Entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses can find it challenging to get their idea up and running for a variety of reasons. There may be business skills you need to learn, or perhaps an angel investor is required to bring your product or service from idea to reality. Perhaps you are unsure of what to put into your pitch, or maybe you need a great mentor that has the experience and expert knowledge that a young entrepreneur may yet lack.

To wrap up season one of the Supportedly Podcast, we reflect on some of the best advice that our guests have shared in the last 40 episodes. We discuss everything from networking, hiring applicants, creating and delivering pitches, growing your skills, finding a mentor, and so much more.

“It’s such a necessity to get out there and talk about what you’re doing. - Brandon Hall 

This week on the Supportedly Podcast:

• Why you should go out of your way to build relationships with other entrepreneurs.
• Why it’s vital to hire applicants based on key metrics instead of likeability.
• Refraining from going down the expected path and thinking about what you should actually do.
• Why you shouldn’t overrun your pitch time and why you should finish with an ask.
• Why knowing your marketplace is essential.
• Pursuing new things to develop and grow your skills.
• Things to consider to find the right mentor.

“You want mentors that will challenge your assumptions.” - Jay Bigelow 

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Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Supportedly podcast! If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe on Apple Podcasts and leave your honest review. Don’t forget to visit our website, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and share your favorite episodes on social media!

The Supportedly Podcast is produced by Auxbus. You can create your own great podcast - faster and easier - at Auxbus.com

John Austin is the Senior Director of NC IDEA, an organization that helps entrepreneurs and startups reach their full potential through a variety of programs and grants. In 2011, John founded Groundwork Labs, which later became NC IDEA LABS, where he has personally been a mentor to over 200 entrepreneurs. He has held top positions in companies such as Joystick Labs, Numerical Design Ltd., and Division Inc. John has a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering from Valparaiso University and a Master’s in Computer Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

John joins me today to share how the NC IDEA grant process is structured and to describe the grant application best practices. He highlights how entrepreneurs can tackle stage one and stage two forms and explains what entrepreneurs should (and shouldn’t) do in each stage. Here also shares best practices for delivering a pitch and producing a pitch slide deck as well as describes the qualities that he believes entrepreneurs and startups should have.

“The first thing to do is read the instructions, understand what that organization wants to fund, and make sure that you’re in that ballpark.” - John Austin

This week on the Supportedly Podcast:

• How the NC IDEA grant program funds organizations that help startups.
• The criteria for startups to apply for SEED and MICRO grants.
• How to write a first stage grant application.
• How your application is reviewed and what reviewers are looking for.
• Responding to feedback from stage one and preparing your stage two application.
• Preparing your pitch and creating an effective slide deck.
• The three essential qualities startups and entrepreneurs need.
• The things you need to do and not do during the questions segment of your pitch.

Free & Low-Cost Programs at NC IDEA:

• NC IDEA ECOSYSTEM
• NC IDEA SEED
• NC IDEA MICRO
• NC IDEA LABS
• NC IDEA SOAR
• NC IDEA ENGAGE

Connect with John Austin:

• NC IDEA
• Email: info@ncidea.org
• Phone: (919) 941-5600

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Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Supportedly podcast! If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe on Apple Podcasts and leave your honest review. Don’t forget to visit our website, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and share your favorite episodes on social media!

The Supportedly Podcast is produced by Auxbus. You can create your own great podcast - faster and easier - at Auxbus.com

Dan Radin is the Founder, Chairman, President, and CEO of Auxbus, an end-to-end platform solution designed to guide audio novices through the planning, production, distribution, and creation of podcasts. His corporate career consists of developing audio technology products for recording studios, musicians, home audio enthusiasts, and video gamers, including working for Alesis, Sennheiser, JBL/Harman, and SteelSeries.  Dan has an MBA from Loyola Marymount University and a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Business and Management from Berklee College of Music.

Dan joins me today to share why he started Auxbus and why its podcast creation solution differs from others in the industry. He describes the four stages of podcast creation and reveals the different models for generating an income or building a brand through the production and distribution of a podcast. Dan also shares how high-end audio results are created and highlights the reasons that you or your business might choose content marketing through a podcast over the different marketing mediums that are available.

“It’s a medium you can take anywhere, extend your brand in places that it otherwise couldn’t go, and really share who you are, your values, and your genuine authenticity.” - Dan Radin

This week on the Supportedly Podcast:

• When Dan decided he wanted to own a business, become an entrepreneur, and start Auxbus.
• Why the Auxbus podcast solution is unique.
• The four stages of creating a podcast, including planning, recording, production, and distribution.
• The different podcast models and how they create an income or support their production.
• Podcasts that build brands through content marketing.
• How to create excellent podcast audio quality.
• Why you might choose to podcast as a content marketing medium.
• What Auxbus offers to businesses interested in getting into podcasting.
• The advice that Dan would give to a new entrepreneur.

Connect with Dan Radin:

• Auxbus
• Dan Radin on LinkedIn

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Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Supportedly podcast! If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe on iTunes and leave your honest review. Don’t forget to visit our website, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and share your favorite episodes on social media!

The Supportedly Podcast is produced by Auxbus. You can create your own great podcast - faster and easier - at Auxbus.com

Diane Durance is the Director of the UNC Wilmington Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, an organization that provides working space, tools, networking opportunities, and mentorship to entrepreneurs and new venture startups. Diane was previously the President of MiQuest, a company that promotes entrepreneurship through publications and events. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Masters of Public Administration from the Southern Methodist University.

Claire Holroyd is the Co-Founder and CEO of Skilly-do, a company that helps parents use their time effectively and help their preschool children learn through play. Claire received the John Hope Franklin Award from the Center for Documentary Studies and has a BA in Public Policy from Duke University. Claire also has an MFA in Photography, Video and Related Media from the School of Visual Arts. Claire’s career includes working for companies such as Qualcomm, the PlayStation Network, and Square Enix.

Diane joins me today to share how the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) connects the university’s resources with entrepreneurs and venture startups. She describes the Mentor Group Program and the coworking space provided by CIE and reveals the upcoming networking and learning events. I also spoke with Claire to learn more about Skilly-do and how CIE helped her start her businesses and connect with expert mentors.

“Our mission is to connect and ignite the regional strengths and the university expertise to create innovation and entrepreneurial solutions.” - Diane Durance

This week on the Supportedly Podcast:

• How the university's resources help Wilmington’s businesses and community entrepreneurs.
• How the university connects startup ventures with local professionals and retired CEOs and entrepreneurs.
• How the Mentor Group Program connects high potential entrepreneurs with mentors.
• The different venture stages that the mentors are looking to engage with.
• The equipment, technology, and Media Team Services that are available in the coworking space and incubator space.
• The networking and learning events held by the UNC Wilmington Center for Innovation.
• Recent events and programs that helped marine fisheries and the creative economy.
• How Skilly-do helps preschool children learn, grow, and have fun.
• How CIE helped Claire develop her venture and connect with the right people.
• The advice that Claire would give to new entrepreneurs.

“They’re going to connect you with the right people - because they know the right people - and they don’t hesitate. If they can help you, they are going to help you.” - Claire Holroyd

Free & Low-Cost Programs at UNC Wilmington Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship:

• Coworking Space
• Incubator Space
• Media Team Services
• Networking Events

Connect with Diane Durance:

• UNC Wilmington Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Connect with Claire Holroyd:

• Skilly-do

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Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Supportedly podcast! If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe on iTunes and leave your honest review. Don’t forget to visit our website, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and share your favorite episodes on social media!

The Supportedly Podcast is produced by Auxbus. You can create your own great podcast - faster and easier - at Auxbus.com

Pepper Landson is the CEO and Co-Founder of Praetego, a business that develops drug candidates for protecting patients with diabetes, patients who receive critical care, and patients who are undergoing surgery. She has held the position of Co-Founder and Principal for Cheval Noir, Vice President of Clinical Operations for NephroGenex, and CEO of Linked Urology Research Network. Pepper has amassed almost 30-years experience within the life sciences and medical research industries. She believes in being a lifelong learner and promotes the benefits of having a mentor and support group when founding a new business.

Joan Siefert Rose is the CEO of LaunchBio, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support to life science and biotech companies. LaunchBio helps science-based entrepreneurs through mentorship and coworking spaces. Joan is a sought-after conference speaker and has worked as a columnist for Forbes on the topic of entrepreneurial ecosystems. She was responsible for creating the early-stage investor relation and mentorship program for the Council for Entrepreneurial Development in Research, where she held the position of CEO.

Joan joins me today to share how tech-based entrepreneurs and science-based entrepreneurs differ in the position of founding a startup. I also spoke with Pepper to learn her perspective on the importance of science-based entrepreneurs shifting their mindset from “leadership” to “service-ship.” She shares the common misconceptions surrounding entrepreneurship and being a “good leader” and the mistakes and mishaps many science-based entrepreneurs make throughout their journey. She also shares her perspective on work-life balance, self-care, ‘faking it ‘til you make it,’ and imposter syndrome.

“I would like to see those partnerships between science and business form earlier.” - Joan Rose

This week on the Supportedly Podcast:

• The differences between a science-based entrepreneur and tech-based entrepreneur.
• The common mistakes that new entrepreneurs make when building a company.
• The differences in working within a big company and founding a startup.
• The importance of humility and mentorship as a founder.
• Recognizing that you don't have to do it all yourself.
• Identifying the true meaning of work-life balance for entrepreneurs and startups.
• Pepper’s perspective on “faking it ‘til you make it.”
• Why you need to be willing to learn and have a curiosity mindset.

“You have to accept that you are not going to have all the answers. It doesn’t work that way. All you need to know is where to go next.” - Pepper Landson

Free & Low-Cost Programs at LaunchBio:

• Larger Than Life Science
• Explore Labs: Stem Career Workshop
• Invest In Cures

Connect with Joan Siefert Rose:

• LaunchBio
• Joan Rose on LinkedIn

Connect with Pepper Landson:

• Praetego
• Pepper Landson on LinkedIn

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Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Supportedly podcast! If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe on iTunes and leave your honest review. Don’t forget to visit our website, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and share your favorite episodes on social media!

The Supportedly Podcast is produced by Podcraft. You can create your own great podcast – faster and easier – at Podcraft.com

Joan Siefert Rose is the CEO of LaunchBio, a nonprofit organization that has created an innovation ecosystem to help biotech and life science companies through support, coworking spaces, and mentorship. She is nationally recognized as a leader in building entrepreneurial communities and holding roles such as the CEO of the Council for Entrepreneurial Development in Research. During her time with CED, Joan created an investor relation and mentorship program for early-stage companies. Additionally, she has been a columnist on entrepreneurial ecosystems for Forbes and is a frequent conference speaker.

Pepper Landson is the Co-Founder and CEO of Praetego, a company that is developing drug candidates to protect patients during surgical and critical care. She has worked within the life sciences for almost three decades and greatly enjoys the field of medical research. Her previous roles include being the CEO of Linked Urology Research Network, VP of Clinical Operations for NephroGenex, and Co-Founder and Principal of Cheval Noir. Pepper is a passionate lifelong learner and values rigorous science, process integrity, and authenticity.

Joan joins me today to share how LaunchBio is helping life science and biotech companies through coworking spaces, wet labs, and support programs. She shares the networking opportunities within and outside of the region and how LaunchBio is bringing strategic partners together. I also spoke with Pepper to learn more about how LaunchBio and BioLabs and has helped Praetego make new connections, find new providers, and become more aware of the resources open to entrepreneurs.

“The hope is that there will be a lot of good science that is turning into really advanced technology much more quickly at a much more effective capital price.” – Joan Siefert Rose

This week on the Supportedly Podcast:

• The coworking spaces provided by LaunchBio.
• How the Larger Than Life Science program provides monthly opportunities for networking.
• The opportunities to connect with experts in different regions.
• How the coworking space is set up, including access to wet labs.
• How the S.T.E.M Career Workshops prepares high school and college students for a career in science and entrepreneurship.
• How the Invest In Cures program brings strategic partners together.
• LaunchBio’s partnership with BioLabs.
• The mission, challenges and therapies that are being developed by Praetego.
• How the coworking lab environment has helped Praetego.
• Pepper’s advice for new science-based entrepreneurs.
• Joan’s advice for science-based entrepreneurs that are just getting started.

“We are so blessed with fantastic people who continue to serve this community in many different ways.” - Pepper Landson

Free & Low-Cost Programs at LaunchBio:

• Larger Than Life Science
• Explore Labs: S.T.E.M. Career Workshops
• Invest In Cures

Connect with Joan Siefert Rose:

• LaunchBio
• Joan Siefert Rose on LinkedIn

Connect with Pepper Landson:

• Praetego
• Pepper Landson on LinkedIn

Subscribe, Rate, & Share

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Supportedly podcast! If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe on iTunes and leave your honest review. Don’t forget to visit our website, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and share your favorite episodes on social media!

The Supportedly Podcast is produced by Podcraft. You can create your own great podcast – faster and easier – at Podcraft.com

Johanna Hagarty is the Founder and Executive Director at Xpand brand. Xpand brand is a company that supports creatives in their pursuit of a successful career as business owners through education, partnerships, and events such as Xpand Fest and the Work of Art Symposium workshops. Johanna holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Services and has experience in program management, events coordination, and social media marketing. She believes many of the recent innovative solutions to large-scale problems were brought to life by creatives.

Johanna joins me today to share the impact creatives make from a global perspective. She shares how her career started and what inspired her to start her own company. She explains how some professions, like accountants, can be considered creative and how an artist can transition to becoming a creative entrepreneur. She also shares her advice on pricing your products and services and some of the most common mistakes she sees new creative entrepreneurs make.

“Artists are some of the most creative, innovative problem-solvers that this entire world has ever seen.” - Johanna Hagarty

This week on the Supportedly Podcast:

• Johanna Hagarty's career journey and her creative projects.
• Why she decided to start Xpand brand and what it sets to do.
• Her definition of a creative entrepreneur and professions that are actually creative.
• Transitioning from artists to entrepreneur.
• Calculating the cost of your talents and when to saying no to clients.
• Her advice to creatives regarding marketing their talents and starting out.
• Common mistakes she often sees creative entrepreneurs make.
• The impact that creative entrepreneurs make on global innovations.
• Why she feels it’s critical to support creative entrepreneurs.

Free & Low-Cost Programs at The Center for Creative Economy:

• Creative Business Coaching
• Event Consulting
• Strategic Marketing Plans
• Work of Art

Connect with Johanna Hagarty:

• Xpand brand
• LinkedIn

Subscribe, Rate, & Share

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Supportedly podcast! If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe on iTunes and leave your honest review. Don’t forget to visit our website, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and share your favorite episodes on social media!

The Supportedly Podcast is produced by Podcraft. You can create your own great podcast – faster and easier – at Podcraft.com