Better businesses start with better communities.

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COVID-19 RESPONSE: OUR ROAD TO RECOVERY FOR SMALL BUSINESSES >>

CO.STARTERS is a growing network that helps people and communities thrive through entrepreneurship.

COLLABORATION.
CONNECTION.
COMMUNITY.

OUR IMPACT

We exist to make a better future for people and places through entrepreneurship.

Why CO.STARTERS?

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starters supported

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communities served

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female founders

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OUR WORK

We equip local leaders to support entrepreneurs through strategy, tools, and relationships.

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STARTERS

Practical Tools

Our community-based programs and trusted tools help any entrepreneur with an idea realize and sustain their dreams.

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COMMUNITIES

Strategic Solutions

Our membership model helps grassroots leaders access the best solutions to support their local entrepreneurs.

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PARTNERS

Collaborative Culture

Our partnerships with networks around the globe help us work smarter together for the greatest good.

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BUSINESS LAUNCHING PROGRAM

CO.STARTERS Core

Our foundational program is a multi-week, cohort-based program that equips entrepreneurs of all kinds with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn ideas into action.

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ECOSYSTEM SKILLS MODEL

Community Roles in Ecosystem Building

A framework that help leaders identify skillsets in themselves and others that are key to ecosystem building.

Free Download
ECOSYSTEM GROWTH MODEL

Stages of Community Growth

A model that helps identify the most effective activities for any stage of entrepreneurial ecosystem growth and connect communities to the resources that will help them most.

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BUSINESS IDEA MAP

CO.STARTERS Canvas

CO.STARTERS uses a version of the “Business Model Canvas” developed by Alexander Osterwalder to help starters develop workable business models. This intuitive visual map helps founders understand, test, and refine their ideas.

Download the Canvas
YOUTH IDEATION PROGRAM

CO.STARTERS Generator

CO.STARTERS Generator™ is a modular version of the Core program that helps teens explore their passions through generating, testing, and launching ideas.

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WHERE WE ARE

CO.STARTERS is a growing network of community builders supporting a wide variety of entrepreneurs.

Meet our members and the communities they support.

Meet Our Network

CO.STARTERS is helping immensely in building the community of entrepreneurs in Erie. The relationships that come out of this experience for each participant are very valuable, from their peers in the cohort to the service providers and the subject matter experts that share with them each week.

Beth Zimmer, Erie, Pennsylvania

Bringing CO.STARTERS to La Crosse has brought new energy and excitement to the startup ecosystem in our community and it has allowed a bunch of entrepreneurs to gain access to cutting-edge effective material in a universally understandable format.

Andrew Londre, La Crosse, Wisconsin

CO.STARTERS has given us a platform for entrepreneurs to connect with one another, building community pride and resources for sustained growth.

Anna Bentson, Lynchburg, Virginia

I could not have imagined a more beneficial and seamless fit with our mission of creative industries support than the CO.STARTERS curriculum. It feels tailor-made for our constituents.

Buddy Palmer, Birmingham, Alabama

…the power of this growing global community…is a wonderful strength…

Margaret Aspin, Brisbane, Australia

CO.STARTERS brings, not only a practical, lean startup curriculum, in plain English, but a true community development vehicle that brings together the whole community…to help aspiring entrepreneurs validate their ideas and get started.

Antonio Montoya, Huntsville, Alabama

STORIES + NEWS

Moving Your Small Business Online

Dane Johnson from The Nice Center gives practical tips for what small business owners need to do (and what they don't) to start selling and marketing online.