İzmir NIC Startup Fundamentals Training Series, which was held within the scope of the İzmir NIC Project carried out by Teknopark İzmir, was completed with the participation of Startups, SMEs, and entrepreneurs. The training series was designed to provide practical basic information to support startups operating in different sectors, and the training, which lasted eight weeks in total, was held at Originn Coworking by professional trainers under eight important topics covering various problems encountered while establishing and running a business.
Within the scope of the programme, the first training was held on February 15, 2023, with the title of “Design Thinking”. In the training, the subject of “How Do You Make a Difference with Design-Oriented Thinking?” was handled by Trainer Arsev Umur Aydınoğlu, and an interactive discussion atmosphere was created. Trainer Aydınoğlu focused on realistic examples of the subject and improved the training with various exercises.
The second training of the programme was held under the title of “Business Modeling” by trainer Taner Baltacı on February 24 and focused on the needs of entrepreneurs under this title. Trainer Baltacı, by keeping the question of “How Can You Create an Income-Oriented Business Model?” at the center of the training, ensured that the education is efficient and intriguing.
The third training of the training series was held on March 1, 2023, by Dr. Berk Orbay. Trainer Berk Orbay focused on the subtopics under the subject of “How to Manage User-Centered Product Development” adopted an interactive training path throughout the training and held discussions with the participants about how they can present their products and how they can take it further.
The fourth week of the training was completed on March 8 with the training on the headline of “Marketing”. Trainer Nevra Duru discussed the concept of Marketing as the “Art of Demand Generation” and shared her knowledge about the Basic Concepts and Strategy of Marketing and Brand Positioning with the participants.
The fifth training of the Startup Fundamentals Series was held on the 15th of March by trainer Selçuk Can Güven under the topic of “Sales” specific to startups, SMEs, and startups. Trainer Güven completed the training in an interactive way, which he framed under certain sub-titles such as Sales Process and Design, Sales Cycle, Different Sales Models, and Scenarios.
The sixth training was held on March 22 with the title of “Cash Flow and Financial Management” under the instruction of Abdurrahman Kılıç. While talking about cash resources and how start-ups can survive in an inflationary environment, the trainer also shared important information for startups by explaining important concepts such as balance sheets and liquidity ratios.
The seventh training within the scope of the programme was held on March 29 under the title of “Team Building and Management”. Trainer Çağatay Güney provided the participants with information on very important issues specific to the entrepreneurship ecosystem such as the importance of corporate commitment, corporate models, motivation rules, team dynamics, recruitment, and selection criteria.
The last training of the training series took place on April 5 and the main topic of “Early Stage Financing and Investment Processes” was handled by trainers Çağlar Urcan and Atıl Erken. Sharing their knowledge on this vital issue for entrepreneurs, the trainers touched upon issues such as obtaining financing and investment criteria.
The Startup Fundamentals Training Series, which took place within the scope of the İzmir NIC Project, was completed at the end of the 8-week program with productive results. Within the scope of the programme, the perspectives of the target groups on the determined topics were developed, and the capacity and capability of the target groups were strengthened to empower the entrepreneurship ecosystem.
İzmir NIC – İzmir Network and Innovation Centre Project
İzmir Network and Innovation Centre (İzmir NIC) Project, is implemented by Teknopark İzmir within the scope of the Ministry of Industry and Technology Competitive Sectors Programme, realised with the financial support of the European Union and the Republic of Turkey, aiming to enhance the commercialisation and internationalisation of innovative products, by fostering networks and strategic partnership among relevant stakeholders. The project, focusing on ICT and RE sectors, which are among the pioneers of economic development; aims to increase the capacities of innovation ecosystem actors (SME, Start-up, TTO, TGB, R&D Centres, etc.) in İzmir through training, Acceleration programmes, mentoring support, and networking activities.
