Unlock the potential of people and place

We equip you with proven programs and tools to grow thriving business communities.

Lauren and Erik Zilen | Niedlov's Bakery & Cafe

starting made simple

Help entrepreneurs build thriving businesses.

Business doesn't have to be daunting. Our proven programs and tools equip anyone with an idea to confidently start, grow, and thrive.

All of our entrepreneurship programs are designed for a cohort learning environment, where entrepreneurs can learn together and from each other.

Join the network trusted by over 300 communities to jumpstart your community’s entrepreneurial talent today.

Explore Our Programs

“CO.STARTERS is an invaluable cornerstone of our work with aspiring and early stage entrepreneurs, helping us to turn local talent and dedication into new businesses.”

- buddy palmer, Create birmingham

About us

Entrerpeneurship isn't a solo sport.

Our proven programs and tools equip anyone with an idea to confidently start, grow, and thrive.
‍
Join the network trusted by over 300 communities to help entrepreneurs move forward and turn their ideas into action.

impact

A Decade of
Entrepreneur Support

300+

Communities Served

92%

Business Launch Rate

21,400+

Small Businesses Supported

97%

Business 1-Year Survival Rate

More than just a program

Here's how we help.

Ecosystem Strategy

We’ll help you identify the gaps in your community, and strategize with you on how to fill them. Ecosystem building takes more than a playbook; we’re your boots-on-the-ground support.

Community Training

You identify the leaders in your community, and we’ll equip them to support small businesses using our proprietary community training process—either in-person or online.

Ongoing Support

Our Community Success crew is an extension of your local team. We’ll help you build a pipeline of entrepreneur support—from participant recruitment and program launch to impact measurement and reporting.

Proven Programs

Why reinvent the wheel? Our entrepreneurship programs, proven through over a decade of entrepreneur support, are the best in the game.

resources for entrepreneurs

Launch your thriving business.

Start, build, and grow your small business with one of our local partners. We've supported over 21,000 entrepreneurs in over 300 locations around the country. Successful businesses are born into a supportive community. Find yours today.

Find a program near you

more than just a program

Here's how we help.

Community Training
You identify the leaders in your community, and we’ll equip them to support small businesses using our proprietary community training process—either in-person or online.

Ecosystem Building Strategy
We’ll help you identify the gaps in your community, and strategize with you on how to fill them. Ecosystem building takes more than a playbook; we’re your boots-on-the-ground support.

Comprehensive Program Support
Our Community Success crew is an extension of your local team. We’ll help you build a pipeline of entrepreneur support—from participant recruitment and program launch to impact measurement and reporting.

Proven Programs
Why reinvent the wheel? Our entrepreneurship programs, proven through over a decade of entrepreneur support, are the best in the game.

Learn more about our programs

A large group gathers around a horseshoe table.

A scenic photo of Chattanooga, Tennessee

about us

We started on Main Street.

Once a local arts initiative in Chattanooga, we've now transformed over 300 communities around the world. The secret? We trust creative entrepreneurs to lead the way—we just equip them with the tools they need to thrive.

Read our story

learn with us

Stay in the loop

engage

Webinars for ESOs & Ecosystem Builders

Learn from experienced ecosystem builders, funding experts, and policy advocates about how you can better serve the makers, dreamers, and doers in your community.

read

CO.STARTERS Blog

Stay up to date on CO.STARTERS news, community and entrepreneur spotlights, and the latest insights in entrepreneurial ecosystem building.

listen

Idea to Action Podcast

Business is hard, but it shouldn't be complicated. In our podcast about all things entrepreneurship, hear from successful entrepreneurs and business experts on how you can start and grow a sustainable small business.