Innovation & Startups
Consider attending CoStarters…
What you will learn:
- Identify and define real problems to solve
- Deeply understand who your customers are
- What products, services or experiences you can create for them
- How to start a viable new business
Admission Requirements
As a life-long learner, you aspire or are willing to acquire the following:
- Open to learning & feedback
- Open & critical thinking
- Initiative with follow-through
- Capacity for calculated risk
- Focus on community
How to apply
If the line is busy, please call again.
Or email us at startupgp@greaterpeoriaedc.org to schedule a time to meet.
Aug 26 – Nov 11, 2019
What is CO.STARTERS?
CO.STARTERS is a program that helps new business owners build a community around local businesses. It is a nine-week program equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn business ideas into action.
Who’s It For?
Local & Main Street Businesses:
- Convenience stores & Franchises
- Dry cleaners, Hair salons & Spas
- Farmers Markets & Restaurants
- Internet, Web development & Technology businesses
- Small Manufacturing & Professional Services
(e.g., Accounting & Tax preparation business, etc.) - Small wholesalers and many others…
Key Outcomes
- Identifying assumptions about why and how your businesses will work
- Talk to customers to discover problems they need you to solve
- Rapidly uncover flaws in your concepts and processes
- Learn and uncover viable business models
Curriculum
Week 1: Knowing Yourself (Assumptions, Working Styles, Team Building, Obstacles)
Week 2: Knowing Your Customer (Problem, Solution, Benefit, Competition, Advantage, Customer)
Week 3: Getting the Relationship Right (Marketing & Message; Getting, Keeping & Growing Customers)
Week 4: Building the Model to Scale (Starting Small, Distribution, Revenue, Typical Sale, Price)
Week 5: Strengthening Your Structure (Business Structures, Licenses, IP, Hiring)
Week 6: Discovering the Bottom Line (Startup & Ongoing Needs, Fixed & Variable Costs, Break-Even Point)
Week 7: Accounting for Growth (Break-Even Point, Sales Projections, Cash Flow, Accounting)
Week 8: Planning for the Future (Raising Capital, Growth Plans, Goal Setting, Pitch Prep)
Week 9: Pitch Night/Sharing Your Story
Tuition
$300 per participant
includes:
- One-on-one innovation consulting
- Customer and behavioral insights analysis
- 6 month scholarship for co-working space
- Talent development assistance
- Business location and expansion assistance
- Incentives and credits (e.g. Opportunity zones, etc.)
