We welcome aspiring entrepreneurs and high-growth ventures alike. If you’re looking to launch a new product or service, apply now to The Cultivate Program at StartUP Columbus.

The Cultivate Program at StartUP Columbus is a 6-month intensive program that will equip entrepreneurs with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn ideas into action. We help local business owners turn their passion into a sustainable endeavor through a combination of the 10-week CO.STARTERS™ curriculum and 3 months of 1:1 mentorship with industry experts.

Upon completing the program, you will continue to receive support with access to graduate networking events, free workshop opportunities, and more.

Our next cohort begins on February 4, 2025 at 9:00 AM.

If you dream of transforming your passion into a thriving local business, StartUP Columbus is ready to guide you in every step of the way.

WHAT IS THE cultivate PROGRAM?

  • For this application, you will need a well-articulated description of the product or service you offer (or plan on offering) and a description of your consumer, client, or target audience. We’re seeking for-profit entrepreneurs that represent a diverse range of sectors and backgrounds, in order to have a cohort that incorporates both established businesses and startup concepts. We screen our applicants, and space is limited. We are only accepting 15 entrepreneurs at a time, ensuring an intimate learning environment.

    Once you apply, a thank you message will appear with an email you may use for any questions you have about the program. Acceptances are sent on a rolling basis.

  • The Cultivate Program at StartUP Columbus is made up of two phases:

    • Phase I: Training

    • Phase II: Mentorship

    Our training is done using a curriculum called CO.STARTERS. This is a 10-week program facilitated by two knowledgeable local business owners and conducted in a collaborative cohort format.

    Following the 10-week training, you will move into Phase II: Mentorship. Our Mentorship Program will include 3 months of 1:1 guidance from industry experts. Mentors and Mentees will be required to meet twice a month for 1 hour minimum. You will be matched with your mentor upon completing Phase I.

  • Perks of The Cultivate Program:

    • Complimentary office space during the entirety of the program

    • Complimentary 1-year membership to the Columbus Chamber of Commerce

    • Assistance obtaining EIN

  • CO.STARTERS is an accelerator-style curriculum that equips entrepreneurs with essential business fundamentals through a structured framework. In just 10-weeks, participants are introduced to key business principles that are critical for navigating the entrepreneurial journey. We use the CO.STARTERS Canvas to provide step by step testing and refining of their business model, giving them the confidence and clarity to take their next steps forward. See ‘CO.STARTERS Curriculum’ below for a week-by-week outline of all 10 sessions.

  • The cost of The Cultivate Program is $500, which includes course materials, a StartUP Columbus Incubator Membership, 1:1 mentorship, access to community events, networking opportunities, & more (see ‘Perks’ section for details).

CO.STARTERS™ Curriculum

During The Cultivate Program at StartUP Columbus, you’ll develop and fine-tune your idea, critically examining every part of it through the CO.STARTERS curriculum.

Over 10 weeks, we’ll cover the following topics.

  • Week 1: Knowing Yourself (Assumptions, Working Styles, Team Building, Obstacles)

  • Week 2: Knowing Your Customer (Customer, Problem, Alternatives, Idea Testing)

  • Week 3: Finding the Right Solution (Solution, Benefit, Advantage, Starting Small, Brand Identity)

  • Week 4: Getting the Relationship Right (Marketing & Messaging, Getting/Keeping/Growing Customer Base)

  • Week 5: Building Blocks (Distribution, Revenue, Typical Offering, Price)

  • Week 6: Structures and Systems (Legal & Accounting Considerations)

  • Week 7: Discovering the Bottom Line (Startup & Ongoing Needs, Fixed & Variable Costs, Break-Even Point)

  • Week 8: Financial Modeling (Break-Even Point, Sales Projections, Cash Flow, Raising Capital)

  • Week 9: Planning for Growth (Growth Plans, Goal Setting, Celebration Prep

  • Week 10: Preparing for Life After CO.STARTERS, Mentorship “Speed Dating”, the Columbus Chamber of Commerce.

StartUP Columbus is a part of the CO.STARTERS® network.
Learn more at costarters.co.