Business Model Design: Structure, Value & Sustainability

This interactive workshop introduces entrepreneurs to the business model design process; one of the earliest and most critical opportunities to test and strengthen a business concept. Participants will learn how design thinking helps entrepreneurs creatively challenge assumptions, adapt to competition, and uncover new ways to deliver value to customers.

Using the Business Model Canvas, participants will explore how successful businesses are structured, how value is created and captured, and how different models support long‑term sustainability. The session emphasizes experimentation, reflection, and strategic decision‑making to ensure the business model can evolve as the market changes.

Through guided discussion and hands‑on activities, participants will evaluate whether they are building a new model, borrowing from existing ones, or tweaking proven approaches to fit their idea. By the end of the workshop, entrepreneurs will have a clearer understanding of how their business model works and how to refine it to increase resilience and impact.

Participant Outcomes

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Apply the design process to strengthen and test their business concept
• Use the Business Model Canvas to design and visualize their business model
• Identify opportunities to enhance value and improve sustainability

Key Reflection Questions

Participants will reflect on:

• Why is the design process so important in early‑stage business development?
• How can design help test and strengthen my value proposition?
• What are common examples of business models?
• Am I building, borrowing, or tweaking a business model?
• How does my business model function as a whole?