A 10-SESSION BUSINESS RECOVERY PROGRAM
CO.STARTERS Rebuild Cohort is a ten-session program designed for existing small businesses or entrepreneurs losing business and customers due to COVID-19. If you are struggling to figure out how to move forward and are serious about doing what it takes to save your business, this program is for you.
This cohort will be held online with a live facilitator and require a device with internet connection.
COST | $125
Need financial assistance? Contact Rachel Stevenson at 814-451-6918 or costarters@eriecountypa.gov
Application Process
Applications will be addressed on a first come first serve basis. You are welcome to apply at any time. We will contact all applicants when new Cohort dates are announced. Cohorts are typically held 2-3 times a year, based on demand. An Idea Lab staff member will contact you to schedule a short interview to answer your questions and make sure the CO.STARTERS Cohort program is right for you.
Questions: Contact Rachel Stevenson at 814-451-6918 or costarters@eriecountypa.gov
Program Overview
The next CO.STARTERS Rebuild Cohort schedule is below. Applications are due by: September 4, 2020.
Fall 2020 CO.STARTERS Rebuild
Mondays and Thursdays for 5 weeks, beginning September 14 | 6 – 9 PM
Working with a dedicated group of like-minded peers in a virtual setting, you’ll cover the following topics in a series of ten 2.5–hour sessions:
Phase 1: Shift
Refocus and stabilize your business.
| September 14: | Assessing Your Situation |
| September 17: | Understanding Your Customer |
| September 21: | Finding a New Solution |
| September 24: | Refocusing Your Marketing |
| September 28: | Exploring Quick to Market Approaches |
Phase 2: Go
Move your business forward for the long term.
| October 1: | Learning About COVID-19 Laws |
| October 5: | Streamlining Costs |
| October 8: | Setting Recovery Sales Goals |
| October 12: | Planning for Recovery |
| October 15: | Celebration! |
FAQ’s
Rebuild is designed for existing businesses who are in operating stage. If they are just in concept but haven’t launched, Core Cohort or Get Started programs may be a better fit. Rebuild is intended for early or small stage businesses from any industry or market, including solopreneurs or freelancers. It is not optimized for high growth companies or entrepreneurs seeking investment.
While any entrepreneur will find some value from the program, Rebuild is best suited for entrepreneurs who have built or run businesses around models they have control over or can change. An MML or franchise may not give you that freedom. However, they should be providing you with specific support, resources, and community as well at this time.
The live sessions for Rebuild are delivered virtually to any desktop or mobile device. Participants also receive a physical workbook delivered by direct mail to make it easier for them to work through the sessions and complete field work in between. We and our host partners will make every effort to get you connected to digital access to participate in the live sessions. If this is a concern for you, please let us know in your application.
Rebuild is for committed entrepreneurs who want and need help, and a commitment to all sessions is required. We believe your wellbeing and your business are priorities, and we trust you’ll find the few hours you spend each session with your peer group working on your business problems together will become one of the most valuable and fulfilling parts of your routine.
We recommend Rebuild sessions be run once or twice a week at most. We have found it to be very important to allow adequate space between sessions for processing and applying what they’ve learned. Rebuild is also designed for business owners who are actively working in their business, often with little or no support.
