CO.STARTERS
Are you an entrepreneur? A small business owner? An artist? An activist? A new or growing nonprofit? If you have an idea that is ready to be explored, or if you have already started and you're searching for clarity in marketing and a fuller understanding of running a successful venture, CO.STARTERS is for YOU. The one essential element is that you have a concept that you are ready and willing to share and grow in a collaborative environment.
CO.STARTERS is a program that equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn their business ideas into action. Unlike traditional platforms, it applies the lean business model methods popular with high-growth startups to businesses of all kinds. Learn the ins and outs of how to turn a passion into a sustainable and thriving small business.
The cost ranges between $300 and $600 and is dependant on your combined household income and total household members. The $150 materials fee is required to reserve your seat. Each cohort meets once a week, for three hours. Financial assistance and payment plans are available. There is a non-refundable $25 application fee that is applied towards the total program fee. This payment must be received before your application is accepted.
Note: For residents and businesses location in the Bessemer area, the total registration fee is only $40
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. Participants receive one-on-one time with the facilitators, support from Create Birmingham staff during and post-graduation, membership in the alumni network, and access to the CO.STARTERS Graduate Resources.
WINTER 2023 BIRMINGHAM COHORT
This cohort will meet in Downtown Birmingham
Facilitated by Cristal Brister
January 30 - April 3
Mondays from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Once a week for 10 weeks
WINTER 2023 BESSEMER COHORT
This cohort will meet in Bessemer
Facilitated by Viola Ratcliffe
February 21 – April 25
Tuesdays from 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Once a week for 10 weeks
Note: For residents and businesses location in the Bessemer area, the total registration fee is only $40
SPRING 2023 BIRMINGHAM COHORT
This cohort will meet in Downtown Birmingham
April 3 - June 12 (skipping a week for Memorial Day)
Mondays from 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Once a week for 10 weeks
FALL 2023 BESSEMER COHORT
This cohort will meet in Bessemer
September 11 - November 13
Mondays from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Once a week for 10 weeks
Note: For residents and businesses location in the Bessemer area, the total registration fee is only $40
FALL 2023 BIRMINGHAM COHORT
This cohort will meet in Downtown Birmingham
Facilitated by Jacqueline Jones
September 11 - November 13
Mondays from 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Once a week for 10 weeks
Special thanks to
- Bessemer Redevelopment Corporation for hosting our Bessemer cohort,
- Forge Coworking for hosting the Celebration Night,
- and to Create Birmingham’s investors for supporting CO.STARTERS.