Pre-Venture Planning for Entrepreneurs

Designed to build a bridge into entrepreneurship, this workshop addresses the early-stage questions new entrepreneurs face:

• Am I prepared financially?
• Is my business idea viable?
• How do I improve my idea?
• What problems can I solve before I invest?
• What initial steps do I take when I'm ready to go?

INSTRUCTOR BIO: Justin Lewis is the Trainer and Technical Assistance Specialist for People Incorporated Financial Services – a mission-driven CDFI headquartered in southwest Virginia. Justin is a NACCC™ Certified Credit Counselor and entrepreneur bringing a unique blend of approachability and technical detail to PIFS’ programming and training initiatives. As the T&TA Specialist, Justin oversees the development and delivery of PIFS’ technical assistance program. He develops internal and collaborative programming to cultivate financial readiness and entrepreneurship in communities across PIFS’ service area. He manages relationships with communities and partner organizations throughout the region to identify barriers in the entrepreneurial ecosystem and bridge skill gaps for aspiring, emerging, and established entrepreneurs. Prior to his time in community economic development, Justin spent 18 years as a professional theatre artist where he helped produce 80+ professional productions, developed and premiered original works, mentored students and young professionals, and collaborated with industry-leading professionals from across the region. Justin is currently pursuing an MBA from Radford University. Justin lives in Abingdon, VA with his amazing wife and two hilarious daughters.

DONATIONS ARE REQUESTED BUT NOT REQUIRED. We're a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and we reinvest all money collected from fees and donations back into serving creatives in our region. The suggested donation for this class is $10-$20. We'd appreciate a donation of what you feel you can afford. If you can't donate right now, we completely understand. Please join us anyway! You can contact Katie Hoffman at [email protected] for a free ticket.

Create Appalachia strives to make our region a better place to live and work by supporting innovation and creative entrepreneurship. Our primary focus is startups and small businesses that marry creativity and technology. Our goal is to incubate new businesses, increase employment opportunities for creatives, and highlight the key role that creativity plays in the region’s economic vitality.

The Arts@Work Series supports entrepreneurial creatives and makers who wish to develop their professional business skills. Topics include introductions to business strategy, marketing, communication, pricing, and client relations.We also offer skill-based certification courses. The Arts@Work professional development series is curated to meet the particular needs of small creative businesses that combine artistry, imagination, and technology.  

This workshop is possible thanks to the sponsorship of People Incorporated Financial Services.   

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Create Appalachia Center for Art & Technology, 225 West Center Street, Kingsport, United States