CO.STARTERS Core provides an action-driven, collaborative process with a small and supportive group of like-minded people. Over ten sessions, you'll identify your assumptions about why and how your businesses will work and then talk to customers in order to validate your ideas. This approach enables you to rapidly uncover flaws in your concept and find viable models more quickly. You'll leave the program with a deeper understanding of how to create and/or run a sustainable business, articulate your model, and repeat the process with your next great idea.
Knowing Yourself: Assumptions, Working Styles, Team Building, Obstacles.
Knowing Your Customer: Customer, Problem, Alternatives, Idea Testing
Finding The Right Solution: Solution, Benefit, Advantage, Starting Small, Brand Identity.
Getting the Relationship Right: Marketing & Message; Getting, Keeping & Growing Customers.
Building Blocks: Distribution, Revenue, Typical Offering, Price.
Structures & Systems: Business Structures, Licenses, IP, Hiring.
Discovering the Bottom Line: Startup & Ongoing Needs, Fixed & Variable Costs, Break-Even Point.
Financial Modeling: Break-Even Point, Sales Projections, Cash Flow, Raising Capital.
Planning For Growth: Raising Capital, Growth Plans, Goal Setting, Storytelling.
Celebration Night!
Our programs and tools are designed to help starters:
Here is the inside scoop on what you commit to when you join this program.
Attend all 10 sessions. More than 2 absences may result in disqualification.
Develop your Business Model Canvas, a strategic tool to manage your business model.
Support fellow participants in troubleshooting and challenging their assumptions.
Participate actively in facilitated group discussions. Engage guest speakers, challenge your assumptions and talk to potential customers.
Complete “fieldwork” between sessions to develop your plans.
If special circumstances may prevent or limit your attendance, please let us know. We try our best to accommodate needs due to transportation, childcare and “day jobs.”
Application Fee
Free
Program Investment
$200 one-time materials fee. Tuition is fully covered through KITE and our community partners.
The program includes 10 weeks of facilitated business education, the CO.STARTERS curriculum and participant materials, guest speakers, and refreshments.
Financial Assistance
We believe cost should not be a barrier to entrepreneurship. Full or partial assistance with the materials fee may be available based on financial need.
CO.STARTERS is offered at various locations in Kern County throughout the year.
The application is always open. If you’d like more information before applying, contact [email protected] to learn more.
Status: Early 2027 Cohort
Our next CO.STARTERS cohort is anticipated for early 2027. Join the interest list to receive updates on enrollment and program dates.
Status: Interest List Open
Join the interest list to receive updates on upcoming CO.STARTERS opportunities in Kern River Valley.
Status: Interest List Open
We're planning our next Tehachapi CO.STARTERS cohort. Join the interest list for enrollment updates and program details.
Status: Interest List Open
We're exploring opportunities to bring entrepreneurship programming to the community. Join the interest list to receive updates.
Status: Coming Soon
KITE is building partnerships and assessing community interest for future programming.
Volunteers with business experience and a passion for helping others guide participants through the program.
ExploreThis is not just any ordinary program. Philanthropic support helps to make it available to everyone.
Learn More
The Startup Space mobile app, sponsored by Bank of America, empowers entrepreneurs to succeed by connecting them with the right resources. With multiple filtration options, the app quickly helps you discover relevant resources to build a successful business. Furthermore, you can actively engage with mentors and thought leaders within your community to gain advice and insights as you expand your business. Register now and start building your business with confidence!