CO.STARTERS Core provides an action-driven, collaborative process with a small and supportive group of like-minded people. Over ten sessions, you'll 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 and/or run a sustainable business, articulate your model, and repeat the process with your next great idea.
Knowing Yourself: 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: Business Structures, Licenses, IP, Hiring.
Discovering the Bottom Line: Startup & Ongoing Needs, Fixed & Variable Costs, Break-Even Point.
Financial Modeling: Break-Even Point, Sales Projections, Cash Flow, Raising Capital.
Planning For Growth: Raising Capital, Growth Plans, Goal Setting, Storytelling.
Celebration Night!
Our programs and tools are designed to help starters:
Here is the inside scoop on what you commit to when you join this program.
Attend all 10 sessions. More than 2 absences may result in disqualification.
Develop your Business Model Canvas, a strategic tool to manage your business model.
Support fellow participants in troubleshooting and challenging their assumptions.
Participate actively in facilitated group discussions. Engage guest speakers, challenge your assumptions and talk to potential customers.
Complete “fieldwork” between sessions to develop your plans.
If special circumstances may prevent or limit your attendance, please let us know. We try our best to accommodate needs due to transportation, childcare and “day jobs.”
Tuition Assistance: Full or partial assistance available by request and based on financial need for applicants accepted for the program.
CO.STARTERS is offered at various locations in Kern County throughout the year.
The application is always open. If you’d like more information before applying, contact [email protected] to learn more.
Tuesday night for 10 weeks (4:30 pm - 7:30 pm)
Wednesday night for 10 weeks (4 pm - 7 pm)
Thursday night for 10 weeks (5:30 pm - 8:30 pm)
Coming Soon!
Coming Soon!
Volunteers with business experience and a passion for helping others guide participants through the program.
ExploreThis is not just any ordinary program. Philanthropic support helps to make it available to everyone.
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The Startup Space mobile app, sponsored by Bank of America, empowers entrepreneurs to succeed by connecting them with the right resources. With multiple filtration options, the app quickly helps you discover relevant resources to build a successful business. Furthermore, you can actively engage with mentors and thought leaders within your community to gain advice and insights as you expand your business. Register now and start building your business with confidence!