Q: What type of assistance is available through the SBDC @ UCI Applied Innovation?
A: One on one consulting to assess where you are in your business launch or to help with funding strategies. We focus on new venture assessment, business planning and development, funding, and exit strategies.
Q: What does consulting cost for all three programs?
A: Nothing. Consulting is provided free of charge.
Q: Is there a time limit? How much consulting can I get?
A: There is no time limit. You can see us as long as you are finding value.
Q: How do I get approved to be a client? What is the sign up process?
A: We work with high technology, high growth scalable businesses in a variety of sectors.
Contact one of our centers to sign up.
Q: What do you have to do to start the engagement with LaunchPad?
A: • Contact us for an appointment.
• Send them your investor presentation and an executive summary.
• Demonstrate an economic benefit to Orange County, CA or Southern California.
• Execute an agreed-upon SBDC Statement of Work.
• If you are selected to participate in the LaunchPad SBDC process, execute an Engagement Agreement
Q: What should you have ready for the first meeting with the LaunchPad team?
A: • Your company’s comprehensive investment presentation including a detailed request for funds, preferably in a PowerPoint format. If you need assistance in finalizing an investor presentation, the LaunchPad SBDC team has an outline of the required components that they can provide to you.
• A verbal presentation (15-20 minutes) of the investor pitch deck that will be made to an intake panel of LaunchPad SBDC staff and consultants.
Q: What does it cost to work with LaunchPad?
A: • LaunchPad SBDC does not charge a fee or take equity in any of the companies that it assists. Its services are supported by OCTANe and grants from the Orange County and Inland Empire Small Business Development Center Network, as well as other funders such as the California Governor’s Office for Business. LaunchPad SBDC does require that companies accepted into the LaunchPad SBDC program demonstrate an economic value to Orange County or the southern California region.
• It will be necessary to sign an Engagement Agreement with OCTANe (see Attachment) that requires you to provide data about your company and its growth over the next 10 years.
Q: What are the opportunities of engagement with OCTANe and LaunchPad SBDC after going through the process?
A: • OCTANe Signature events – Each year OCTANe holds three signature events: Technology Innovation Forum (TIF), Ophthalmology Technology Summit (OTS) and Medical Technology Innovation Forum (MTIF). At each event, LaunchPad SBDC profiles some of the most interesting and accomplished companies that have recently been through the LaunchPad SBDC process, matching the industry segment of the companies to the nature of each event. Being selected to present at one of these events provides a significant opportunity to connect with institutional investors, business leaders, corporate strategic investors, service providers and other entrepreneurs from the regional business community.
• Growth Services – OCTANe has a separate business unit that provides a wide range of services and an opportunity to be exposed to investors outside of the southern CA region. As a LaunchPad SBDC graduate, you will have special access to these services at a discounted fee.
• Alumni events – LaunchPad SBDC periodically hosts events intended to encourage connections and networking between startup entrepreneurs in our region who have gone through LaunchPad for mutual support and information sharing.
• Startup series of events – Throughout the year, OCTANe produces a number of events that address specific topics of concern to the startup business executive and company. As a LaunchPad SBDC graduate, you will have special access to these events at a discounted fee. You may also have the opportunity to present your investment case at one of these events.
