“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain
Have you ever wondered what goes into successfully launching a business? Do you dream of being your own boss but have no idea where to start? CO.STARTERS teaches local entrepreneurs best practices to successfully turn their passions and ideas into a business.
CO.STARTERS is a nine-week program that equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn business ideas into action and turn a passion into a sustainable and thriving business. If you’re looking to develop and test your own business pitch, then the CO.STARTERS program in Lynchburg might be right for you.
During CO.STARTERS, you’ll have the opportunity to work with your peers to develop and fine-tune your idea.This includes critically examining every part of it and tweaking your next steps through real-time feedback from people in the community. Over the nine weeks, we cover the following topics. You can find an overview of what is covered, week by week here.
In this post, you will see how some program participants supercharged their business pitch in Week 9 of the CO.STARTERS program.
Recent Participants
JaTaen Rucker, owner and head baker at Sweet 1603 wanted more new faces at her business. So, she enrolled in the CO.STARTERS entrepreneur training through Opportunity Lynchburg. Along with the knowledge gained through the course, JaTaen was able to create a personalized launchpad video. Check out her video here and make sure to stop by for some tasty treats!
Through the CO.STARTERS program, Nicole Rule of Danicole Accessories, learned the best ways to share the story and values of her business. Nicole’s appreciation for cross-cultural fashion has inspired her to create a lifestyle brand and she is looking for partners in the area who share her passion for fashion. Watch her business pitch here.
We’re you aware that the Food Network’s 2015 Christmas Cookie Challenge Champion opened up her own shop right here in downtown Lynchburg? Tarsha Joyner of Mrs. Joy’s Absolutely Fabulous Treats Shoppe, took her winnings and love for baking and went through all 9 weeks of the CO.STARTERS program. Check out her story here and stop by and grab something absolutely fabulous!
Jacob Johnston is the director and producer for Mirari Pictures. After completing the CO.STARTERS program Jacob was able to create his pitch video for Mirari Pictures. Jacob is looking for anyone who is interested in helping build out Mirari’s upcoming television show.
Cary Phillips, is looking for stores in the areas to hold her art. Her passion for mixing art with usability in her products inspired her to create Belmont Pottery. After completing the program, Cary took her knowledge and created an awesome pitch video for local business owners.
Sign up Now!
An action-driven, collaborative process with a small and supportive group of like-minded people. You will be led by an experienced, local entrepreneur who will help you identify your assumptions about why and how your businesses will work and then talk to customers in order to validate your ideas. This approach enables you to rapidly uncover flaws in your concept and find viable models more quickly. You’ll leave the program with a deeper understanding of how to create a sustainable business, articulate your model, and repeat the process with your next great idea.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of CO.STARTERS is $195 for City of Lynchburg residents and $245 for non-residents. Participants can pay the first night of class or flexible payment plans can be arranged (no cash or check accepted). The program costs include:
- 1 on 1 support from a seasoned entrepreneur
- 9 weeks of classroom instruction
- Mentorship and class speakers
- Opportunity to hone your business pitch
- Service hours from local providers
How can you enroll for the program?
- Must be 18 years or older to register for the course.
- The deadline to apply for the spring cohort is January 31, 2017.
- Classes will take place on Mondays from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. beginning March 13, 2017.
Interested in getting launched? Click HERE to fill out the application!