Explore The Zell Program Courses

This course integrates insights from all supporting sessions and activities, empowering fellows to transform an idea from inception to launch. It provides a structured framework to guide teams through key stages, including problem definition, idea development and validation, customer discovery, competitive analysis, assumption mapping, market mapping, product design, and market experimentation. By combining theory with hands-on application, the workshop equips fellows with the tools and methodologies to bring their entrepreneurial visions to life.

This workshop takes fellows from a validated problem to a working first version of their product. Participants learn how to translate customer insights into clear product requirements, scope a minimum viable product, prioritize features under limited resources, and plan a realistic roadmap. Through hands-on exercises and rapid prototyping, fellows practice working with designers and engineers, defining success metrics, and iterating based on user feedback. By the end of the workshop, fellows will be equipped to lead product decisions with confidence and ship faster with less waste.

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The goal of this workshop is to provide fellows with a foundational understanding of the financial concepts and strategic thinking required to navigate the financial aspects of a venture. Participants will explore key topics such as valuation, budgeting, financial forecasting, and resource allocation. By the end of the workshop, fellows will be equipped with the tools to assess a venture's financial health, make informed decisions, and effectively plan for sustainable growth.

This workshop introduces fellows to the key legal considerations entrepreneurs face when launching a new business. Topics include selecting the appropriate form of incorporation, understanding intellectual property law, structuring entrepreneurial transactions, and navigating the regulatory environment. Fellows will gain practical insights to help them make informed legal decisions critical to building a strong foundation for their ventures.

This course equips Zell Fellows with the essential tools and frameworks to craft and execute effective B2B go-to-market (GTM) strategies, foster product innovation, and drive startup growth. Through lectures, case studies, and practical assignments, participants will master market opportunity analysis, decision-making under uncertainty, achieving product-customer fit, and scaling to product-market fit. The curriculum is organized into five modules covering GTM foundations, critical thinking, industry analysis, customer discovery, and collaborative B2B execution.

This workshop provides a comprehensive framework for analyzing, strategizing, and making marketing decisions for new ventures and products. Centered on a value-driven approach, it emphasizes creating value for customers, strategic partners, and the company itself as the ultimate goal of the marketing process.

Creating a successful product is only part of the entrepreneurial journey - knowing how to monetize the venture is equally critical. This workshop introduces fellows to a wide range of business models, helping them identify and evaluate the most relevant and sustainable options for their specific ventures. By the end, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how to align their business model with their product and market strategy to drive long-term success.

The Entrepreneurial Toolbox workshop equips fellows with the essential skills and mindset needed to thrive as entrepreneurs - whether launching their own ventures, joining founding teams, or embracing the entrepreneurial journey. Designed for those driven by a passion for enhancing quality of life, achieving more, and striving for personal growth, this workshop inspires fellows to become the best version of themselves.

The purpose of the workshop is to build on the Marketing Strategy workshop, develop a specific concept for the venture, and test it.

Start-ups must address the financial and quantitative foundations of their business from day one. This includes sizing the market, evaluating competitors' financial strength, managing production costs, and building robust financial models to support growth. Additionally, start-ups need to master budget management and understand the various funding options available, along with their strategic implications. These skills are essential for sustaining and scaling a successful venture.

Research on success has shown that top performers in any role share similar talents—patterns of thought, emotion, and behavior that consistently enable them to excel. In this workshop, fellows will explore and practice the language of 34 productive talent complexes developed by Gallup, helping them identify and harness their own strengths. By gaining a deeper understanding of these talent patterns, participants will be better equipped to leverage their unique capabilities for personal and professional growth.

This workshop offers an in-depth exploration of key entrepreneurial topics, including building and scaling a business, managing relationships with stakeholders, navigating setbacks, and addressing failure. Through a dynamic mix of case studies and insights from guest instructors, fellows gain practical knowledge and diverse perspectives. The workshop also incorporates the overseas trips included in the Zell program, providing real-world exposure and enriching the entrepreneurial learning experience.

Negotiation is part of building a company every day, from co-founder agreements to term sheets and first customers. Through interactive lectures, simulations and small-group exercises, fellows practice preparing for a negotiation, creating and claiming value, and closing agreements with confidence.