Starting a business without outside funding is both challenging and rewarding—but knowing how to navigate the leap from idea to success is critical. Many entrepreneurs struggle with the transition from scrappy beginnings to sustainable growth, often focusing on the wrong milestones or failing to optimize their resources.

This session, led by seasoned entrepreneur Eric Veal (MBA, MS Information Systems, UW Foster School of Business) and Opportunity Maker Berry Zimmerman, breaks down the three essential conversions every bootstrapper must master to move from vision to viability:

• Conversion to a Product – How to refine your idea into something tangible, valuable, and scalable.
• Conversion to a Customer – Why securing your first paying customers is more important than perfecting the product.
• Conversion to Profit – The key financial strategies that ensure long-term sustainability without external funding.

Success in bootstrapping is about strategy, adaptability, and smart execution. This talk will provide practical insights, real-world examples, and actionable takeaways to help founders build resilient businesses from the ground up.