The purpose of NexUS is to strengthen our personal and community relationships so that we can better help prospective entrepreneurs validate their gifts, purpose, and ideas.
Introducing NexUs
One way God cares for us is through entrepreneurial leaders who create better ways to meet our needs.
It is our job to help entrepreneurs discover and develop.
How do we do that?
AI and the internet alone are not the answer. Entrepreneurial leaders are human. They were created to work in community.
How did I come to this conclusion? From working with others.
For three-and-a-half decades, I have been a college professor. For the last 15 years I have worked with students testing their business ideas and exploring if entrepreneurial leadership is an answer to their calling, and for the last 8 years I have written about Holland’s historical entrepreneurial leaders.
Here’s one thing teaching and writing have taught me: to complement their faith and grit, entrepreneurs need education, encouragement, experiences, and perspective — things a community can provide.
Thus, the purpose of NexUS, the intersection of “What’s next?” and “us",” is to be that community.
I invite you to be part of what’s next and us!
NexUS Start-Up Experiences
One of the most difficult things about starting a business is starting.
One of the most important things to do when starting a business is testing your idea and validating your passion and skills. Without spending money.
START HERE: NexUS offers FREE in-person start-up and re-start experiences. Using lean start-up, leading change, and human-centered design tools, NeXUS not only helps entrepreneurs discover a business model that works but also gives them the opportunity to test-drive their vocation.
To do this, NeXUS offers a 7-week program, one night per week, 1.5 hours per night.
Week 1:
Together!
Lean Start-Up vs Business Plans
Customer Developmen vs Product Development
Frustrations Journal
Week 2:
Business Model Canvas
Lean Canvas
Week 3:
Customer Profiles and Value Maps
A.E.I.O.U. and Designing for Delight
Week 4:
Your Plan A
Problem Interviews
Week 5:
Solution Interviews
Demand, Currency, Minimum Viable Product tests
Testing the riskiest parts of your plan (Test Cards and Learning Cards)
Week 6:
Crafting the Story
Selling the Idea
Week 7:
Celebrating and Getting Feedback
NexUS Histories
Need inspiration? Want to know how we got here? Do you love learning about Holland, Michigan’s history? Do you want to know more about the entrepreneurial leaders who built our community?
START HERE: NexUS helps you explore Holland, Michigan’s entrepreneurial past as context for its future. Using Holland’s unique entrepreneurial history, NexUS educates and inspires future entrepreneurs (of all ages) through in-person and digital resources.
NexUS Events
Need encouragement? Need a venue to get feedback on your idea? Looking for a mentor? An expert? Someone to teach or learn from? Are you looking for an opportunity to connect with like-hearted people and give back to your community?
START HERE: NexUS organizes community-gathering events in which new and experienced entrepreneurs can celebrate entrepreneurship, learn from each other, connect with new and old friends and with novice and experienced entrepreneurs.
NexUS Newsletter
In each month's edition of the NexUS Newsletter, Steve VanderVeen tries to synthesize the best of what I have in the areas of entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, and history.
START HERE: