CO.STARTERS at The Skillery is a nine-week business development program that helps aspiring entrepreneurs put ideas into action and turn a passion into a sustainable and thriving small business. 

The fourth installment of CO.STARTERS at The Skillery — our ongoing, nine-week business development program — comes with a twist. From April 9 to June 2, we’ll focus on helping food entrepreneurs start, shape and/or grow their culinary businesses during the first CO.STARTERS for Food Entrepreneurs, a partnership between The Skillery and Nashville-bred, locally focused gifts and goods subscription service Batch Nashville.

What can you expect?
During CO.STARTERS at The Skillery, you’re not being lectured. This is an action-driven, collaborative process with a small and supportive group of like-minded entrepreneurs, led by a facilitator who’ll introduce concepts and help you immediately put them to work. We’ll discuss concepts, problems and solutions during class; you’ll apply them to your project or business during the week; and we’ll review and fine-tune together, so we’re all shaping toward success. You’ll leave the program with a deep understanding of how to create a viable business, and how to repeat that process with your next great idea.

What’s different about CO.STARTERS for Food Entrepreneurs?
During CO.STARTERS for Food Entrepreneurs, we’ll laser-focus that approach on the unique needs of food entrepreneurs. Cohort members will learn from guest speakers and advisers who’ve launched successful food-based businesses in Nashville, and will take part in Deep Dive educational events that tackle essential food-biz topics, including food branding, navigating city and state food regulations and financial planning. Through our partnership with locally celebrated and rapidly growing Batch, CO.STARTERS for Food Entrepreneurs participants will have access and exposure to valuable resources and food industry experts to help shine a light on the way forward.

When does this class meet?
CO.STARTERS for Food Entrepreneurs runs from April 9 – June 2, 2015. For a detailed schedule, click here.

What is the course fee for CO.STARTERS for Food Entrepreneurs?
CO.STARTERS for Food Entrepreneurs lasts nine weeks, meeting one evening a week for three hours. In addition, participants are welcome to attend additional education and networking opportunities, free of charge, including four Deep Dive classes on Tuesday nights. The total course fee is $1475, which includes course materials, office hours with the course facilitator to address your business development needs, access to community events, networking opportunities and small business resources and more. All class participants also receive a three-month, full-time membership to The Skillery, including discounts on classes and workshops, access to our coworking space, and discounts with partner businesses in Nashville.

How to Apply
CO.STARTERS applications are accepted at any time. If you are accepted into the program, you’ll be given an option to cite your preference for an upcoming session, based on availability. Space is extremely limited for each session, and spots are first-come, first-served. There is no application fee. If accepted into the program, a 50% deposit will be required immediately to reserve your seat. This deposit applies toward the course fee and is non-refundable. The balance of the registration fee will be due 14 days prior to the start of the course.

Questions?
Questions about this class? Contact us at hello@theskillery.com.