Breakfast Lab: Strategic Planning

This workshop is an interactive and strengths-based strategic planning session designed specifically for entrepreneurs. Unlike traditional SWOT analysis, which often focuses on problems and threats, the SOAR framework encourages a positive and opportunity-driven approach to strategic thinking.

During this session, participants will explore their Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results, allowing them to craft a clear and motivating roadmap for their business growth. This highly collaborative session has facilitated discussions, brainstorming exercises, and practical action planning. By the end of the workshop, entrepreneurs will have a solid strategic direction and a plan to implement their vision with confidence.

What Participants Will Focus On in the Workshop

Recognizing and leveraging their strengths to build a competitive advantage

Identifying key opportunities in their industry, market, or network.

Defining their aspirations and vision for their business and future growth.

Establishing measurable results to track progress and ensure accountability

Through discussions, self reflection and collaborative exercises, they will gain clarity, strategic direction, and actionable next steps to move forward confidently in their entrepreneurial journey.

What Participants Will Learn & Gain

A clear understanding of the SOAR framework and how it applies to their business

A positive and strengths-focused approach to strategic planning

A well-defined business vision (aspirations) with measurable outcomes (results)

A practical action plan to capitalize on opportunities and maximize business potential

Peer feedback, networking, and insights from other entrepreneurs

About Breakfast Lab

Breakfast Lab is a weekly event at 20Fathoms where you’ll get expert guidance to help meet your most pressing startup needs, providing access to the right tools and the right people at the right time.

These events are held in person and there is no cost to attend. Coffee and a light breakfast are provided. Walk-ins are welcome.

There are two parts to each Breakfast Lab:

• Startup Workshop: 9 – 10:30 am

• Startup Coaching: 10:30 am – noon

Attend both parts, or just one.

Learn more about Breakfast Lab.

Who should attend:

Breakfast Lab was designed specifically to support:

• Idea and early-stage startup founders with scalable innovations and technologies

• Entrepreneurs navigating strategic growth or a pivot in their business model

Prerequisite:

You need to have your business model canvas outlined to benefit from the Breakfast Lab workshops.

Don’t have a canvas yet? No sweat – join a Startup Bootcamp to get started.

Meet this week’s facilitator:

Dr. Patricia Malone is a CPA, CMA, and Certified Professional Facilitator. She works primarily with organizations and individuals to help them reach their highest potential through the practices of organizational development, strategy facilitation, leadership, and operational excellence. She has served as CFO, COO, and SR Transformation leader in both small and large private equity and publicly held organizations and has worked with teams all over the world to develop strategy, streamline and manage business processes, facilitate, and implement lean projects, and create and manage operational excellence programs. Dr. Malone’s dissertation research was focused on developing a theory and emergent framework of creating strategic capacity, which is defined as the ability of an organization or individual to obtain their vision, mission, and goals. To that end, she helps individuals and organizations create purpose and meaningful results for positive change.

Supporting Partner:

About 20Fathoms:

20Fathoms is the home of entrepreneurship and innovation in Northwest Michigan. Based in Traverse City and serving all of Northwest Lower Michigan, 20Fathoms is a nonprofit startup incubator and resource center for entrepreneurs and growing businesses. The organization works with entrepreneurs of all stages and industries, and specializes in working with technology-focused companies. Programs include startup education, business coaching, connections, funding, and general support.