Guides

This guide teaches crowdfunding fundamentals—how to raise capital by pooling small online contributions from many backers. It serves founders seeking alternatives to traditional financing. Covers key platforms (Kickstarter, Indiegogo, GoFundMe, Patreon, Bonfire, StartEngine), success factors (realistic goals, compelling narratives, strong marketing), and challenges (fulfillment, idea imitation, backer satisfaction). Includes Utah examples like Thread.

This guide teaches small business owners how to find and secure grants as debt-free funding. It covers identifying grant purposes (R&D, expansion), searching by business classification (minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned), and connecting with government, private, and local grant sources. Includes resources like SBIR.gov, Grants.gov, and industry-specific organizations. Emphasizes time investment, application preparation, and record-keeping post-award.

This guide teaches Utah entrepreneurs how pitch competitions provide non-dilutive funding, investor feedback, and business validation. It profiles six major competitions across the state—from Get Started ($500) to Utah Tech Week ($250K)—with eligibility, prize structures, and milestones. Ideal for early-stage founders seeking capital without equity loss and visibility in Utah's robust startup ecosystem.

This guide teaches Utah businesses how to prepare for the Economic Assistance Grant, a project-based funding opportunity offering up to $200K from the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. It covers eligibility requirements, three funding tiers ($50K–$200K), application deadlines, and what reviewers expect: clear metrics, strong budgets, and 18-month project completion plans. Ideal for for-profit and nonprofit organizations in targeted industries seeking growth capital.

This guide teaches entrepreneurs how to identify and secure the best funding source for their startup by comparing grants, government programs, crowdfunding, venture capital, angel investors, and bootstrapping. It serves founders at all stages seeking to move from idea to revenue, with concrete Utah-based resources like SBIR/STTR programs, APEX Accelerator, angel groups, and crowdfunding platforms. Emphasizes matching funding type to business model and often combining multiple sources.

This guide teaches Utah entrepreneurs five practical strategies to build a strong business network: joining local chambers and industry organizations, attending expos and meetups, leveraging incubators and accelerators, finding mentors, and connecting with emerging talent. It serves early-stage founders seeking partnerships, funding opportunities, and industry insights through community involvement and relationship-building.

This guide teaches Utah entrepreneurs how to leverage networking events and community gatherings to build relationships, attract investors, and grow their businesses. It profiles key Utah events—One Utah Summit, 1 Million Cups, Silicon Slopes Summit, Third Thursday @ Three, and Utah Tech Week—showing how each creates opportunities for pitching, feedback, and meaningful connections. Ideal for founders at any stage seeking to expand their network and accelerate momentum.

This guide teaches Utah founders how to leverage local coworking spaces and business incubators to build networks and access resources. It profiles Kiln, iHub, and The Mill—spaces offering flexible workspaces, mentorship, investor connections, and events—plus rural alternatives like chambers of commerce. Ideal for early-stage founders seeking collaboration, peer support, and pathways to funding.

This guide teaches business owners how to identify, protect, and secure intellectual property—patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets—to safeguard competitive advantage. It covers IP types, registration steps via USPTO and state resources, and Utah-specific support for entrepreneurs seeking affordable or free IP assistance.

Learn the six essential components of a compelling pitch deck: CEO background, problem identification, solution presentation, business model, traction/growth metrics, and funding ask. This guide teaches entrepreneurs how to structure pitches that convince investors by leading with founder expertise, data-backed problems, visual solutions, clear monetization, proven traction, and specific funding requests with milestone plans.

This guide teaches entrepreneurs how to evaluate and prepare for international expansion by considering four key factors: comprehensive business planning, cultural and market differences, strategic partnerships, and financing. It serves Utah-based founders considering global markets and highlights state resources like World Trade Center Utah's readiness checks and STEP grants. Includes real examples of successful trade missions generating $193M+ in opportunities.

This guide teaches how to validate a business idea by identifying passions, researching market demand, defining value propositions, and testing with real customers. It serves aspiring entrepreneurs exploring whether their concept can succeed. Covers four key steps: list passions, analyze the market for gaps, clarify what sets your solution apart, and prototype with customer feedback. References free SBDC consulting and SBA resources.

Business Elevated Podcast, launched by Utah's Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity in 2019, showcases entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping Utah's economy. With 200+ episodes, it features interviews with executives, community leaders, and innovators discussing their experiences and insights. The guide teaches aspiring podcasters to define clear objectives, know their audience, secure proper equipment, and choose the right syndication platform for distribution across Apple Podcasts and Spotify.