NEW COURSE: Building Your MVP for Non-Technical Entrepreneurs

# Building Your MVP for Non-Technical Entrepreneurs **Total Estimated Duration** - 6 Modules (Each ~3–5 hours of study and practice) - Overall course: ~20–30 hours total, depending on depth of practice **Prerequisites** - Basic computer literacy (web browsing, file management) - Willingness to learn core technical concepts (no advanced coding skills required) - Pre-validated startup idea (if you don't have one, go to [SANDBOX](https://femaleswitch.app) and get started with idea validation) **Tools & Platforms Covered** - AI Web App Builder - Supabase (Database, Authentication, and Hosting integration) - Optional third-party integrations (e.g., Stripe, Make.com, Open AI,Google Analytics) --- ## Module 1: Understanding the MVP Landscape for Non-Technical Founders ### 1. Workload - Reading/Video Lectures: ~1.5 hours - Practical Exercises & Reflection: ~1.5 hours - **Total**: ~3 hours ### 2. Contents - What is an MVP (Minimum Viable Product)? - Key benefits of starting with an MVP - Identifying the core problem and target audience - Importance of market research and validation - Setting a clear scope and goals before development ### 3. Goals - Understand the MVP concept and why it is crucial for startups - Learn how to define a clear problem statement and target user group - Grasp the importance of early validation and iterative improvement - Acquire strategies for feature prioritization (MoSCoW method) ### 4. Steps 1. Read/watch introductory materials on MVP fundamentals. 2. Explore case studies (Dropbox, Airbnb, Buffer) to see lean MVPs in action. 3. Define your product’s main problem and target audience using a simple template. 4. Use a prioritization framework (e.g., MoSCoW) to rank potential features. ### 5. Outcomes - A concise problem statement for your MVP - A preliminary list of core features to include in the initial release - Market validation strategy: basic interview or survey questions for early adopters ### 6. Assessment - Short quiz on MVP concepts - Peer review or instructor review of your problem statement and feature prioritization - Reflection discussion on how MVP principles apply to your idea ### 7. Tasks - Write a one-page description of your MVP idea (problem, audience, must-have features). - Perform at least three informal interviews or surveys to validate your assumptions. --- ## Module 2: Introduction to an AI Web App Builder ### 1. Workload - Platform Orientation & Video Walkthrough: ~2 hours - Hands-On Practice: ~2 hours - **Total**: ~4 hours ### 2. Contents - Overview of AI Builder - Navigating the interface (Prompt Box, Live Activity, Preview Panel) - Understanding built-in hosting, one-click deployment, domain management - Integrating Supabase (database, authentication, file storage) - Basic project setup: creating your first web app ### 3. Goals - Become comfortable with the interface - Understand how the builder automates front-end and back-end generation - Learn to connect with Supabase for basic data handling - Successfully create, preview, and deploy a simple “Hello World” web app ### 4. Steps 1. Sign up for the tool. 2. Follow a guided tour of the dashboard. 3. Create a new project using a simple prompt, e.g., “Build a to-do list app.” 4. Connect Supabase to the project for database support. 5. Deploy the web app with one click and test it in a browser. ### 5. Outcomes - A fully functioning, minimal web app deployed - Familiarity with the AI Builder user interface and prompt-based workflow - Understanding of how Supabase integrates for basic backend needs ### 6. Assessment - Practical checklist: verifying you have successfully deployed a simple app - Brief reflection on your experience communicating with the AI interface ### 7. Tasks - Deploy your first app (even if extremely basic). - Share the live link with peers or mentors for quick feedback. --- ## Module 3: Mastering the Art of Prompting for Effective AI Web App Development ### 1. Workload - Instruction on Prompting Techniques: ~2 hours - Prompt Writing Exercises: ~2 hours - **Total**: ~4 hours ### 2. Contents - Importance of clarity in AI prompts - Structuring prompts to define layout, aesthetics, features, and goals - Using text, image, and voice inputs effectively - Iterative prompting strategy: how to refine your app step by step - Best practices when describing new features or design changes ### 3. Goals - Gain proficiency in writing clear, targeted prompts that yield desired AI outputs - Understand how to refine an existing application by making incremental requests - Learn to incorporate user feedback into prompt modifications - Use external AI tools (like ChatGPT) to enhance prompt clarity if needed ### 4. Steps 1. Study examples of effective prompts that produce well-structured UIs and features. 2. Practice writing prompts for adding a specific feature (e.g., user login, contact form). 3. Test prompt variations to observe different outputs. 4. Refine an existing web app to improve layout and design. ### 5. Outcomes - Ability to articulate your vision to the AI clearly and efficiently - Practical knowledge of how to build or modify core web app features via prompting - Confidence in using visual uploads or voice commands as supplementary instructions ### 6. Assessment - Prompt-based assignment: add a specific feature to your test app (e.g., user profiles) - Peer or instructor evaluation of prompt clarity and final feature performance ### 7. Tasks - Write a detailed prompt to create a multi-step signup form. - Document at least three iterative improvement prompts to refine the design and flow. --- ## Module 4: Laying the Technical Foundation: Essential Concepts for Users ### 1. Workload - Basic Theoretical Learning (Databases, APIs, Front-End Concepts): ~3 hours - Hands-On: ~2 hours - **Total**: ~5 hours ### 2. Contents - **Database Basics with Supabase** - Table structure, columns, rows, primary/foreign keys - Real-time data management and Row-Level Security (RLS) fundamentals - **Front-End Basics** - HTML, CSS, and JavaScript (high-level overview) - Using React, Tailwind CSS, and shadcn/ui for advanced designs (conceptual) - **Back-End and API Concepts** - How the front-end communicates with the Supabase back-end - **Introduction to Security Basics (from a no-code perspective)** - Importance of HTTPS, authentication, and secure data handling ### 3. Goals - Develop a foundational understanding of how databases and APIs power a web app - Recognize essential security measures (email/password auth, RLS, SSL) - Comprehend how front-end and back-end layers interact - Learn how to store and manage dynamic data using Supabase’s features ### 4. Steps 1. Explore Supabase Studio: create a sample table for “users” or “tasks.” 2. Practice enabling email/password authentication and simple Row-Level Security. 3. Adjust front-end elements using prompts to connect with newly created tables. 4. Review security basics with built-in tools (HTTPS, auto error fixer). ### 5. Outcomes - Ability to create and manage a basic database in Supabase - Enhanced awareness of front-end and back-end workflows - Understanding of role-based data access (RLS) for secure content publishing ### 6. Assessment - Setup verification: Show a functioning data flow from the front-end to Supabase - Mini project: Build a simple “Blog Posts” table and secure it with RLS ### 7. Tasks - Configure a “posts” table and connect it to your app (create, read, update, delete). - Enable RLS so only authorized users can edit posts. --- ## Module 5: Essential Basics for a Successful MVP Launch ### 1. Workload - SEO & Security Best Practices: ~2 hours - Version Control & Deployment Basics: ~2 hours - **Total**: ~4 hours ### 2. Contents - **SEO Basics** - Importance of dynamic metadata (title, description, keywords) - robots.txt, sitemap.xml, and indexing with search engines - Performance optimization fundamentals (loading speed, mobile responsiveness) - **Security Basics** - Common web application vulnerabilities (SQL injection, XSS, broken access control) - Using HTTPS, SSL certificates, and secure coding principles (high-level) - **Versioning** - Introduction to versioning for non-technical founders - Working with the built-in versioning approach ### 3. Goals - Ensure your MVP is search-engine-friendly and accessible - Implement essential security measures to protect user data - Understand how version control can streamline collaboration and rolling back changes ### 4. Steps 1. Add SEO-optimized metadata in Supabase for your main pages using prompts. 2. Generate a basic `sitemap.xml` and configure `robots.txt` (via Supabase Edge Functions or direct prompts). 3. Enable HTTPS and ensure your custom domain is properly secured with an SSL certificate. ### 5. Outcomes - An MVP that meets basic SEO requirements, improving discoverability - Enhanced security posture and general awareness of common vulnerabilities - Familiarity with version control principles for future collaboration ### 6. Assessment - SEO/Performance Checklist: meta tags, mobile responsiveness, site speed test - Digital security audit: ensuring RLS is active, SSL is valid, and no brute-force vulnerabilities exist ### 7. Tasks - Configure your MVP’s main pages with dynamic `meta_title`, `meta_description`, `keywords` (in Supabase). - Use a free SSL checker to confirm HTTPS is correctly enabled on your custom domain. --- ## Module 6: Launching, Gathering Feedback, and Iterating Your MVP ### 1. Workload - Final Project Preparation: ~2 hours - Launch & Feedback Cycle: ~2 hours - Ongoing Iteration: *varies* (continuous improvement) - **Total**: ~4 hours (minimum for initial release) ### 2. Contents - **Launch Process** - Using one-click deployment - Connecting a custom domain - **Implementing Analytics & Feedback Mechanisms** - Integrating Google Analytics or similar tools - Collecting user feedback (surveys, interviews, in-app forms) - **Iterative Improvement** - Using data-driven insights to refine features - Planning long-term scalability (new features, higher volume) ### 3. Goals - Successfully deploy your MVP to a live environment - Gather real-world user feedback and usage analytics - Prioritize next steps based on validated learning and user behavior - Establish a process for continuous iteration and improvement ### 4. Steps 1. Finalize your MVP features and content. 2. Click “Publish” to deploy your app live. 3. Connect a custom domain for a professional online presence. 4. Integrate at least one analytics tool (e.g., Google Analytics) to track user behavior. 5. Collect user feedback over 1–2 weeks and iterate using prompts. ### 5. Outcomes - A live, publicly accessible MVP on your custom domain - Concrete user metrics (traffic, bounce rate, time on site) and feedback - Actionable backlog of new features or improvements based on real data ### 6. Assessment - Live MVP demonstration and peer/instructor review - Analytics report submission, showing key metrics and insights - Reflection on lessons learned in user testing and next iteration plans ### 7. Tasks - Compile initial usage stats and present a short “MVP Performance & Feedback” report. - Develop an iteration plan (list of improvements/features) backed by data and user feedback. --- ## Additional Recommended Resources - **Knowledge Base**: Tutorials on AI Builder, domain management, SSL setup - **Supabase Documentation**: Detailed guides on authentication, row-level security, and real-time features - **SEO Tools & Guides**: Moz, Ahrefs Blog, Google Search Central - **Web Application Security Resources**: OWASP Top 10 for common web vulnerabilities --- ## Overall Course Outcomes By completing this course, non-technical entrepreneurs will: - Understand and apply MVP principles, ensuring rapid validation. - Confidently use AI tools to build, deploy, and iterate on web apps without coding. - Grasp essential database, security, and SEO concepts to launch a robust, discoverable product. - Employ best practices in prompting, version control, and iterative development. - Collect and act upon user feedback, continuously refining their solution for product-market fit.

## About the Author [Violetta Bonenkamp](https://www.linkedin.com/in/meanceo), also known as [MeanCEO](https://twitter.com/MeanCEO), is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in [Linguistics](https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/), [Education](https://www.uio.no/english/studies/programmes/heem-master/), [Business Management](https://www.bth.se/eng/education/masters/mba/), [Blockchain](https://www.cadchain.com/), [Entrepreneurship](https://femaleswitch.com/), [Intellectual Property](https://www.cadchain.com/), [Game Design](https://femaleswitch.app/), AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from [Blekinge Institute of Technology](https://www.bth.se/eng/) in Sweden (2006-2008), and an [Erasmus Mundus](https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/opportunities/individuals/students/erasmus-mundus-joint-masters-scholarships) joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009). She is the founder of [Fe/male Switch](https://femaleswitch.com/), a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads [CADChain](https://www.cadchain.com/), and multiple other projects like the [Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities](https://startupcities.foundermodeon.com) with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of [SEO tools for startups](https://blog.femaleswitch.com). Her achievements include being named one of the [top 100 women in Europe](https://www.eu-startups.com/2022/03/meet-the-100-european-female-startup-founders-to-follow-in-2022/) by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the [Dutch Blockchain Week](https://dutchblockchainweek.com/). She is an author with [Sifted](https://sifted.eu/author/violetta-bonenkamp) and a speaker at [different Universities](https://brainporteindhoven.com/nl/evenementen/special-ai-and-zero-code-for-startups-0-coding-100-fun). Recently she published a book on [Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond](https://www.femaleswitch.com/startup-books/tpost/6c5604otc1-startup-idea-validation-the-right-way-fr) and launched a [Directory of 1,500+ websites](https://marketing.femaleswitch.com) for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.

## About the Publication [Fe/male Switch](https://femaleswitch.com) is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch. ## Mission and Purpose [Fe/male Switch Foundation](https://femaleswitch.org) was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, [the startup game](https://femaleswitch.app) allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk. ## Key Features The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment: - **Skill Lab**: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills - **Virtual Startup Building**: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges - **AI Co-founder (PlayPal)**: Guides users through the startup process - **SANDBOX**: A testing environment for idea validation before launch - **Wellness Integration**: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care - **Marketplace**: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials ## Impact and Growth Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth: - 3,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community - 100+ startup tools built - 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written ## Partnerships Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder [Tilda](https://www.eu-startups.com/2022/01/tilda-and-fe-male-switch-team-up-to-empower-more-women-to-launch-their-startups/) and automation platform [Make](https://make.com) to provide free access to website building tools and automation services for Fe/male Switch participants to build their first MVP and take it to market. ## Recognition [Fe/male Switch](https://www.eu-startups.com/directory/female-switch/) has received media attention for its [innovative approach](https://whoswho.mt/en/gaming-entrepreneurship-fe/male-switch-gives-women-the-chance-to-get-a-feel-for-the-start-up-lifestyle) to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in [various publications](https://www.lifewire.com/fe-male-switchs-startup-video-game-aims-to-close-the-gender-gap-in-tech-5217414) highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.