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:

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APPLY FOR CO.STARTERS

The CO.STARTERS Program 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.

We run on a rolling application basis, which means our next cohort will begin once all 12 spots are filled. Any applications submitted after a cohort begins will still be valid for the following cohort.

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WHAT IS THE CO.STARTERS PROGRAM?

  • 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.

  • 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’.

  • 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

  • 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, prior to the start of Week 1.

APPLY NOW: THE CO.STARTERS PROGRAM

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, Mentorship “Speed Dating”, the Columbus Chamber of Commerce.

APPLY NOW: THE CO.STARTERS PROGRAM

StartUP Columbus is a part of the CO.STARTERS® network.
Learn more at costarters.co.