LEANARTS teaches performing arts organizations how to think like startups.

Created by the Performing Arts Alliance in collaboration with The Working Group and MaRS, LEANARTS helps startups performing arts organizations grow faster, derisk project initiatives and find funding. The program pairs teams with expert mentors and coaches who will share the tools and techniques applied by successful startup companies.

SESSION 1: THE LEAN CANVAS (JAN 7)

The Lean Canvas is a fast-to-create blueprint for understanding any business or project. In this session you'll learn about the benefits of creating your own Lean Canvas, walk through some examples and get hands-on support to put your own Canvas together.

Meet the mentors & organizers
Learn how to fill out and use your Lean Canvas
Team presentations: One minute "elevator pitch"

SESSION 2: CUSTOMER DEVELOPMENT (JAN 14)

Effective customer development helps you make sure you're building the right thing before committing resources to a project. Learn how to find, approach and connect with your customers to make sure you're on the right path.

Team presentations: One minute "elevator pitch," two minute presentation of completed Lean Canvas
Get introduced to customer development: The 'problem' and 'solution' interviews
Work with mentors to explore and refine your value proposition

SESSION 3: THE MINIMUM VIABLE PRODUCT (JAN 21)

The Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is a creation that allows you to collect the maximum amount of validated learning about customers with the least amount of effort. Learn about different types of MVPs, how to design them, and which is right for you.

Team presentations: One minute "elevator pitch" + two minute presentation on learnings from the week
Customer development refresher: Workshop on effective customer development interviews
Learn about the Minimum Viable Product, and an alternative, the Minimum Loveable Product

SESSION 4: PITCH CLINIC: STORYTELLING & METRICS (JAN 28)

Being able to tell a compelling story about your project is key to attracting interest from customers and funders. Learn about the fundamental components of a pitch deck, why building one is useful, and how to tell great stories about your project.

Teams presentations: One minute "elevator pitch" + 2 minute presentation on the lessons learned building or refining your MVP
Pitch clinic: How to build a deck and tell a compelling story
Work with mentors to think about your metrics for success

SESSION 5: SCALABILITY & BUSINESS MODELS (FEB 4)

Scalability is your ability to grow and adapt to increased demands. This session will introduce you to the concept of scaling your business, and dive into the broad variety of revenue models that exist that could be applied to your teams.

Teams presentations: Five minute pitch presentation based on last week's pitch clinic
Funding and revenue panel discussion: Alternatives to traditional funding routes
Work with mentors to improve your messaging and pitch deck

Final presentations will be given at a demo night and reception on Friday, February 13.

Teams will pitch their projects and talk about what they've learned at a cocktail reception attended by funders, media and partner organizations.

To attend, please RSVP using this link.