Start Up! Chicago

Background

Start Up! Chicago gives you the tools to turn your big idea into a business opportunity. We’ll take you — step-by-step — through the entire process so you’re prepared to hit the ground running with your new venture. Business plans. Finance. Target markets. Hiring employees. Marketing. This comprehensive 10-week course delivers insight into everything you need to know to be truly successful.

Over 100 students have graduated from the course, raving about the practical content, quality of instruction, and networking opportunities. To create an active learning experience, the 10-week program integrates classroom instruction, guest entrepreneurs, in-class exercises, case studies, and business plan assignments. Students learn whether self-employment is appropriate for them, and how to launch a venture regardless of their background and familiarity with business.

Course Format

Each of the ten sessions of Start Up! Chicago will covers one of the following topics:

   1. Understanding Entrepreneurship
   2. Evaluating the Business Opportunity
   3. Knowing Customers & Competition
   4. Crafting the Product/Service
   5. Understanding Sales & Marketing
   6. Building the Team & Organization
   7. Learning Entrepreneurial Finance
   8. Managing the Money
   9. Growing the Business
  10. Implementing the Plan

2010 Spring Class

Details to be determined. Check back for information on dates, prices and location for this important class.

Click here to register.

Testimonial

“Two of the most valuable aspects of participating in Start Up! Chicago were the entrepreneurial energy created by the others in my class and nurtured by our instructor, and the amount of small business information and resources provided. The most personally rewarding for me was the atmosphere of sharing in each other’s professional journey.” - Start Up! Chicago Graduate Julie Umnus