Throughout this business model discovery process, participants identify and test business assumptions through customer interactions, develop a functioning business model, learn valuable management and marketing skills, and receive constructive feedback from an advisor, peers, and former grads. In the end, you’ll have the tools, framework, and momentum you need to make your vision a reality—and the best part is you won’t be in it alone.
If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, or a seasoned entrepreneur looking to launch a new product or service, CO.STARTERS is for you. The only real prerequisites are (1) having an idea you’re ready, willing, and excited to share and pursue and (2) a willingness to study, shape, and fine-tune that idea in a supportive, collaborative, and welcoming environment. If you’re creative and community-minded, and you’re serious about turning your passion into a sustainable business, we want you.
CO.STARTERS is an action-driven, collaborative process with a small and supportive group of like-minded people. Led by a facilitator who is an experienced entrepreneur, 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 a sustainable business, articulate your model, and repeat the process with your next great idea.
The LITE House is now offering 3-hour CO.STARTERS Get Started Workshops designed to equip you with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn your idea into a business.
Whether you’re just getting started, stuck on a particular issue, or are in need of a refresher, this workshop will provide the jumpstart needed to get you moving. This workshop is a low-commitment opportunity to understand what’s driving you, explore your idea through the CO.STARTERS Canvas, and refine your model by learning ways to get meaningful customer feedback and start pursuing your idea today. You’ll also have the opportunity to collaborate with other members of the community and make valuable connections to help you along the way. The workshop includes curriculum and other materials.
During CO.STARTERS, you’ll develop and fine-tune your idea, critically examining every part of it and tweaking your next steps through real-time feedback from people in the community. Over the nine weeks, we’ll cover the following topics.
Week 1: Knowing Yourself
Week 2: Knowing Your Customer
Week 3: Getting the Relationship Right
Week 4: Building the Model to Scale
Week 5: Strengthening Your Structure
Week 6: Discovering the Bottom Line
Week 7: Accounting for Growth
Week 8: Planning for the Future
Week 9: Pitch Night/Sharing Your Story
