Traction

What Is Traction?

The Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation launched the Traction program to support UConn-affiliated startup ideas as they work to validate their concept. Participants will learn the key elements of the Business Model Canvas (BMC) and the lean startup methodology. Participants will engage in customer discovery efforts that will allow them to better understand the market they are entering and the value they plan to provide to key stakeholders in the process. The Traction program is open to undergraduate and graduate students across all schools at UConn.

Fall 2022 Program Dates:

Application Deadline: Friday, October 21, 2022 at 11:59pm

Kickoff: November 1, 2022; 1-3pm

Webinar 1: November 8, 2022; 1-3pm

Webinar 2: November 15, 2022; 1-3pm

Webinar 3: November 29, 2022; 1-3pm

Finale: December 6, 2022; 1-3pm

Spring 2023 Program Dates:

Application Deadline: Friday, March 3, 2023 at 11:59pm

Kickoff: March 21, 2023; 1-3pm

Webinar 1: March 28, 2023; 1-3pm

Webinar 2: April 4, 2023; 1-3pm

Webinar 3: April 11, 2023; 1-3pm

Finale: April 18, 2023; 1-3pm

Program Elements:

Participants Will ...

  • Learn the critical elements of the Business Model Canvas
  • Develop a greater knowledge of the market they plan to enter and the path to entry
  • Understand the individual customer segments they plan to serve and the value that they will provide to them
  • Create a plan for next step resources and milestones that need to be achieved

Participant Expectations ...

  • At least one member of your team will attend all scheduled program meetings (kickoff, webinars, and finale) as well as making an effort to participate in one-on-one office hours with mentors/instructors
  • Participants will actively engage in the program and complete all suggested tasks as outlined by the program instructional team

Past Cohorts:

Program Contacts:

Leland Holcomb
Instructor, Traction

Alycia Chrosniak
Program Specialist
alycia.chrosniak@uconn.edu