship
• Facilitate access to seed capital and community feedback via Panther Tank
  
  

Expected Outcomes:

• Adults develop and pitch a complete business model
• Awardees receive micro-grants for business launch
• Increased local economic resilience and self-employment readiness

Week 1: Purpose & Personal Assessment — Identify your “why” and define goals and values for your venture.
Week 2: Community Needs & Market Gaps — Research local issues and explore gaps your business could fill.
Week 3: Building a Solution & Market Fit — Develop a problem-solution fit and articulate your unique value proposition.
Week 4: Business Model Fundamentals — Draft a business plan using a lean business canvas approach.
Week 5: Revenue Streams & Pricing — Understand profit models and determine effective pricing strategies.
Week 6: Branding & Marketing — Learn brand building and how to attract and retain customers through storytelling and design.
Week 7: Financial Basics & Microgrant Writing — Introduction to small business budgeting, funding tools, and writing micro-grant proposals.
Week 8: Pitch Writing & Practice — Write and rehearse your business pitch using presentation tools and real-time coaching.
Week 9: Panther Tank Pitch Competition — Compete for community micro-grants to jumpstart your venture.

Goals of the Program:

• Provide high-impact entrepreneurial training to overlooked populations
• Promote economic justice by lowering barriers to entry for first-time founders
• Facilitate access to micro-capital through community-based pitch events
• Support personal and professional transformation through structured mentorship

• Students pitch a business concept in front of a live audience
• Micro grants awarded for marketing, consulting, and startup materials

Interest in starting and managing a business.