Helping Entrepreneurs Through the Market Research and Customer Discovery Process with Ventureprise Assistant Director Laura Smailes

Laura Smailes is the Assistant Director of Ventureprise, UNC Charlotte’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center focused on helping startups, early-stage companies, and innovation-based entrepreneurs throughout the Charlotte, NC community. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Communications Studies at UNC Charlotte and, later, formed the cleantech startup, Eco-H2O Innovations LLC, with two engineers. In addition to the work she does with Ventureprise, she serves as the Communications Manager for PitchBreakfast as well as the Community Ambassador for StartCharlotte. Over the past five years in the entrepreneurial community, her passion for using her skills and experience to assist and support entrepreneurs has grown significantly.

Laura joins me today to share her journey into the entrepreneurial community and how Ventureprise helps entrepreneurs through the market research and customer discovery process. She explains the various programs the company offers and how UNC students, as well as Charlotte community entrepreneurs, can get involved with their programs. I also spoke with Ventureprise program participant and founder of GIG CONNECTED, Keith Clithero, to get his insight and perspective on the Ventureprise programs and share his advice to other entrepreneurs considering their programs.

“You may have great research or great innovation, but if nobody wants it, then there’s no reason to go forward. You need to make sure it’s matching a need.” - Laura Smailes

This week on the Supportedly Podcast:

• How Laura got started with Ventureprise.
• How Ventureprise has evolved over the years.
• The various programs they currently offer to UNC students and Charlotte’s entrepreneurial community.
• How Ventureprise helps startups through market research and customer discovery processes.
• What is the Charlotte Venture Challenge?
• How entrepreneurs can get involved in their programs.
• How their programs help entrepreneurs with staying accountable to proving their markets.
• Mistakes Laura has made throughout her entrepreneurial career that turned into a blessing in disguise.

Resources Mentioned:

• PitchBreakfast
• StartCharlotte
• GIG CONNECTED

“Ventureprise is a great program for anyone - at all stages of their company’s maturation process.” - Keith Clithero - Founder, GIG CONNECTED

Connect with Laura Smailes:

• Ventureprise

This episode is sponsored by Spengler Agans Law Firm

When it comes to all aspects of your business - who you work with matters. Spengler Agans Law is Charlotte’s go-to law firm for startup businesses and small to mid-size companies. Spengler Agans specializes in helping entrepreneurs with everything from business formation to key contracts to early-stage funding. Spengler Agans attorneys and associates help clients understand how various strategic business options can increase or reduce risk and how to grow a sustainable company.

Working with a law firm that specializes in providing top legal guidance to startup businesses and entrepreneurial enterprises makes a difference. Learn more about Spengler Agans Law Firm and their services by visiting SpenglerAgansLaw.com

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