Challenge your assumptions. Strengthen your ideas.
Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) has developed a GPT to help aspiring entrepreneurs evaluate a business idea by asking thoughtful questions, identifying potential gaps, and testing the assumptions behind your concept. Before investing significant time or money—or reaching out to a business advisor—you can use this tool to clarify your target customer, assess the problem you aim to solve, consider market demand, and identify areas that need further research. It won’t make the decision for you, but it can help you refine your thinking, prepare more effectively, and take your next step with greater confidence.
Important reminders
To use this tool, you must be signed into ChatGPT.
Never put confidential information into ChatGPT or any AI tool.
This tool is designed to provide feedback and general guidance—not expert advice or definitive answers. Its responses may be incomplete or inaccurate and should not replace your own judgment, independent research, or guidance from a qualified professional.
Who is this for?
This tool is designed for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs who:
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- Have a business idea but aren’t ready to create a full business plan.
- Want to test their assumptions before investing significant time or money.
- Need to determine whether their idea addresses a genuine customer need.
- Want to identify gaps, risks, and questions that require more research.
- Are looking to refine their thinking and strengthen their concept.
- Want to begin the business-planning process with greater clarity and confidence.
What to expect
You will be guided through a series of questions designed to help you think critically about your business idea, including:
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- What problem your business will solve.
- Who your ideal customers are.
- Why customers would choose your product or service.
- How your idea differs from existing alternatives.
- What resources, costs, and potential challenges you should consider.
- Which assumptions need more research or real-world testing.
At the end of the process, you’ll have a clearer understanding of your idea’s strengths, weaknesses, and next steps. You may be ready to learn how to write a business plan, attend a CTSBDC “How to Start a Business” workshop, conduct additional market research, or connect with a CTSBDC business advisor.