CO.STARTERS
CO.StartersCO.STARTERS is a transformative 10-week program designed for entrepreneurs eager to bring their business ideas to life. Whether you’re new to entrepreneurship or expanding with a new product or service, CO.STARTERS provides you with essential insights, tools, and relationships to develop a sustainable business. With a collaborative approach and hands-on exercises, this program helps you refine your idea and prepares you for real-world success.
Check out upcoming Cohort
Who’s It For?
CO.STARTERS is for anyone ready to turn an idea into action. The program welcomes aspiring entrepreneurs and experienced business owners alike, as long as they have a business concept and a willingness to study, shape, and refine it in a supportive setting. If you’re passionate, community-minded, and serious about making your business a reality, CO.STARTERS is the perfect fit.
Aspiring Entrepreneur
Someone with a fresh business idea who wants guidance on how to bring it to life effectively.
Creative Professional
A freelancer or artist looking to turn their creative skills or hobby into a sustainable business.
Early-Stage Business Owner
An entrepreneur who has recently launched a business and is seeking structure and feedback to build a solid foundation.
Experienced Entrepreneur with New Venture
A business owner exploring a new product or service who wants a supportive environment to test and refine their concept.
What to Expect
CO.STARTERSEach week, CO.STARTERS participants dive into a structured yet flexible curriculum guided by an experienced entrepreneur. Through an action-driven and collaborative process, you’ll receive real-time feedback, learn from peers, and validate your ideas by talking to potential customers. By the end of the program, you’ll have a clear business model and a sustainable plan, plus the confidence to pursue your next steps.
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Curriculum Overview
CO.StartersOver the 10 weeks, you’ll cover topics including:
- Session 1: Knowing Yourself – Identifying personal strengths, team-building, and overcoming obstacles.
- Session 2: Knowing Your Customer – Understanding customer needs, competition, and value proposition.
- Session 3: Finding the Right Solution – Starting small, brand identity, and crafting the right offering.
- Session 4: Building Customer Relationships – Effective marketing and customer engagement.
- Session 5: Business Building Blocks – Revenue models, pricing, and distribution.
- Session 6: Structures & Systems – Business structures, licenses, and intellectual property.
- Session 7: Financial Fundamentals – Cost analysis and understanding break-even points.
- Session 8: Financial Modeling – Cash flow, sales projections, and fundraising.
- Session 9: Planning for Growth – Goal setting and strategies for scaling.
- Session 10: Sharing Your Story – A community celebration and opportunity to showcase your business.
Upcoming Cohort Details
This Spring, we have sessions starting in both Ohio and Wetzel Counties!
Wheeling:
In partnership with Wheeling Heritage, the next session will start on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 and will run for 10 weeks. The class will be held from 5:30pm to 8:30pm in the Artisan Center in Downtown Wheeling. Apply below to reserve your spot in the class. Space is limited.
Wetzel County:
In Wetzel County, our session started on March 10, 2026 and will run for 10 weeks on Tuesday evenings. The class will be held from 5:30pm to 8:30pm in New Martinsville. Apply below to reserve your spot in the next cohort. Space is limited. Thanks to a contribution from MPLX, participants from Wetzel County will receive a $150 scholarship for the program. The remaining cost for each participant is $50.
CO.STARTERS costs a flat fee of $200. This includes all materials. Payment plans are potentially available. Please contact Valerie Piko at vpiko@redp.org if you have questions.
If your spot in a class has been confirmed, you will be contacted for payment information by our team.
Thank you to MPLX and the Truist Charitable Fund for their support of this program!
