The CO.STARTERS Program (Powered by Truist Foundation) helps local entrepreneurs turn ideas into thriving businesses. If you’re looking to launch your idea or scale your existing business, click below to get started or keep reading to learn more!
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Keep reading below for more on CO.STARTERS Sprint.
CO.STARTERS Core at StartUP Columbus powered by Truist Foundation is a 15-week program that will equip entrepreneurs with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn ideas into sustainable ventures. For the first 10-weeks, we walk through the CO.STARTERS™ CORE curriculum, followed by 5 additional weeks of Financial Modeling Training through FINSYNC.
Next cohort: July 1, 20206
CO.STARTERS core
We are now offering a VIRTUAL version of our Core program called CO.STARTERS Sprint. This is a two-week virtual accelerator designed to help founders stop thinking about the business and start building it.
Next cohort: July 13, 20206
CO.STARTERS SPRINT
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What you need: A well-thought out description of the product/service you currently offer or wish to launch. Must be a for-profit business. StartUP Columbus does not currently assist non-profit organizations.
Keep in mind: This is a cohort-style course. Meaning, this will be a collaborative environment with 12 entrepreneurs and 2 knowledgeable facilitators to guide you through each week. The cohort style of this program ensures a safe space where entrepreneurs can feel free to ask questions and provide feedback to one another.
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Application is submitted.
Discovery call with a team member occurs to discuss business details or needs.
Applicant will receive an email with a decision following the discovery call.
If accepted, applicant will receive the welcome email with an invoice link. Note: payment must be completed to secure your seat in the cohort. Without payment, you will not be eligible to join the course.
Accepted and paid participants will receive consistent communication via email about the start date of the program.
Participants will begin Session 1 of CO.STARTERS once all 12 spots are filled and paid.
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Our training is done using a curriculum called CO.STARTERS Core from FINSYNC. This is 15-week program covers business building blocks and topics ranging from identifying your target audience to legal structure and financial modeling. For a complete list of the curriculum topics, please scroll down to the section titled ‘CO.STARTERS CURRICULUM’.
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Perks of The CO.STARTERS Program:
Complimentary office space during the entirety of the program
Complimentary 1-year membership to the Columbus Chamber of Commerce
Assistance obtaining EIN
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The cost of The CO.STARTERS Program is $150, which includes course materials, a StartUP Columbus Incubator Membership, access to community events, networking opportunities, and more (see ‘Perks’ section for details).
The cost of the program must be paid upon acceptance. Without payment, your seat in the cohort is not secured.
Note: Ventures with more than one person planning to attend must pay per coursebook or share one coursebook for price listed above.
CO.STARTERS™ Curriculum
During The CO.STARTERS Program at StartUP Columbus, we’ll cover the following topics:
Week 1: Knowing Yourself (Assumptions, Working Styles, Team Building, Obstacles)
Week 2: Knowing Your Customer (Customer, Problem, Alternatives, Idea Testing)
Week 3: Finding the Right Solution (Solution, Benefit, Advantage, Starting Small, Brand Identity)
Week 4: Getting the Relationship Right (Marketing & Messaging, Getting/Keeping/Growing Customer Base)
Week 5: Building Blocks (Distribution, Revenue, Typical Offering, Price)
Week 6: Structures and Systems (Legal & Accounting Considerations)
Week 7: Discovering the Bottom Line (Startup & Ongoing Needs, Fixed & Variable Costs, Break-Even Point)
Week 8: Financial Modeling (Break-Even Point, Sales Projections, Cash Flow, Raising Capital)
Week 9: Planning for Growth (Growth Plans, Goal Setting, Celebration Prep
Week 10: Preparing for Life After CO.STARTERS and Mastering Your Pitch
Week 11 (FINSYNC): Creating Financial Separation, Commercial Banking, FINSYNC Setup
Week 12 (FINSYNC): Accounts Receivable, Cash Flow Projections, Invoicing
Week 13 (FINSYNC): Accounts Payable, Expense Management, Spending Trends
Week 14 (FINSYNC): Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, Funding Options
Week 15 (FINSYNC): Challenges for Growth, Financial Health, Funding Readiness
StartUP Columbus is a part of the CO.STARTERS® network.
Learn more at costarters.co.