Upcoming Events, Courses, and Talks

Scaling a service-based business looks nothing like scaling a product startup—and that difference is rarely discussed in entrepreneurship spaces built around physical products or venture scale. In this workshop, Dr. CC- Carolyn Carta shares the levers she used to grow her consulting practice in applied chemistry and materials science from one project to supporting five+ concurrent clients, all while staying true to the founder-first values that make service businesses thrive.

Through storytelling, open discussion, and practical tools, participants will identify and reflect on the levers they already have—and those they may need to build. Levers can be tangible (like software or pitch decks), relational (like clients or collaborators), or identity-based (your background, training, or life experience). We’ll also explore how some levers can work against founders—especially those navigating bias related to race, gender, or socioeconomic background.

This workshop emphasizes: - Authenticity in how you pitch and grow your business - Strategic use of trade, barter, and skill-sharing to build new capacity - Systems to track and nurture repeat business and referrals - When to invest in tools, education, or partnerships—and when to hold off

Who Should Attend

• Founders building service-based businesses

• Freelancers and independent consultants

• Technical service providers in hardtech, R&D, or maker ecosystems

• Entrepreneurs looking to scale without transitioning to a product model

• Professionals seeking to build stronger client pipelines and repeat business  

About the Organization

CArtLab Solutions is a materials science consulting firm focused on delivering fractional research and development services through a values-driven approach. The company partners with organizations to navigate complex technical challenges while advancing equity in innovation. By combining interdisciplinary expertise with collaborative problem-solving, CArtLab Solutions supports both technical excellence and inclusive, sustainable business practices.