Entrepreneurship: Bootstrapping Your Business

Introduction

• What is bootstrapping?

1. Conduct a Self-Evaluation

• Is bootstrapping right for you?
• Three questions to ask before bootstrapping

2. Starting Your Bootstrapped Business

• Create a business plan
• Setting up goals

3. Manage Your Spending

• Determine your cash flow
• Are credit cards right for you?
• What is a credit line?
• Find good partners and vendors
• Spending on office space
• Hiring full-time employees vs. part-time employees

4. Your Life vs. Your Business

• How to prepare your personal finances
• Prepare friends and family before bootstrapping

5. Utilizing and Building Networks

• Customer acquistion
• Utilizing founder forums and groups

6. Leveraging Press and Funding Opportunities

• Apply for awards and accolades
• Find local features
• Grants and contests

7. Control Your Finances

• Hiring a CPA
• Financial numbers you should know

Conclusion

• Next steps to starting your bootstrapped business