Entrepreneurship @ Rio
We want to help you build your business here at Rio!
In Fall 2023, Rio will open its Center for Entrepreneurship, an on-campus space that helps turn students' ideas into operating businesses, with access to technology, tools, and one-on-one coaching.
Rio is also starting a student-led Entrepreneurship Club, dedicated to student collaboration and hands-on learning from successful entrepreneurs in the Rio alumni network, community, and beyond.
These new resources are available to all students from all majors at Rio's main and branch campuses.
Students interested in joining the Center for Entrepreneurship and Entrepreneurship Club can contact Cole Massie, Center Director, for more information.
Entrepreneurship Toolkit
Getting Started
The Startup Playbook - Written by OpenAI's Sam Altman, this article is a definitive guide to every stage of the startup process.
An Expert Guide to Developing the Perfect Startup Idea - There's no one-size-fits-all approach to developing a great business idea. This guide shares multiple ways to translate an idea to a business.
How to get Startup Ideas - Jared Friedman from Y Combinator on what makes a business idea a successful one.
Entrepreneur Dictionary for Startups - There are lots of buzzwords used by entrepreneurs, investors, accelerators, startup ventures and startup financing - this dictionary will help you get up to speed.
Value Proposition
The Value Proposition Canvas - This tool will help you crystallize what your product brings to a customer. In essence, why someone would choose to give you their business versus giving someone else their business.
Business Model Canvas
The Business Model Canvas - Think of this tool as a short version of a business plan. It will help you visualize how all the different elements of a business plan can work in conjunction with one another.
Minimum Viable Product
Several Strategies for Building a Successful MVP - An MVP stands for "Minimum Viable Product." In other words, what's the first version of your product or service you can put into the word that solves the problem you're trying to solve? This helpful article shares tips on developing that MVP.
Access to Capital
Startup Funding: What It Is and How to Get Capital for a Business - Whether you need $100 or $100,000, money is critical to getting started in business. This article shares the many ways you can finance that first step
Startup Capital: Everything you need to know - Startup capital is the money needed to start a new business. Startup capital might be needed to pay for office space, permits, licenses, inventory, product development, manufacturing, marketing, or any other expense that results from starting a new business.
Ohio Small Business Development Center Toolbox
The Small Business Development Center at OSU South Center also has resources and templates available that can be utilized to start or expand your small business.
Business Plan and Access to Capital Overview (PDF)
Business Plan Template (Word)
Business Plan Template (PDF)
Financial Model (Excel)
Start Up Guide (PDF) - A go to resource for starting up a business.
