Avante Startup Bootcamp
The Avante program is not rocket science; it’s about making world-class content, taught nationwide, accessible to everyone. It focuses on doing the hard work so that anyone can facilitate the program for others. At its core, the program builds a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem from the ground up that naturally supports new entrepreneurs.
Upcoming Cohorts:
March 2026
Application Deadline:
TBA
Program Cost
$150 (Due First Session)
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Application is free
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Scholarship opportunities available
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See application for details
Who should apply?
This program is for anyone in Southwest Virginia with an idea and the passion to turn that idea into a thriving business, or someone with an existing business with a desire to take it to the next level.
What to expect?
Starters across SWVA can expect to embark on a 7 week journey together with others who will work together to turn their ideas into action.
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One evening a week commitment for sessions
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Weekly fieldwork
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Cash and in-kind awards
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Additional regional and local incentives
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Business building resources and a supportive community
Location:
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Virtual sessions via Zoom (sessions 2-6)
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In-person launch session and final Celebration + Pitch Night
Molly Land // All My Friends Are Hoopers // Cohort 04
Benefits
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Having the support of other new starters cheering you on while deepening those relationships and building your network
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Utilizing a program where 97% of businesses launched survive the 1-Year mark
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Sessions facilitated by entrepreneurs who have started just like you
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Leaving the cohort with immediate leads for funding opportunities and location incentives.
Program Map
A peek into each session and what will be covered
Notes
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Sessions 1 and 7 will be held in-person
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Sessions 2-6 will be held virtually via zoom
Session 1
Week 1 | Idea Validation & The Basics
This week focuses on refining your ideas, validating their potential, and preparing you to move forward with confidence, no matter your starting point.
Session 2
Week 2 | Knowing Your Customer
This week focuses on understanding your customers, uncovering their problems and needs, and exploring Product-Market Fit through a proven framework for meaningful customer interviews.
Session 3
Week 3 | Building A Plan
This week centers on crafting a solid plan for your business, covering business models, pricing, distribution methods, and utilizing the Avante Business Model Canvas to track your startup’s growth.
Session 4
Week 4 | Building Your Company
This week focuses on understanding the foundations of building your company, from choosing the right business structure to trademarks and assembling an exceptional founding team.
Session 5
Week 5 | Financials
This week is all about mastering the financial side of your business, including budgeting, forecasting, and understanding key metrics to drive growth and sustainability.
Session 6
Week 6 | Marketing Your Business
This week focuses on developing a comprehensive marketing strategy, from identifying your target audience to creating compelling content and building a strong brand presence.
Session 7
Celebration! + Pitch Night
Let's Pitch and Party!
Starter Story
What started as a simple newsletter for women’s basketball fans has grown into a movement. Molly Land, a former collegiate player and coach, launched All My Friends Are Hoopers™ (AMFAH™) to bring visibility, style, and community to a sport she’s loved her whole life.
Molly joined the spring 2024 cohort with a clear vision but found the program helped her dig deeper. Over ten weeks, she built confidence, clarity, and momentum through mentorship and collaboration with fellow founders. "We’re creating a space where women’s basketball is centered, celebrated, and stylish," Molly says. AMFAH™ began as The Hoopsletter™, an email newsletter uplifting women’s basketball stories and perspectives. Now, it's evolving into a lifestyle brand featuring curated clothing, goods, and media rooted in the culture of the game.
Molly continues to stay at the heart of the hoops world—her designs were recently seen on the WNBA Tunnel Walk, and she remains deeply connected to the community she’s helping amplify.
You can follow Molly & AMFAH™ at:
https://www.allmyfriendsarehoopers.com/
"The encouragement, the real-talk, and the aha moments each week helped me believe in the potential of what I’m building."
– Molly Land // All My Friends Are Hoopers™
Cohort Partners
Interested in becoming a facilitator or mentor?
The most important resource anyone can have is meaningful connections and mentorships with individuals who want to help them succeed. Do you have experience and knowledge to share? If you're an experienced entrepreneur or business owner, comfortable speaking in front of a group, and interested in investing in the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Southwest Virginia, let's connect! We are always looking to partner with new program facilitators. Facilitator trainees will participate in virtual training sessions to become well versed in CO.STARTERS. Trainees will be provided a stipend for time + travel.