Guides

Resources

These guides are for founders at the very beginning of their journey. You do not need a business background to use them. Start with the problem guide if you are not sure where to begin.

Startup journey basics

For founders

Check the Problem Before You Build

A plain guide for turning a new idea into one clear problem, one next step, and saved work you can share.

Read the guide

Avoiding false validation

For founders

Talk to Customers Without Chasing Praise

A plain guide for turning customer talks into proof, next steps, and better founder choices.

Read the guide

Competition readiness

For founders

Build a Contest Entry Judges Can Review

A plain guide for turning founder work into a clear entry with proof, gaps, and next steps.

Read the guide

Solo founder focus

For founders

A Weekly Focus Plan for Solo Founders

A plain weekly plan for choosing one active idea, one proof step, and one next choice.

Read the guide

Program manager resources

For programs

Help Programs Review Founder Work

A guide for program teams. Collect review-ready entries, keep judging fair, and cut the admin work around review day.

Read the guide

Mentor judge resources

For mentors and judges

Give Clear Feedback as a Mentor or Judge

A guide for mentors and judges. Get oriented fast, compare entries on the same basis, and give feedback founders can act on.

Read the guide

Ai guidance boundaries

For founders

Use AI as a Planning Helper

A plain guide for using AI to plan, ask better questions, and choose next steps while founders stay in charge.

Read the guide