In constantly changing times, having a plan is essential. A strong business plan can help you prepare for uncertainty, set goals, access capital, and build resilience. This workshop will guide you through planning under uncertainty using proven frameworks. You’ll also have the option to use BizChat, a tool that helps you draft a personalized business plan in minutes--so you can leave with a solid first draft. We’ll close with strategies to put your plan into action.
Bring a laptop to access BizChat during the workshop. Loaners will be available if needed.
Activity flow
[00:00-00:15] Arrival & mingle
[00:15–00:45] Introduction to Business Plans and Business Plans as a Resilience Strategy
[00:45–01:25] Create a business plan using BizChat!
[01:15–01:55] Paper-based reflection worksheets to help participants take next steps (e.g., getting feedback, submitting for a grant)
[01:55–02:00] Goodbyes!
INSTRUCTOR BIO
Aakash Gautam (he/him) is an Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh, jointly appointed in the Departments of Computer Science and Information Culture and Data Stewardship. His research focuses on human-computer interaction, learning sciences, and community-based participatory design, aiming to develop socio-technical systems that support marginalized communities and promote social equity. Gautam completed his Ph.D. in Computer Science at Virginia Tech and previously served as a faculty member at San Francisco State University.
