SO Foundations Series - LAUNCH to learn
A New Horizon for SRBA: How to Maximize Impact for Student-Startup Support Organizations (SOs) including campus incubators, accelerators and centers for innovation, a 3-Part Workshop Series and Digital Handbook with sessions launching at SURGE Expo24 .
Note: This series is focused innovative student-owned business organizations such as campus incubators and accelerators that help students launch their own companies. You might also be interested in our separate SRBO Foundation Series, focused on student-run business organizations like Harvard Student Agencies.
Contribute: If you or your organization would like to contribute insights, examples, facilitation or sponsor dollars to support this series, please contact president@srbassociation.org.
SO Foundations Workshop Series: 101, 201, and 301
This series is a brand new effort for SRBA to engage and add value to programs that help students launch new ventures, including scalable venture-track companies as well as those designed to stay rooted in community.
Our work here is dedicated to helping .
These workshops cover topics like vision and business development, legal structuring, operational management, financial growth, and sustainability strategies. Participants will be equipped with actionable tools and resources, including SOBO mentorship networks and collaboration opportunities, enabling them to foster impactful, enduring organizations in entrepreneurial settings like campus incubators, accelerators, and centers for innovation.
SO Foundations Workshop Series Outline
SO Foundations Workshop Series Overview: 101, 201, and 301
The SOBO Foundations Series is a three-part workshop designed to address key stages of a student-owned business organization lifecycle: Early Development (101), Growth and Scaling (201), and Sustaining Innovation and Impact (301). This series will help campus incubators, accelerators, and entrepreneurship centers build robust programs that empower student entrepreneurs.
SO 101 Series: Launching a Student-Owned Business
Series Theme:
Foundational Concepts for New SOs
Objective:
The 101 series provides participants with the foundational knowledge needed to launch a student-owned business, including how to define a clear vision, select the right legal structure, and build essential operational systems. This series emphasizes leveraging resources and institutional partnerships to build sustainable SOs.
Who Should Attend:
Students, faculty, or staff involved in creating or formalizing new student-owned ventures through entrepreneurship centers and incubators.
Key Sessions:
101.1: Defining the SO Vision – Participants will explore different SO models (campus-only, multi-campus, service-based, product-based) and develop a vision aligned with academic and institutional goals.
101.2: Legal Structuring and Compliance – Guidance on best practices for legal compliance in an academic environment.
101.3: Operational Systems for Success – Practical advice on establishing financial controls, staffing, and other systems to ensure operational efficiency.
SO 201 Series: Scaling Student-Owned Businesses
Series Theme:
Building and Scaling Operations to Reach Financial Milestones
Objective:
The 201 series focuses on the growth phase of student-owned businesses, with an emphasis on financial growth, operational scaling, and institutional partnerships. This series helps participants develop strategies to scale their SOs while maintaining mission alignment and financial discipline.
Who Should Attend:
SO leaders looking to expand operations, increase revenue, and develop strategies for sustainable growth.
Key Sessions:
201.1: Securing Funding and Financial Sustainability – Strategies for securing funding through alumni, sponsorships, and grants while avoiding common financial pitfalls.
201.2: Reaching $1M Revenue Milestones – Case studies and strategies for scaling a business to significant revenue milestones.
201.3: Brand Building and Expansion – How to replicate successful SO models, enhance brand presence, and scale operations to serve larger markets.
SO 301 Series: Sustaining and Innovating Mature Student-Owned Businesses
Series Theme:
Long-Term Sustainability and Innovation for Established SOs
Objective:
The 301 series addresses the transition from growth to sustainability and explores strategies to maintain relevance, innovate, and retain talent within a mature student-owned business. Leaders will learn how to continuously evolve their SOs, leveraging partnerships and alumni support to foster lasting value.
Who Should Attend:
Leaders of established SOs who want to build resilience, foster innovation, and develop systems for sustained growth.
Key Sessions:
301.1: Transitioning to Mature Operations – Managing an SO that can innovate while maintaining operational stability and relevance.
301.2: Retaining Talent and Leadership Development – Creating incentives and pathways to retain top talent and foster long-term leadership pipelines.
301.3: Continuous Innovation and Campus Alignment – Enhancing student experiences by adapting SO services to campus needs while maintaining mission integrity.
Leveraging SOBO Networks Across All Series:
Mentorship Networks – Participants will have access to SO alumni and experts through digital roundtables and the SO Summit.
Financial and Legal Toolkits – SO’s resource library includes templates for financial management, legal compliance, and operations planning.
Badge Programs – Participants can earn recognition through SO’s Founders Badge programs, providing structured learning designed for student founders, acknowledging and providing credit (academic or otherwise) for their leadership and entrepreneurial achievements.