NNM Connect Springboard
Springboard aims to enhance sustainable technology businesses in New Mexico. Each company faces different challenges. Springboard addresses the different needs of companies at all stages of development – from concept to growth. The interactive coaching and network facilitation process is specifically designed for technology companies with high-growth potential. Coaching sessions are customized to assist the company in identifying the gaps in their business and addressing them with the help of domain experts from the industry. Upon completion of the process, the entrepreneur will make a presentation regarding their business challenges to a select group of experts. The panel of experts is tailored to the individual company needs. The expert advice is provided by current and former CEOs, members of the investment community, serial entrepreneurs and “thought leaders”, and is designed to help a company evaluate whether it is on the right trajectory or if rethink some of it business areas. The panel examines the entire business from its customer-base, market potential, financing, operations, marketing/sales etc. In addition, Springboard companies will have the opportunity to develop a network of experienced business leaders in our community and from other successful high growth, technology regions
Springboard Process
Successful Springboard candidates are CEOs and entrepreneurs ready tackle the strategic challenges limiting business growth. Upon receiving applications online, Connect staff will meet with each company to assess eligibility for the program. Successful applicants will begin coaching sessions as soon as resources are available. Depending on the strategic issue and resource availability, NM Springboard coaching sessions range from 3 to 6 weeks. The team will focus on structuring a presentation that provides compelling information about the company and highlights the challenges the company needs the panel of experts to address. It is necessary to communicate the company’s message clearly allowing the panel to focus on the challenges rather than the basics of the business. We will work with you to identify the domain experts, to assure a high value panel consisting of experienced business people, investors, and service providers such as attorneys, marketing and PR executives; all specializing in your industry. The panel will engage in a discussion with the CEO / entrepreneur and provide feedback.
Outcomes
Companies accepted into the program will be coached and prepared a final presentation meeting by the Connect staff. The presentation will match the company with a selected panel of domain experts, who will address the strategic challenges highlighted in a brief presentation structured throughout the coaching sessions. Examples of successful strategic challenges in past Springboard projects include: securing funding, penetrating a new market, building up the management team and board of advisors, identifying the market, verifying the business model and such.
For further information, please contact the
LANL Technology Transfer Division at (505) 667-5315 or doruk@lanl.gov.