StartSmart: Your Business Foundations is designed for entrepreneurs who are ready to turn an idea into a real business—and want the right support along the way. This dynamic, interactive course focuses on helping you build a solid foundation before moving forward.

Throughout the program, you’ll learn how to validate your business idea by confirming there’s a market for your product or service. You’ll practice customer discovery and market research, develop a clear elevator pitch, and create customer personas to better understand who you’re serving. The course also covers important legal structures and considerations so you can make informed decisions early.

In addition to strategy and planning, StartSmart introduces essential business fundamentals such as accounting, bookkeeping, pricing, sales, and basic HR topics like hiring and managing contractors. You’ll explore how these pieces fit together to support long-term profitability and growth.

The course includes access to the Proof to Profit customer discovery curriculum, a comprehensive binder of worksheets and resources, and group learning with guided discussions. Participants also receive one-on-one coaching with an SBDC business coach and access to the LivePlan toolkit to build a business plan and three years of sales projections. Additional benefits include networking opportunities and access to four single-session classes that support businesses at any stage.

By the end of StartSmart, you’ll leave with practical tools, greater confidence, and a clear roadmap to move from concept to launch.

Scholarships may be available, apply here!