Tools
Tools for Use in Community Engagement and Teaching
This collection offers practical resources designed to support low-income entrepreneurs and the organizations that work with them. These tools cover key areas of venture creation and growth, from training curricula and business model frameworks to strategies for resource mobilization, risk management, and opportunity development. Together, they provide accessible, action-oriented guidance for building sustainable enterprises in challenging contexts.
Foundation & Mindset
Tool#
The Nature of EntrepreneurshipAn in-depth examination of entrepreneurship and the poor within economies.
Tool #1
The Supporting Emerging Enterprises (SEE) ModelFramework for consulting or assessing existing ventures.
Tool #2
What Do Entrepreneurs Create?Explains four different types of ventures and their implications.
Tool #12
Entreprenurship as a Stepwise Journey: An Intervention ApproachAn overview of the stages and experiences that define the entrepreneurial path.
Tool #13
Developing an Entrepreneurial MindsetFrameworks and practices for cultivating an entrepreneurial way of thinking.
Tool #6
Expanding the Entrepreneur's Opportunity HorizonHelps entrepreneurs identify and expand new opportunities.
Business Model & Strategy
Operations, Financial Management & Getting Resources
Tool #8
Getting Resources When You Have No MoneyTool #8A
📄 Bootstrapping StrategiesTool #8B
📊 Strategy SlidesTool #10
How to Mitigate Risks in a VentureApproaches to identifying, assessing, and reducing venture risks.
Tool #14
Developing Your Operating ModelGuidance on structuring how your venture delivers value day to day.
Tool #15
Setting Up Basic BookkeepingA practical introduction to tracking income, expenses, and financial records.
Tool #16
How to Approach Financing Your BusinessOptions and strategies for funding your venture at different stages of growth.
Market & Marketing
Tool #17
Creating Your Marketing and Sales ApproachStrategies for reaching customers and converting interest into sales.
Video & AI Resources
The AI Advantage Presentation
AI Venture Tool Walkthrough
A Sample Community Training Program
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1. Overall Structure 📄
A complete overview of the training program curriculum and delivery.
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2. Training Modules
The program consists of six weekly modules covering essential entrepreneurship topics:
Week 1: Introduces the entrepreneurial mindset and basic business concepts;
Week 2: Covers financial literacy, bookkeeping, and profit/loss fundamentals;
Week 3: Focuses on business planning and strategic thinking;
Week 4: Addresses resourcing, financing, and leveraging limited capital;
Week 5: Explores marketing strategies and brand building on a budget; and
Week 6: Examines operations, daily business management, and venture scaling.
Complete materials including PowerPoints, handouts, teaching exercises, and videos are available through the UPBI Bootcamp resources.