Underwater Solutions Prepared to Launch, Will You?

Prepare to Launch is upon us. Before we know it, entrepreneurs will be learning the steps it takes to successfully turn a business concept into a reality. That’s pretty darn cool, if you ask me. Where else in the Corridor region can you go to get hands-on help like this to boost your startup? It’s a good thing we have Brian Dalziel to facilitate these bad boys; he will get you headed in the right direction.

In year’s past, Prepare to Launch had a different name and curriculum. This year, Brian has structured it as such to reflect the best possible outcome for you and your company. The new program allows for more in depth discussion and social interaction among individuals in the class.

In 2013, Mark and Cheri Peterson took the series of workshops, with the hope of gaining knowledge about the business industry. What they got was so much more.

Underwater Solutions, a small dive company, has witnessed great success over the last year. As previous participants in the series, the Peterson’s gained the knowledge and confidence needed in order to launch their company full force. I got the chance to speak with Mark, asking him various questions. He explained that the workshops were incredibly beneficial for their business.

“Without taking the course, we wouldn’t have had the confidence to proceed with our idea. It’s not your ‘typical’ business class; it’s extremely practical and taught us how things actually happen in the business world,” Mark told me.

Another benefit of the class is the social interaction that’s encouraged each session. Many of the participants are just starting out and need guidance as to where they should go next. Prepare to Launch offers just that.

“It was nice to be able to relate to our peers that were, essentially, in the same boat as us,” Mark added. “We could share stories and bounce ideas off one another.”

Underwater Solutions was just an idea at the time the Peterson’s participated. Mark explained that he went to the Corridor simply to seek Brian’s advice. After meeting and talking with him, Mark was invigorated with excitement about his soon-to-be company. The couple signed up for the series right away.

Are you convinced to sign up yet?

“I would highly recommend Prepare to Launch. The number of contacts and networking experience we gained was so, so helpful. I believe it’s a ‘must’ to take the workshops if you want to start a business. It built our confidence and enlightened us to the point where we could turn our dream into a reality,” boasted Mark.

For all you entrepreneurs out there who are looking for some guidance, register now! The experience is incredibly beneficial and contains pertinent information for your startup. Sounds like a slam dunk to me. 

Upcoming plans for Mark and Underwater Solutions?

The company will be launching a new website this spring (we wish him all the best). They are also hoping to purchase a vessel for lake-related activities (maintenance programs, salvage & recovery, etc.), and plan to expand the golf recovery section of the business.

“I don’t think the series is done helping us yet. I still knock on Brian’s door from time to time and speak with one of my fellow classmates on occasion. The program is Startup 101 in a sense,” Mark added. “People are always willing to help; I wouldn’t have known that without participating.”

This year’s series will take place starting February 11 on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. The 10-week, 30-hour course facilitated by Brian Dalziel, Vice President of the Corridor, will provide the tools to develop a business concept, recruit partners, advisors and employees, determine the viability of a business idea and to plan and execute the activities necessary for a successful business launch.

Prepare to Launch is incredibly helpful for those entrepreneurs just starting out or for those whom simply have an idea they’d like to take further. The journey includes the following topics: recruiting your core crew, exploring who to serve and what to sell them, recruiting specialist crew members (advisors and employees), top line feasibility, detailed market research, detailed communications channel planning, detailed planning of product/service, financial growth planning, sources of funds and the path forward.

For more information or registration details regarding Prepare to Launch, please contact Brian Dalziel at bdalziel@lakescorridor.com or 712.264.3474.

Check out the rest of the blog here!

- Alexa Guessford