Presented by: Collider Foundation

Turn your ideas into action.

What is CO.STARTERS?

CO.STARTERS is a cohort-based program that helps you create the insights, relationships, and tools you need to turn your ideas ideas into action.

All you need to have to join the program is: (1) an idea, (2) openness to question, shape and fine-tune that idea, and (3) willingness to talk about your idea with others.

What to expect: Each CO.STARTERS session is led by a local facilitator and is a collaborative process with a small and supportive group of 10-15 like-minded peers. Working together, you’ll develop and fine-tune your ideas, critically examining every part and determining next steps through real-time feedback from people in the community. This approach helps entrepreneurial starters like yourself to rapidly uncover flaws in your concepts and find viable models more quickly. You’ll leave the CO.STARTERS with a deeper understanding of how to create a sustainable business and repeat the process with your next great idea.

This program is a great fit for entrepreneurial starters with a business idea that they want to test out or people already with an operating business (that's 2 years old or less) who want to refine their business model. CO.STARTERS is also a great fit for intrapreneurs, working on concepts within their organization or community.

Our next CO.STARTERS Bootcamp starts February 19, 2024!

This cohort will meet Monday February 19th from 9AM-5PM. This bootcamp is supported by the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

All sessions will be held in person in Rochester, MN at Collider@MBC (221 1st Ave SW, Suite #610).

CO.STARTERS cohorts are brought to Rochester, MN by the Mayo Clinic Department of Business Development, Altra Federal Credit Union, the Fredrikson & Byron Foundation, the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, and Minnwest Bank.

What’s covered in CO.STARTERS?

Knowing Yourself: Introduction, 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: Legal & Accounting Considerations

Discovering the Bottom Line: Startup & Ongoing Needs, Fixed & Variable Costs, Break-Even Point

Financial Modeling: Break-Even Points, Sales Projections, Cash Flow, Raising Capital

Planning for Growth: Growth Plans, Goal Setting, Celebration Prep

How much does CO.STARTERS cost?

Cost varies based on available funding. Please click the button below to see the current rate we are able to offer. Enrollment into the program includes the curriculum, facilitation through Rochester-based certified CO.STARTERS facilitators, and access to a community of support. Program fees are nonrefundable.

The CO.STARTERS 9 week program is valued at over $2,000 per participant. Reduced registration costs are not available for CO.STARTERS bootcamps.

We are able to offer reduced registration fees based on financial need. To see if you qualify, please fill out this form.