CO.STARTERS at Collider
Overview
CO.STARTERS helps communities build vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystems by equipping them with the best tools and resources needed to support starters of all kinds. Building on initial grassroots efforts with starters in Chattanooga, Tennessee, CO.STARTERS now has a global reach with thousands participating in its programs annually. Collider Foundation is a member of the global CO.STARTERS network. Learn more about the CO.STARTERS network at costarters.co.
CO.STARTERS is a cohort-based program that helps you create the insights, relationships, and tools you need to turn your ideas ideas into action.
Our next 10 week cohort starts January 21st. Participants will be accepted through a competitive application process, linked below. Spots are limited, so we encourage interested entrepreneurs to take their time with the application and reach out to us with any questions.
Applications for our Winter 2024 cohort will close on December 9, 2024.
Are you ready to transform your innovative ideas into actionable business plans?
Program Overview
Interactive Learning: Engage in a multi-session program led by experienced facilitators in a collaborative, small-group setting.
Flexibility and Focus: Choose from our flexible program options to fit your busy schedule. We offer 9 week cohorts to really dig into the material as well as intensive, quick bootcamps. Our next 9 week cohort will start on July 16th.
Community and Support: Tap into a rich network of fellow entrepreneurs and receive real-time feedback to refine your business strategies.
What You'll Gain
Deep Insights: Through a structured curriculum, explore every aspect of business creation from concept to customer.
Valuable Connections: Build lasting relationships with other entrepreneurs that enhance your learning and provide new opportunities.
Practical Tools: Leave with a deeper understanding of how to create a sustainable business and the confidence to repeat the process with future endeavors.
Who Should Apply?
All you need to have to join the program is:
An idea.
Openness to question, shape and fine-tune that idea.
Willingness to talk about your idea with others.
This program is a great fit for entrepreneurial starters with a business idea that they want to test out or people already with an operating business (that's 2 years old or less) who want to refine their business model. CO.STARTERS is also a great fit for intrapreneurs, working on concepts within their organization or community.
What to expect:
Each CO.STARTERS session is led by a local facilitator and is a collaborative process with a small and supportive group of 10-15 like-minded peers. Working together, you’ll develop and fine-tune your ideas, critically examining every part and determining next steps through real-time feedback from people in the community. This approach helps entrepreneurial starters like yourself to rapidly uncover flaws in your concepts and find viable models more quickly. You’ll leave the CO.STARTERS with a deeper understanding of how to create a sustainable business and repeat the process with your next great idea.
What’s covered in CO.STARTERS?
Knowing Yourself: Introduction, Assumptions, Working Styles, Team Building, Obstacles
Knowing your Customer: Customer, Problem, Alternatives, Idea Testing
Finding the Right Solution: Solution, Benefit, Advantage, Starting Small, Brand Identity
Getting the Relationship Right: Marketing & Message; Getting, Keeping, & Growing Customers
Building Blocks: Distribution, Revenue, Typical Offering, Price
Structures & Systems: Legal & Accounting Considerations
Discovering the Bottom Line: Startup & Ongoing Needs, Fixed & Variable Costs, Break-Even Point
Financial Modeling: Break-Even Points, Sales Projections, Cash Flow, Raising Capital
Planning for Growth: Growth Plans, Goal Setting, Celebration Prep
How much does CO.STARTERS cost?
Cost varies based on available funding. Please click the button below to see the current rate we are able to offer. Enrollment into the program includes the curriculum, facilitation through Rochester-based certified CO.STARTERS facilitators, and access to a community of support. Program fees are nonrefundable.
The CO.STARTERS 10 week program is valued at over $2,000 per participant.
Support CO.STARTERS at Collider!
Our costs to deliver this program continue to rise. We appreciate donations from the community to keep this high quality education at low cost to Rochester entrepreneurs. Click on the image to donate.
Small steps lead to big businesses! Your contribution to CO.STARTERS at Collider Foundation paves the way for local businesses to thrive. Let's break barriers and provide accessible education to passionate entrepreneurs. Join us in making a difference!
CO.STARTERS cohorts are brought to Rochester, MN by the Mayo Clinic Department of Business Development, Altra Federal Credit Union, the Fredrikson & Byron Foundation, the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, and Minnwest Bank.
