BizLaunch Transformational Challenge and PitchFest

Is your business ready to take the next step? Do you have what it takes to stand out and attract new clients to grow your bottom line?

BizLaunch is here to help you succeed in 2025!

We’re offering a unique opportunity to refine your business strategy, stay competitive, and position yourself for future success. Over the course of four weeks, you’ll gain valuable insights from expert instructors and have the chance to pitch your business for cash prizes.

Start the year strong and set your business up for continued growth — register today!

Topics include:

Strategize Right in 2025 using the Lean Business Model Canvas │ Jan. 30, 2025

Instructor
Alex Held, Small Business Manager, Arlington Economic Development

Agenda

9:30 – 10:00 a.m.	Registration
10:00 – 10:30 a.m.	Introductions and Overview
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.	Lean Business Model Canvas
11:30 – 11:45 a.m.	Break
11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.	Lean Business Model Canvas
12:30 – 1:00 p.m.	Lunch
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.	Group Work
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.	Mentor Matching

When was the last time you reviewed your business plan — before the pandemic or since? How has your business model shifted since then? In this session, you'll learn the essential elements of the Lean Business Model Canvas and discover how to turn your ideas into reality. Whether you're launching a new business or refining your current strategy to attract new customers, this session will help you organize your thoughts, stay focused and clearly define your business goals. Don’t miss this opportunity to sharpen your approach and position your business for success.

Leveraging AI for Marketing, Operations and Planning │ Feb. 6, 2025

Instructor
Dr. Ebony Grey, Certified SCORE Mentor and Co-Chair for Outreach for SCORE DC

Agenda

9:30 – 10:00 a.m.	Registration
10:00 – 11:30 a.m.	Marketing and AI
11:30 – 11:45 a.m.	Break
11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.	Marketing and AI
12:30 – 1:00 p.m.	Lunch
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.	Marketing and AI

Discover how AI can transform your approach to marketing, streamline operations and elevate strategic planning. In this interactive session designed specifically for small business owners, we’ll dive into practical ways to use AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity and Gamma AI to boost productivity and efficiency. From creating compelling marketing content to optimizing everyday tasks and making smarter business decisions, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies to improve results and lighten your workload. Embrace the future of small business with AI-driven solutions that get real results.

Developing Winning Financial Projections and Resources to Access Capital │ Feb. 13, 2025

Instructors
Eric Alston, Small Business Relationship Manager, Wacif and Kevin Sheffield, Business Lending Manager, Arlington Community Federal Credit Union

Agenda

9:30 – 10:00 a.m.	Registration
10:00 – 11:30 a.m.	Access to Capital
11:30 – 11:45 a.m.	Break
11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.	Access to Capital
12:00 – 12:30 p.m.	Financial Projections
12:30 – 1:00 p.m.	Lunch
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.	Financial Projections

Accessing capital is one of the biggest challenges small businesses face. In this session, designed specifically for entrepreneurs, you’ll learn how to create accurate financial projections and uncover strategies to secure the financing your business needs to grow. Don’t let funding hold you back — gain the tools and knowledge to confidently navigate the process and fuel your business’s success.

The Pitch │ Feb. 20, 2025

Instructor
Stephen Hall, Certified SCORE Mentor

Agenda

9:30 – 10:00 a.m.	Registration
10:00 – 11:30 a.m.	Pitch Training
11:30 – 11:45 a.m.	Break
11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.	Pitch Training
12:30 – 1:00 p.m.	Lunch
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.	Pitch Training

As your business grows, there will come a time when you need to take it to the next level, often requiring additional funding from investors or financial institutions. But how do you secure that funding? One answer: "The Pitch" — a brief, high-stakes opportunity to explain why you need the investment. In this session, you'll learn how to craft a compelling pitch that clearly communicates your business’s potential and why it's worth funding. We’ll cover the key elements investors are looking for, and you’ll have the chance to develop and present your own pitch for feedback from both the instructor and fellow entrepreneurs. Additionally, we’ll teach you how to perfect a 30-second elevator pitch — an essential tool for selling your products or services to potential customers.

Registration fees for this event will go toward funding the investor pool for the pitch event in April 2025. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of something impactful!

Space is limited so secure your spot today!

Prerequisite
To get the most out of the program, attendees are encouraged to attend the free Business Essentials Webinar Series from SCORE. These five 1.5-hour live webinars offered each month for businesses based in the National Capital Region. The webinars below have been webinars are recorded, and each webinar is hyperlinked below. Topics include: