Survey and Program Overview

About This Survey:

This survey is for information gathering purposes only, and will not serve as an application to the Southeast Minnesota Software Studio program (SMSS), but may be used to expedite the application process when it becomes available. By filling out this survey, you agree to be contacted about applying for the SMSS program of the Owatonna Area Business Development Center (OABDC), funded in part by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).
About This Program:

The Southeast Minnesota Software Studio program is currently being developed as to be a series of 3 to 6 workshops (full or half day, respectively) along with prototype or minimum viable product (MVP) development services. Selected applicants will participate in a series of hands-on workshops that demystify the software development process and equip them with practical tools to collaborate effectively with design and development teams, before engaging with these teams to build a prototype or MVP.
Definitions:

Prototype: A clickable demonstration of what your app or site is intended to look like. Limited functionality, if any. Used to experiment with layout, design, and usage with potential customers.

Minimum Viable Product (MVP): The most basic functional version of your app or site that can be actually used by customers to validate assumptions and start generating revenue.
During the workshops, participants will be expected to:
  • Share authentic challenges or opportunity areas from their own business.
  • Practice applying the language, skills, and techniques that are taught alongside and with others in their cohort.
By the end of the engagement, participants will be able to:
  • Speak to how software development works, in everyday language and with their business context in mind.
  • Communicate their business goals, challenges, and current state in a variety of visual ways that are common to design teams.
  • Engage with a development or design team to make progress on their business goal(s).
Following the workshops, participants will engage in prototype and MVP development, with up to 200-400 hours of design and/or development services provided, depending on the project.

Alumni of the program will gain access to a network of support for their continued career and business development.
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