CAST-GNY Entrepreneurship Series: How to Develop Your Startup
Ms. Man-Li Kuo Lin is Economic Development Specialist and District International Trade Officer at the U.S. Small Business Administration New York District Office (SBA NYDO) marketing team in delivery small business resources to develop and grow businesses in 14 countries throughout New York City, Long Island and the downstate counties of Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester.
On April 17th, CAST-GNY collaborated with SBA and NYU-Tandon CSSA on the second entrepreneurship seminar of the year. The seminar included how to build an online business, create business proposals, raise funding and establish business models. Man-Li advised there are 7 key steps:
- Discover a demand and satisfy that demand
- Writing a good proposal is extremely important for raising funds
- Designing and creating user friendly websites
- Improve traffic using search engines
- Build a good reputation for your brand
- Interact with customers
- Improves sales by using discount programs
She advised that a good proposal needs eye-catching topic and plan to prove the reliability of the product. Using samples to get customer feedback is a good way to evaluate the product. She provided information on many SBA programs that support training, collaboration and marketing initiatives. She also provided specific guidance on disclosure agreements and domain registration.
The audience comes from a diverse background and age group. Many shared their personal stories on starting businesses. The seminar was informative and taught everyone the process and the resources SBA has to offer. CAST-GNY will continue to create seminars and events to promote interest in technology and entrepreneurship.
Edit: Xin Tang, Siyi Sun
Translate: Andy Kong
April 17, 2017