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  • User Research & Design, Part II: Design, Iterate, and Develop

    CIE HotHouse 1134 Chorro St., San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

    Understanding your customers is only the first step. The next challenge is turning those insights into a product that works for users and can be developed effectively. In User Research & Design, Part II: Design, Iterate & Develop, Janice Rohn will build on the research and validation principles introduced in Part I (Validate Before You Build) covered last month and explore how to move from customer insights into product design and development. Drawing on decades of experience leading product development and UX teams at companies like Apple and Intel, she’ll walk through key stages of the design process, including storyboarding, prototyping, testing, and transitioning to development. This workshop will explore key stages of the design process, including storyboarding, creating and testing prototypes, incorporating user feedback, and transitioning into development. You'll walk away with: An understanding of how to use storyboarding as part of the product design process Practical approaches for creating and testing prototypes Strategies for gathering user feedback and using it to iterate on your product A better understanding of how to move from design and testing into development

    Free

  • Beyond the Grind: AI & Tech Tools for Small Business — Part I: AI Foundations for Small Business

    CIE HotHouse 1134 Chorro St., San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

    AI can help small-business owners save time, work more efficiently, and make more informed decisions. In this practical, beginner-friendly workshop, you’ll explore ways to use AI in your business today, from creating content and conducting research to organizing ideas, supporting decision-making, and automating simple tasks. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of what AI can and cannot do, along with useful ideas you can apply right away to spend less time on daily tasks and more time growing your business. About the Speaker:  José Huitrón is a founder and startup community builder with more than 10 years of experience in digital marketing, event execution, and venture design. He has launched ventures in content creation, digital marketing, and expanding access to capital for underrepresented founders. José previously served as President of the Latino Startup Alliance, a Silicon Valley organization focused on accelerating Latino-led tech ventures, and is the founder of Santa Maria Valley Tech, an online community platform highlighting technology and entrepreneurship in northern Santa Barbara County. There are two attendance options:  In-Person: In person event will take place at the Cal Poly Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship's HotHouse Virtual: Attendees will receive Zoom login information* the day before of the event. […]

    Free

  • [Virtual] Capital Access for Small Businesses: Preparing to Fund Your Next Step

    Zoom

    Finding the right capital can help your business launch, stabilize, grow, or seize a new opportunity - but knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. In this virtual workshop led by Roger Gilbert, small business owners will learn about common funding options, including traditional bank loans, SBA-guaranteed loans, lines of credit, and other sources of capital, and how to determine which may be a fit for their business. You’ll also learn how to prepare before approaching a lender: the financial information, documents, and business story loan officers look for; how lenders assess readiness; and practical steps to strengthen your application and improve your chances of success. This session is ideal for entrepreneurs who are considering financing now or want to position their business to access capital in the future. The presentation will include time for live Q&A. About the Speaker: Roger brings 26 years of financial-services experience, including 12 years in commercial lending and seven years in government-guaranteed lending. He holds a Certificate in Government Guaranteed Lending from NAGGL and has led both the Central Coast SBDC and a Regional SBDC Capital Access Center. As a former business owner in manufacturing, wholesale distribution, and retail, Roger brings both lending expertise […]

  • Beyond the Grind: Mastering Tech, Tools & AI — Part II: Tools to Run the Business Better

    CIE HotHouse 1134 Chorro St., San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

    Running a business often means juggling projects, communication, client work, and countless small tasks. In Part II of our three-part Beyond the Grind series, designed to help you master technology, tools, and AI, Jose Huitron will share practical ways to use AI and digital tools to streamline your operations, stay organized, and get more done without adding unnecessary complexity. This session builds on Part I, AI Foundations for Small Business. If you missed it and would like to catch up before Part II, you can watch the recording here. We’ll explore AI tools, along with other digital tools, for project management, collaboration, communication, productivity, and day-to-day operations. Whether you work independently or lead a growing team, you’ll leave with a clearer sense of how AI can support your business, which tools may fit your needs, and how to begin using them effectively. About the Speaker: José Huitrón is a founder and startup community builder with more than 10 years of experience in digital marketing, event execution, and venture design. He has launched ventures in content creation, digital marketing, and expanding access to capital for underrepresented founders. José previously served as President of the Latino Startup Alliance, a Silicon Valley organization focused […]