Workshops
Do you have a business idea but aren’t sure how to get started? Do you want to learn about entrepreneurship? Are you interested in applying to Startup BASE Camp, Entrepreneurship@DU's summer accelerator? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should participate in the Entrepreneurship@DU workshop series.
The goal for these workshops is to have fun, meet people, and learn about entrepreneurship and innovation in a laid-back environment that encourages collaboration and creativity. It’s also an opportunity to develop your business idea.
Workshops are free, are available to every University of Denver student, and don’t require any prior business experience. The workshops are focused on providing the tools entrepreneurs and innovators need to develop their business ideas.
About the workshops
- Workshops are 2 hours long.
- They’re capped at 18 students.
- Each workshop is taught by an industry and/or faculty expert.
- Pizza and drinks are provided.
- Registration is required because space is limited.
- We encourage you to attend all workshops, but it isn’t required.
What you should bring
- A laptop
- Curiosity
- Energy
2026 topics
Fall Quarter 2025
- Library Research Workshop (Brooky Parks)—September
- Library Research Workshop (Brooky Parks)—September
- Library Research Workshop (Brooky Parks)—September
- Video Workshop (Patrick Orr)
- Video Workshop (Patrick Orr)
- Video Workshop (Patrick Orr)
Winter Quarter 2026
- Design Thinking and Ideation (John Sebesta)—January
- Spin Up A Business in 2-Hours with AI (Joshua Ross)—January
- Who Is Your Customer (Aaron Duncan)—February
- Business Model Canvas (Neil Pollard)—February
- Product Fit & Customer Validation (Joshua Ross)—February
Workshop Details
Design Thinking: Turn Ideas Into Impact
Learn how to creatively solve problems that matter — no business background required.
Faculty: John Sebesta
Date: Wednesday, January 14
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Location: The Hub
> Register here
Description:
Have an idea but not sure where to start? This hands-on workshop helps you define the problem you’re solving, explore creative solutions, and test your ideas quickly. You’ll also discover how design thinking applies beyond entrepreneurship - to your studies, career, and everyday life. The skills you’ll build here will help you no matter where your post-graduation path takes you.
Spin up a business in 2-hours (with ai as your co-founder)
Use generative AI tools to brainstorm, validate, and spin up your first startup idea fast.
Faculty: Joshua Ross
Date: Wednesday, January 28
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Location: The Hub
Register here
Description:
Ready to turn an idea into a startup - fast? In this interactive workshop, you’ll use AI tools to brainstorm ideas, test concepts, and build a simple launch plan in just two hours. You’ll see how AI can help you think bigger, move faster, and work smarter — skills that apply to any career path, not just entrepreneurship.
your Business Model on one page
Faculty: Alisa Wilson
Date: Wednesday, February 12
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Location: The Hub
> Register here
Description:
Got a great idea but not sure how all the pieces fit together? In this workshop, you’ll learn how to use the Business Model Canvas — a simple, visual tool to map out how your idea creates value, reaches customers, and generates revenue. You’ll identify the key activities needed to get your idea off the ground and organize your thoughts into a clear plan you can build on, even if you’re still developing your concept. No business background required — just curiosity and creativity.
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AI Native Coding 101: Build an App Without Writing Code
Bring your app idea to life using no-code platforms — perfect for non-technical founders.
Industry Expert: Bryson Timper
Date: Tuesday, February 3
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Location: The Hub
> Register here
Description:
Think building an app is only for coders? Think again. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to design and build a functional prototype using no-code and AI tools like Lovable.dev and Perplexity—no programming experience required.
Whether you’re an aspiring founder or simply curious about creating digital products, you’ll leave with practical tools, newfound confidence, and a clear path to bring your idea to life.
Pitch and Build A Deck Workshop
Faculty: Kerry Mitchell
Date: Tuesday, March 3
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Location: The Hub
Description:
Translating your idea into a compelling pitch can feel intimidating — but it’s one of the most valuable skills an entrepreneur can learn. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll craft a clear, confident story that highlights the opportunity, why it matters, and the value your solution brings. The ability to communicate ideas clearly and persuasively is a powerful skill you’ll use throughout your life, career, and any venture you pursue.
Startup Marketing 101 Workshop
Industry Expert: Chennelle Diong
Description:
The marketing strategy for your startup is an essential piece to the success of your startup. Without it, you don't have a business. You have a hobby. The question you need to answer is: How am I going promote my business with little to no budget and zero brand awareness?
In this workshop, we will discuss the basic elements needed in building your brand and will lay the foundation for your own brand guide. Next, we will delve into inbound marketing techniques and the best way to build awareness for your product and/or service. Lastly, we will create a landing page for your business and develop individual strategies to drive traffic to that landing page with the goal of building brand awareness and conversions.
Entrepreneurship@DU Cost & Revenue Workshop
Faculty: Daniel Cohen
Description:
Lots of people have great business ideas but get stuck when it's time to make a budget. This workshop will get you unstuck.
In this workshop you will learn the basics, including the few most important parts of a budget and the story a budget tells. Students have noted they gain confidence from this short session and leave feeling empowered to think constructively about their revenues and expenses and to feel good about the estimates in their spreadsheets.