Here is an overview of the product/service idea pitch format for each participant for the Nov. 23rd Showcase:

• 5-7 min. product/service pitch  
  • Fundamental elements to include:
    • your unique approach to solving a specific problem
    • how your idea has further developed
    • your customer discovery insights from interviews
    • your supply chain development, and
    • your next plans/steps
  • Tips:
    • incorporate the criteria of the Showcase Pitch Evaluation Rubric (see image below)
    • use powerpoint, images, examples and/or models if applicable
• 3-5 min. questions from mentors  

With the Showcase, there are fund opportunities:

• Founders Award: $1,000 for the 'Most developed start-up idea'
• Available for each participant: $200, $300 or $500 micro-grants
  • amount based on showcase pitch evaluation rubric and completion of activities 

Here is the Showcase Pitch Evaluation Rubric:

Start-up / Workplace culture is what can make your start-up unique. It is a combination of your beliefs, values, interactions, attitudes, and behaviours.

With the previous activity, we are working on further developing our product/service idea, and preparing for the showcase.

For this activity, take some time to consider what is important for your start-up workplace culture. 

Workplace culture has been described as the 'heartbeat', 'character' or 'personality' of a start-up or company, and many people describe it as being a key determining factor for why they apply to, stay or leave a specific position.

Defining and building a workplace culture for your start-up right from the start is foundational as it supports every aspect of your business. 

Consider the following traits and potential impact of these two distinctive types of workplace cultures.

The following traits often lead to procrastination, resentment and apathy that can contribute to challenges or failures that could have been prevented:

• Gossip in the office:  Having a workplace culture where gossip is the norm can cause conflicts among colleagues, and can create a breakdown in communication.
• Lack of transparency: Limited business updates or lack of information sharing, especially in times of uncertainty or a challenge, may cause staff to question or feel unsure; and over time can result in a breakdown of trust.
• Unfriendly competition: Healthy competition can help grow a business, but competition as a focal point can create strain and animosity between colleagues, or create ineffective practices for dealing with challenges.
• Lack of cooperation:  An atmosphere of anti-cooperation will inhibit the full potential of the team, and may lead to delays or incompletion of objectives and goals. 
• Excessive tardiness & absenteeism: Not being punctual or being repeatedly absent can be a sign of disengagement. If it becomes standard practice in the workplace, it can also set a complacent tone for accomplishing goals and meeting deadlines.
• Poor internal communication:  Poor, lack or limited communication within the workplace can result in mistakes being made, misrepresentation of the company, and/or miscommunication with customers and partners.  

It is natural that any of these traits will surface in the workplace, however, if they are not addressed or worked on, they can lead to unnecessary stress, mental fatigue and burnout. 

The following traits often lead to motivation, inspiration, and aspiration that supports success with all aspects of a start-up:

• Effective communication: From written messages and business documents to meetings and conversations, clear, focussed communication brings clarity, provides purpose, and supports community and collaboration. 
• Peaceful atmosphere:  Having a peaceful working environment limits distractions, supports focus, increases creativity and encourages productivity.
• Clear objectives and goals: Setting and focussing on tangible goals - for the whole team and each individual team member - gives a sense of a common purpose and focus, as well as individual value. 
• Diversity and inclusion: Having team members with a broad range of skills, capacities & expertise, varied worldviews and ways of thinking, and from different backgrounds and cultures supports developing new ideas and creative problem-solving when issues arise.
• Failures are learned from: A common start-up phrase is "fail fast and fail forward". Learning from mistakes can unlock new levels of success, promote trying new approaches, and help to adapt the changing start-up landscape. 
• Autonomy is encouraged: Encouraging team members independence to complete work in way that is most productive for them builds trust, respect and capacity.

All of these elements reduce stress, mental fatigue and overall burnout, and ensure more time and energy to complete goals and grow a great start-up. 

A 'Founders tip' for a positive start-up/ workplace culture:

• Be visible, mindful and available: as the leader of the start-up, how and what you say and do sets the tone for your start-up culture and what is acceptable and valued.