Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Wen Zhang, Founder and CEO of INNW Institute, located in Austin, TX, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We are running a global startup accelerator to support founders in growing and scaling their businesses. Our customers are technical startup founders who are great at building their product/business but challenging at pitching or articulating their vision to investors or customers to get yes.

Tell us about yourself

I was a dreamer/entrepreneur once. I grew up in a rural part of China, where no one ever left (without car or internet). I always dream of seeing a bigger world one day. After teaching myself English using a cassette machine for four years, I have finally made my way to the US. One decade later, after starting multiple businesses, as well as having fancy corporate experience, I am living my American dream; therefore, today, I am so passionate about sporting other dreamers (founders) to help them make their dream come through via growing and scaling their businesses.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We have helped our founders raise $10M seed funding in 2022. We have been nominated by Austin Business Journal and featured in Austin Startup Week, Tie Global, Tedx, SXSW, and other major publications.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

The hardest thing to do is to hold the business vision and manage the team to move forward toward it day in and day out. People say it is a lonely journey, and it's so true. How balance the big picture vs. daily tasks to maximize results is not an easy task. But I love it every single day.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Know who you are and what you are creating. (your value proposition)
  2. What is your why for starting your business?
  3. Know who you are serving and what is the biggest pain point.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

We are all here to share our gifts and talents with the world. If not now, when? Start today because the world is waiting for you.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.ifnotnowwen.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifnotnow_wen/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wenzhangdukemba/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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