Photo Credit: Ambre Amari

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.

GRADUATES
200
BUSINESSES
200
WOMEN + NON-BINARY
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PEOPLE OF COLOR
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COHORTS
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Standard Tuition: $275, includes facilitation, guest speakers, and materials.
There is a non-refundable $25 application fee that is applied towards the total program fee.


Tuition Assistance: Full or partial financial assistance is available by request.
This nationally-recognized program normally costs $1,500 for each participant. However, our mission is to offer programming, resources and the necessary tools to start and grow a business at little to no cost to further break down barriers, making entrepreneurship accessible to everyone. With the support of grants and sponsorships, we are able to heavily subsidize this program.

Note: For residents and businesses located in the Bessemer area, the total program fee is only $40

GET TO KNOW OUR CO.STARTERS GRADUATES
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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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR POST-GRADUATE RESOURCES
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MAKERS & ARTISTS
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WELLNESS
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RETAIL
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REGISTER FOR AN UPCOMING COHORT
Cristal Square

WINTER 2025 BIRMINGHAM COHORT

This cohort will meet in Downtown Birmingham
Facilitated by Cristal Brister
January 27 - March 31
Mondays from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Once a week for 10 weeks

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SPRING 2025 BESSEMER COHORT

This cohort will meet in Bessemer at the Bessemer Public Library
March 31 - June 9
Mondays from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Skipping a week for Memorial Day

Note: For residents and businesses location in the Bessemer area, the total registration fee is only $40

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SPRING 2025 BIRMINGHAM COHORT

This cohort will meet in Downtown Birmingham
April 14 - June 23
Mondays from 6:00 – 9:00 pm

Skipping a week for Memorial Day

PierceFull

FALL 2025 BIRMINGHAM COHORT

This cohort will meet in Downtown Birmingham
Facilitated by Scott pierce
September 8 - November 17
Mondays from 6:00 - 9:00 pm

Skipping a week for Indigenous People's Day

Special thanks to

  • Bessemer Public Library for hosting our Bessemer cohort,
  • Forge Coworking for hosting the Celebration Night,
  • and to Create Birmingham’s investors for supporting CO.STARTERS.