{"id":11153,"date":"2024-08-22T10:17:15","date_gmt":"2024-08-22T14:17:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/innovate\/?page_id=11153"},"modified":"2026-05-08T12:00:04","modified_gmt":"2026-05-08T16:00:04","slug":"office-hours","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/innovate\/about\/office-hours\/","title":{"rendered":"Office Hours"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Get 1:1 Support with Innovate@BU Staff<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Schedule some time with our staff during Office Hours designed to support entrepreneurs at every stage. Whether you need some help getting started or want advice on navigating the challenges of scaling, these sessions offer guidance and support to help you move forward. Additional office hours with Experts-in-Residence can be found at the bottom of this page.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"text-button\" href=\"https:\/\/innovatebu.app\/office-hours\">Book an appointment!<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Have a question about the Innovation &amp; Entrepreneurship Minor? <a href=\"https:\/\/calendly.com\/yjchung\/i-e-minor-office-hours\">Use this link<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h4>Drop-in Times with Student Ambassadors<\/h4>\n<p>Student ambassador times aren&#8217;t available during the summer, but you can chat with the student at the front desk who can answer your questions!<\/p>\n<h4>Appointment Types<\/h4>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Venture Development<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Designed for students in the early stages of building a startup or looking to take an existing venture to the next level.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What You Can Expect:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ideating and refining your business model<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strategies for Scaling Your Venture<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Guidance on building your team<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Support with overcoming common entrepreneurial challenges\/roadblocks<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Bring your ideas, challenges, and questions &#8211; our staff is ready to help you transform a vision into a successful and sustainable venture. <\/b><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"text-button\" href=\"https:\/\/innovatebu.app\/office-hours\">Book an appointment!<\/a><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Nonprofits &amp; Social Impact<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For students who are passionate about making a difference through a venture or project and looking to navigate the unique challenges of creating, operating and scaling a mission-driven organization.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What You Can Expect:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Guidance on nonprofit formation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strategies for measuring and maximizing social impact<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tips of fundraising for nonprofits, including grant writing and donor relations<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insight on building partnerships with community orgs, foundations, and stakeholders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Whether you\u2019re at the ideation stage or already running a nonprofit\/ mission-driven venture, Office Hours offer valuable insight to help you create lasting change.\u00a0 <\/b><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"text-button\" href=\"https:\/\/innovatebu.app\/office-hours\">Book an appointment!<\/a><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Fundraising<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Designed for students looking to secure funding for a startup or nonprofit, Fundraising Office Hours provide strategies and insights needed to attract and manage financial resources.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What You Can Expect:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insight into various fundraising options &#8211; VC, Angels, Grants, Crowdfunding<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tips on Building Relationships with Investors and Donors<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Guidance on managing raised funds<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Whether you\u2019re preparing for a pitch, exploring different funding sources, or navigating investor relations, our staff is<\/strong> <\/span><b>here to help you secure the funding needed to bring your vision to life.<\/b><br \/>\n<a class=\"text-button\" href=\"https:\/\/innovatebu.app\/office-hours\">Book an appointment!<\/a><br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Mentorship &amp; Expert Connections<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For students looking to connect with mentors and industry experts who can provide valuable guidance, advice, and support throughout the entrepreneurial process.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What You Can Expect:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assistance in identifying the right mentors and experts based on your needs\/goals<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strategies for approaching and building relationships with potential mentors<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insight into how to leverage expert advice to overcome obstacles and seize opportunities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Guidance on maintaining productive and beneficial relationships<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Bring your questions, goals, and problem areas &#8211; our staff is here to help you find mentorship and expertise that will propel your ideas forward! <\/b><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"text-button\" href=\"https:\/\/innovatebu.app\/office-hours\">Book an appointment!<\/a><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Marketing &amp; Brand Strategy<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nFor students seeking to build a strong brand identity and develop effective marketing strategies for their startups, projects, or initiatives.<\/p>\n<p>What You Can Expect:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Guidance on defining your brand&#8217;s unique value proposition and target audience<\/li>\n<li>Strategies for crafting compelling brand messaging and visual identity<\/li>\n<li>Tips on developing and executing marketing campaigns across social media, print, email, and more.<\/li>\n<li>Insight into measuring marketing effectiveness and adjusting strategies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Whether you&#8217;re just starting to shape your brand or looking to expand your marketing reach, our experts are here to help you stand out in a crowded marketplace.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"text-button\" href=\"https:\/\/app.joinhandshake.com\/stu\/appointments\/new#\">Book an apppointment!<\/a><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Pitching YOU &amp; Pitch Deck Practice<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For students looking to craft a compelling story, refine slides, and deliver a confident and persuasive pitch.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What You Can Expect:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Guidance on developing and conducting effective customer interviews and surveys<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tips for identifying and defining your target market<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strategies for validating your business idea through customer feedback<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insight into analyzing customer data to uncover trends, pain points, opportunities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Support with iterating based on insights<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Whether you\u2019re preparing for a big pitch competition, meeting with investors, or simply looking to improve your presentation skills, you can find feedback and guidance here.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"text-button\" href=\"https:\/\/innovatebu.app\/office-hours\">Book an appointment!<\/a><br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Customer Discovery<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For students looking to uncover deep insights about a target market, validate assumptions, and refine a product or service to better meet customer needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What You Can Expect:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Personalized feedback on the content, structure, and design of your pitch deck<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tips for clearly communicating your value proposition and marketing opportunity<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strategies for storytelling and engaging your audience<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Practice Sessions to build confidence and improve your delivery<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Bring your pitch deck, ideas, and presentation challenges and get ready to engage effectively with your customers and make informed decisions.\u00a0 <\/b><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"text-button\" href=\"https:\/\/innovatebu.app\/office-hours\">Book an appointment!<\/a><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Student Partnerships<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For those looking to collaborate with Innovate@BU as a student organization\/ student group on an event, project or initiative. Find support in navigating logistics, buiding strategic collaborations, and turning an idea into reality. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What You Can Expect:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Guidance on planning and executing event partnerships, including catering, space reservations, and logistics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assistance with forging collaborations between student clubs and Innovate@BU resources<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strategic advice on assessing the feasibility of your student-led projects or initiatives<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Support with managing communication, responsibilities, and expectations within collaborative efforts.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Whether you\u2019re planning an event in our space or evaluating the feasibility of a new project, our experts are here to help you build strong, effective partnerships for student initiatives. <\/b><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"text-button\" href=\"https:\/\/innovatebu.app\/office-hours\">Book an appointment!<\/a><br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Meet with an Expert-in-Residence<\/h2>\n<p>BU students and recent alumni are welcome to schedule an appointment with one an expert-in-residence. Those with ventures in development already will get the most out of these appointments.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"text-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/innovate\/programs-competitions\/experts-in-residence\/\">Learn more and book now<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Get 1:1 Support with Innovate@BU Staff Schedule some time with our staff during Office Hours designed to support entrepreneurs at every stage. Whether you need some help getting started or want advice on navigating the challenges of scaling, these sessions offer guidance and support to help you move forward. Additional office hours with Experts-in-Residence can [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23512,"featured_media":0,"parent":10541,"menu_order":1,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/innovate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11153"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/innovate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/innovate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/innovate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23512"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/innovate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11153"}],"version-history":[{"count":30,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/innovate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11153\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17546,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/innovate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11153\/revisions\/17546"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/innovate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10541"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/innovate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11153"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}