Navigating the Journey: A Timeline for First-Time Founders Balancing Commitments

As I prepare to embark on my journey through the Tetr College of Business, I am excited about the unique opportunity that lies ahead: launching an actual venture each term. This hands-on approach is at the core of the curriculum, and it promises to be a transformative experience. However, being a first-time founder, I am seeking insights into what this journey realistically entails, especially concerning time management and balancing additional commitments.

To those seasoned entrepreneurs and founding members out there, I have a few queries that I hope can guide me in this endeavor:

1. What is a Realistic Timeline for Development?

In your experience, how long does it typically take to conceptualize a business idea, create a minimum viable product (MVP), and achieve some form of market validation? Understanding the phases from ideation to execution is crucial, especially when balancing school and other obligations.

2. Identifying Potential Pitfalls

Reflecting on your journeys, what were the most significant time drains or unexpected delays you encountered along the way? Learning from the challenges faced by others can help me anticipate hurdles and navigate them more effectively.

3. Overcoming the Overwhelm

For those who successfully launched their first ventures, how did you manage to keep things moving without feeling overwhelmed? Balancing entrepreneurship with other responsibilities can be daunting, and I would love to hear strategies that helped you maintain focus and momentum.

As I gear up for this incredible learning opportunity, any advice or insights would be immensely valuable. Thank you in advance for your support and guidance as I take this exciting step toward launching my first venture!