One Mission, One MVP, One Quick Win: The Formula for Starting Sustainable Programs

It started with a simple question:

"What if we could build a program that actually mattered?"

Most startup programs start this way — a spark of inspiration, a problem that needs solving, or an untapped opportunity.

But inspiration is cheap. Execution is everything.

Over the years, I’ve seen program ideas fizzle out before they ever got off the ground. Not because they weren’t good ideas, but because they never made it past the messy, uncertain early stages.

So today, let’s talk about those first, crucial steps to turn your idea into action.

I’ll break it down into three parts:

1. Defining your mission and audience

2. Building a strong foundation with an MVP (Minimum Viable Program)

3. Quick wins to build momentum

Let’s dive in.

1. Defining Your Mission and Audience

If you can’t articulate your mission in one sentence, you’re not ready to build.

Your mission is your north star. It tells you (and everyone involved) why your program exists and who it serves.

For example: "To help early-stage founders build scalable agrifood startups by connecting them with resources, mentors, and markets."

Clarity here saves you countless headaches later.

Ask yourself these questions:

• What problem are we solving?

• Who are we solving it for?

• Why does this problem matter?

Your answers will guide every decision you make — from partnerships to program design.

Pro Tip: Share your mission with 3–5 people you trust and ask them to repeat it back to you. If they struggle, refine it further.

2. Building a Strong Foundation with an MVP

Perfection kills progress.

Instead of trying to build the perfect program, focus on creating a Minimum Viable Program — a small, functional version of your program that you can test quickly.

Maybe it’s a single workshop. Maybe it’s a small pilot cohort. Maybe it’s an event series.

The goal isn’t to impress anyone. The goal is to learn.

Your MVP should:

• Solve one key problem for your target audience.

• Be deliverable within a short timeframe (e.g., 4–8 weeks).

• Provide measurable outcomes you can build upon.

Example: Instead of launching a full accelerator, start with a one-day bootcamp focused on a single critical skill.

Get it out there, collect feedback, and iterate.

3. Quick Wins to Build Momentum

Momentum creates confidence. Confidence attracts buy-in.

In the early days, quick wins are your best friend. They give your team energy, your stakeholders confidence, and your participants proof that your program delivers.

Some examples of quick wins:

• Host a small but sustainable event.

• Publish a case study from an early participant.

• Secure one meaningful partnership.

It’s less about grand gestures and more about visible progress.

Remember: Progress is your most valuable marketing tool. Share updates publicly and celebrate small victories.

The Takeaway

Building sustainable programs isn’t about grand vision statements or perfect execution.

It’s about:

1. Getting crystal clear on your mission and audience.

2. Starting small with an MVP.

3. Building momentum with quick wins.

Each step creates the foundation for the next. And before you know it, you’ll have a program that doesn’t just exist, but thrives.

So, here’s your challenge this week:

• Write down your program’s mission in one sentence.

• Sketch out your MVP on a single page.

• Identify one quick win you can achieve in the next 30 days.

Hit reply and let me know your plan — I’d love to hear from you.

Talk soon,

Yaniv