Workshop Agenda

7:30

Continental Breakfast, Registration, Networking

8:00

Entrepreneurship

Dr. Mitchell S. Steiner, GTx, Inc.

        A successful entrepreneur tells how personal characteristics, timing & luck all helped him survive the start-up roller-coaster.

9:00

Idea Validation & Assessment

Jocelyn Atkinson, Southern Growth Studio 

Michael Graber, Southern Growth Studio

        Learn about different sources and viability of product ideas that meet customer needs

9:45

BREAK

10:00

FDA/Regulatory Issues

Christine Scifert, Memphis Regulatory Consulting, LLC 

Dr. Ronald Morton, Jr., Chief Medical Officer of GTx, Inc.

        Gain a better understanding of the processes and challenges for obtaining approvals

10:45

Business Plan & Pitches

Marc Diaz, Founding Member of Mercury Technology Labs & Launch Memphis

Eric Mathews, Founding Member of Mercury Technology Labs & Launch Memphis

        Investors discuss the importance of business plans & pitches, what they should include and how to deliver them with the greatest impact

11:45

LUNCH: TNInvestco Panel

Ken Woody, Innova,

Eric Satz, Tennessee Community Ventures

Brian Laden, TriStar Technology Ventures

        Learn from three investor groups about the TNInvestco program, a new state initiative that will invest over $80 million in Tennessee entrepreneurial ventures.

1:00

Intellectual Property

Bryan Jones, Associate; Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell, & Berkowitz, PC 

Attorney Bryan Jones explains the differences between patents, copyrights and trademarks, as well as how to protect your ideas and inventions

1:45

Team Building

Dan Ryan, The Human Capital Group

Tom Davis, arGentis

        An expert and and entrepreneur will discuss setting up an effective board of directors and hiring the right employees at the right time

2:30

BREAK

2:45

Raising Funds

Brad Silver, Computable Genomix

       Determine the amount, timing and potential sources of funding, as well as dealing with investors and managing expectations

3:30

Local Resources

Dr. Steven Bares, Memphis Bioworks Foundation

Leigh Anne Downes, Greater Memphis Chamber

Gwin Scott,  EmergeMemphis

        A panel of local support providers will talk about available resources

4:15

Wrap Up & Q&A

4:30

ADJOURN