In the fourth workshop of the Startup Basics programme will we introduce you to the Lean Canvas, a tool that helps you assess whether your idea could become a viable business. You’ll explore your potential market, consider your competitive advantage, and gain a better understanding of how all the parts of a business fit.

This workshop will cover:

• Introduction to the Lean Canvas – we’ll introduce the Lean Canvas and explain how it helps you think through whether an idea could work as a business.
• Working through the canvas – we’ll go through the canvas section by section, sharing practical tips and real examples of how founders have approached each part.
• Individual working time – you’ll have time to complete each section on your own. You’re welcome to talk things through with people around you, but there’s no pressure to share and no presenting.
• What happens after each section – we’ll explain what you can do next in your own time, such as collecting evidence that your customer really exists or testing key assumptions.
• Solution focus – we’ll spend time discussing the solution section of the canvas, with examples to help you sense-check your thinking.
• Guess the pivot (game) – a short, light activity showing how many well-known startups changed direction as they learned more.
• Unique Value Proposition – you’ll work individually to clarify your unique value proposition. Sharing in small groups is optional, and the team will be on hand to help.
• Next steps – we’ll talk through how to test your idea further and start building something simple to show how it would work.
• Bringing it all together – you’ll review everything you’ve worked on so far and decide which of the three key areas you want to focus on first.
• Finish – by the end of the session, you’ll have a draft Lean Canvas and a clear plan for what to do next.

Startup Basics programme: 

This workshop is part of the Startup Basics programme – a beginner-friendly series designed to help students and recent graduates explore entrepreneurship and develop early-stage ideas. Whether you're just curious or already have something in mind, Startup Basics will guide you through the fundamentals of starting a business in a supportive and practical way.

You can view and register for other upcoming sessions here.

If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch at students@ei.ed.ac.uk.

Privacy notice: 

Please note that we may take photos and videos at this event to help promote our services within the University of Edinburgh and beyond. If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed, please speak to a member of the team before the event begins. 

Accessibility notice: 

If you have any questions or accessibility requirements, please don’t hesitate to email us. We’re committed to making our programmes as inclusive and accessible as possible.