SUPPORTS
Programs
What is the cost to run Generator?
Starting January 1, 2024, the price for ordering Generator binders will be adjusted to $35 per binder. Generator materials can be acquired in kits containing 10 to 15 binders, priced at $350 to $525, [...]
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.
Who is CO.STARTERS Bootcamp for?
This program is best for entrepreneurs who: Have a good idea but need further validation > The 2-day timeline gives entrepreneurs enough time to put their assumptions to the test and bounce ideas off [...]
What is CO.STARTERS Bootcamp?
This four-part intensive bootcamp provides entrepreneurs with the business basics. Through hackathon-style peer collaboration over two days, this bootcamp challenges them, stretches their thinking, and gives them concrete tools to bring their businesses to [...]
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.
Can I do all the sessions back to back in a shorter timeframe? Why do they need to be spaced out?
We recommend Rebuild sessions to 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. [...]
Why is the program so long? This seems like an intense time commitment.
It is an intense commitment. If you are serious about saving your business but don't know what to do, Rebuild is well worth the time. There are lots of workshops for shorter term help, including [...]
Who can facilitate the Rebuild program?
Only CO.STARTERS Certified Facilitators should facilitate the Rebuild program after completing an additional Rebuild Facilitator Orientation.
I don’t know if Rebuild will work for our needs. What other options are available for people who have already completed a CO.STARTERS program or need less of a time commitment?
By running the course 2 days a week the program can be completed in 5 weeks. Alternatively, the companion Refocus workshop, conducted in 2.5 hours, can help get people moving quickly and also serve as [...]
What do I need to do to start recruiting?
To launch the Rebuild program, contact us to start the process. We estimate a minimum of 3-4 weeks needed to launch the program, including time for orientation, setup, and recruiting.
What materials or supplies are needed?
The Rebuild program includes a physical Rebuild Workbook and Canvas that is covered by the course fee and directly shipped to participants. Facilitators will receive their own Workbook prior to their Rebuild Orientation. We include [...]
Can we run two cohorts if there is enough interest?
Yes, if you have a Facilitator and participants. We recommend starting with a single cohort for your first round.
What is the recommended cohort size for Rebuild?
Rebuild is designed for up to 20 participants to provide the best opportunity for good interaction within the virtual format.
Who is the target audience?
The target audience for Rebuild is any existing business owner who is struggling, specifically due to COVID-19. This could be a recent graduate of CO.STARTERS, but is more likely someone who has been in business [...]
What is the program content and structure?
You can see a complete outline of the ten Rebuild Sessions at costarters.co/rebuild. We recommend running sessions once weekly as a 10 week program or twice per week as a 5 week program. It is [...]
How is the data collected through the impact measurement system used?
The data is used to help you understand how your local programs are working, as well as integrated with everyone else’s data to give us a pulse of the CO.STARTERS community as a whole. We [...]
Why should we use the impact measurement system?
You will know who is in your programs and how you’ve helped them. You’ll know how CO.STARTERS programs are being effective in your community. You’ll have the concrete data on both activities and outcomes that [...]
Is the impact measurement system mandatory?
The system works best for all of us if everyone uses it. We strongly recommend using it because it will help you: know who is in your programs and how you've helped them. know how [...]
What do we need to do as an organization for the impact measurement system to be helpful?
The more priority and support you give this, the better the information we’ll be able to provide. We count on you to remind, encourage, and incentivize your participants to complete the surveys. You may even [...]
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 should I price the Get Started Workshop for participants?
The typical per participant price falls between $25-$75, with an average of $50. Take a couple things into consideration when you set your price. If you want to do nothing other than recoup the cost [...]
Can the Get Started Workshop be used as a recruiting tool for CO.STARTERS Core?
Absolutely! In fact, we encourage you to use the Get Started Workshop as a teaser to help recruit participants for CO.STARTERS Core. Since it minimally covers some of the same information (like the Canvas), it [...]
Can the Get Started Workshop be done in less than 3 hours?
The Get Started Workshop is built in such a way to ensure each participant gets the help they need with each section building on the previous. While you could consider adding additional time to provide [...]
What are some best practices for marketing or tips for recruiting participants?
While we provide helpful templates for flyers, social graphics, and other recruiting tools, many organizations overlook one of the most important sources: strategic partners. Determine what other groups already exist in your community and then [...]
How should I price CO.STARTERS Core for participants?
Our members charge anywhere in the range of $90-$1,995 per person; the average participant fee is around $350. While we require that an exchange of value needs to occur between your organization and program [...]
Can CO.STARTERS Core be done in less than 10 weeks or in a different order?
Much time and testing was put into the development of the CO.STARTERS Core program to ensure each participant gets the help they need. Information is meant to build slowly and follow a particular progression [...]
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 [...]
What is the structure of CO.STARTERS Core?
Groups of 10-15 entrepreneurs meet together for ten weeks, meeting one day a week for three hours, led by a facilitator.
What do participants get out of CO.STARTERS Core?
Our guarantee is that participants will know their next step. Additionally, they'll get: A deeper understanding of how to create a sustainable business, i.e. a process for figuring out whether or not an idea is [...]
Who is the ideal participant for CO.STARTERS Core?
The best candidate for CO.STARTERS Core is either (1) someone with a new idea for a business or (2) an existing business looking to become more sustainable, launch a new product or service, or scale. [...]
How far in advance of the workshop date should I download the Get Started Workshop?
The Workshop Toolkit should be downloaded through the CO.STARTERS Shop at least two months in advance to be able to fully utilize the onboarding and recruitment tools.
What if I want to run the Get Started Workshop for more than 20 participants?
If you want to run the Workshop for more than 20 participants, we recommend running several workshops simultaneously with multiple facilitators working with smaller groups (no more than 20 per group). Because of how interactive the [...]
What is the ideal number of participants for the Get Started Workshop?
The ideal number of participants is 10-20. Too few people makes it difficult to have stimulating conversations and interactions. More than 20 makes it challenging to engage everyone well and stick to the three hour [...]
What sort of results have you seen with the Generator program?
Due to CO.STARTERS Generator's modular nature, each community uses it differently, making it difficult to gather quantifiable data across communities. However, we have many great stories and case studies of results achieved by communities [...]
What is the ideal age group for the Generator program?
Generator was designed for high school students, grades 9-12, ages 14-18. While it works best for this age group, it has been used some with upper middle school students and with university students.
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 [...]