SUPPORTS
Core (2020)
Is there a suggested timeline for launching CO.STARTERS Core?
We created this document to aid in the management of your Core program launch. Consider this as a starting point to guide you through the process.
Where do participants access the Core 2020 surveys?
Participants may access the surveys through their Mighty Networks accounts or through the direct links included in the reminder emails.
What do I do if my organization needs to collect additional information from participants that’s not on the surveys?
Member organizations are free to supplement CO.STARTERS surveys with any additional data collection techniques; we recommend collecting additional information through an application form.
What is the ideal response rate for a strong cohort report?
This depends on the size of your cohort and how reliable you want your impact data to be. Smaller cohorts will need higher response rates to ensure reliable data. However, >60% is a good target [...]
How does CO.STARTERS prompt participants to complete surveys?
We send at least three reminder emails before exporting the survey data for analysis and reporting purposes. We allow at least two weeks for participants to complete each survey.
In addition to the cohort report, does CO.STARTERS share the raw data?
Yes, we will share links to both a PDF of your cohort report and a spreadsheet with raw survey data, individual signifiers removed.
How quickly will I get my cohort report?
Cohort reports are made available 2-4 weeks after a cohort ends. Cohort reports do take time to prepare, but the speed with which your participants answer surveys is the largest factor determining how quickly you [...]
Why should I use CO.STARTERS surveys?
Chances are that all or some of your organization’s work is funded by grant money. Anyone who has applied for a grant knows how helpful impact data can be when persuading a potential funder. This [...]
How does CO.STARTERS use the data it collects?
All data collected by CO.STARTERS is reported in the aggregate to member organizations. Any testimonials gathered are attributed to first names or initials only when shared. CO.STARTERS does use individual signifiers (registrant IDs or email [...]
What sort of data are you collecting?
Through our participant surveys, we collect data concerning personal demographics, information about participants’ businesses (including employment and revenue-related metrics), skill/confidence growth through the program, and testimonials.
How should I use my Local Group?
As part of the setup, we create a Local Group for your organization. This group helps you create connections within your community across cohorts and acts as an alumni group. Post events, polls, prompts, [...]
How do I integrate Zoom links in Mighty Networks?
If you are running a virtual cohort, you can use your own Zoom account to add call links into your cohort in Mighty Networks. This is done once you are in your cohort by clicking [...]
Does CO.STARTERS provide an application as part of the Mighty Networks support platform?
Over the years we’ve found organizations have preferred platforms and processes for vetting and accepting program applications. You may use whatever platform works best for your organization. However, if you don’t have your own or [...]
What do participants get through the cohort support platform?
The platform provides additional resources, deeper connections to their cohort, and a local (and international!) community of support. More specifically, the platform has links to further reading, digital spreadsheets, a group chat feature, direct [...]
How do participants enroll in the Mighty Networks cohort support platform?
When you order your cohort kit, the CO.STARTERS team will automatically set up your cohort in Mighty Networks. We’ll send you a unique link and email copy to send to people you’ve already accepted into [...]
What is Mighty Networks?
Mighty Networks is an online community education platform that is used as a support tool for the CO.STARTERS cohort-based programs.. This platform not only provides participants with additional program-related resources, it also allows for [...]
Does the Spanish Version match the New Core (2020) participant materials?
We revamped the Spanish resources in 2023 to align with the 10-week Core curriculum. The Spanish program is structured to accommodate either an all-Spanish or a bilingual-speaking group. Our objective during the translation process [...]
How does our organization ensure that facilitators are adequately prepared and confident to lead cohorts or workshops, especially if they have been inactive for several years?
We work closely with Program Administrators to make sure facilitators are confident and ready to lead a cohort or workshop. If a facilitator hasn't been active in a few years, we recommend they attend [...]
How do I sign up new facilitators to get certified at a national training?
You can view all current trainings in the Upcoming Trainings section of the Member Center. If you have a particular interest in a training not currently being offered, please contact a member of our [...]
My facilitator was trained on a different version of Core. What do they need to do to be ready to facilitate a Core 2020 cohort?
To get up to speed on Core 2020 and all our new tools and supports, have the facilitator take the National Training that is offered virtually every month. Visit the Upcoming Training section of [...]
How can I best include community stakeholders in our work with CO.STARTERS?
Our Community Training is designed to educate you on how to optimize stakeholder engagement in your work with CO.STARTERS. We will explore the Community Program Roles that will assist you in understanding how to [...]
How does the virtual National Training work?
Our National Trainings take place two afternoons via Zoom. They work exactly as they would in-person, with the computer replacing the “table” we sit around. Each day is a four hour session and is [...]
What is the structure of the new Community Trainings?
An in person Community Training takes place over two days. The first day has morning and afternoon sessions; the second day has a morning session. Session 1 consists of three hours discussing the local [...]
Can we book an in-person CO.STARTERS training?
Yes. This is the best way to engage your collaborative partners and community in your work with entrepreneurs. A CO.STARTERS Training Team will travel to your community and spend a full day and a [...]
Is there an additional cost to have facilitators cross-trained on other products under the 2020 pricing model?
In order to unlock some products (like our Spanish version or Generator), certified facilitators participate in a crossover training. The cost of a crossover training is $200+ shipping and handling. New facilitator materials are [...]
Is there a limit on how many facilitators we send to training?
You can train as many facilitators as you would like; however, we advise training only those individuals who demonstrate a commitment to actively participate in your programs. It may be beneficial to have an [...]
Can I order less than 10 binders in a cohort kit under the Core 2020 pricing model? Are binders sold individually?
The minimum number of binders in a cohort kit is 10 binders. Binders are no longer for sale individually at a per-binder price. For any special requests, kindly reach out to us via email [...]
Our cohorts frequently exceed ten participants. Can I order more than ten binders under the Core 2020 pricing model?
Yes, you may order up to 16 participant binders within each cohort kit. If you require more than 16, you have the option to add multiple kits to your order. Priced at $275 per [...]
Under the Core 2020 pricing, what is the cohort fee and what does that fee cover?
A cohort kit includes ten to sixteen participant binders, a facilitator toolkit, and CO.STARTERS swag. The fee is $2,750 - $4,400 per cohort ($275 per binder).
Can my organization operate in more than one physical site under the Core 2020 pricing?
Yes! You can run multiple cohorts across your community or region. All cohort orders must be placed and paid for by the member organization.
How do I contextualize CO.STARTERS Core for ________ audience?
Sometimes our members want to focus a cohort on a specific type of business or entrepreneur—food, arts, women-owned—and ask how they can best contextualize the program. CO.STARTERS was designed to be able to address [...]
How do facilitators become trained on CO.STARTERS Core?
In order to facilitate CO.STARTERS Core, facilitators must go through either an in-person Community Training or a two-day virtual National Facilitator Training and be certified. Visit this link to sign up for an upcoming [...]
What topics does CO.STARTERS Core cover?
CO.STARTERS Core is structured as ten three-hour sessions covering the following topics: Session 1: Knowing Yourself Assumptions, Working Styles, Team Building, Obstacles Session 2: Knowing Your Customer Customer, Problem, Alternatives, Idea Testing Session 3: Finding [...]
Can someone with a nonprofit idea join CO.STARTERS Core?
Absolutely! We always encourage them to go ahead and join, but also let them know that how some of the financials are presented will need adaptation to a nonprofit context (there are some resources [...]