CO.STARTERS Core
CO.STARTERS Core is a 10 week, cohort-based program that equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn ideas into action and turn a passion into a sustainable and thriving endeavor.
Upcoming Cohorts:
Spring 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 virtual 10 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
Location:
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Virtually via Zoom (sessions 2-9)
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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.
Format
A peek into each session and what will be covered
Notes
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Sessions 1 and 10 will be held in-person
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Sessions 2-9 will be held virtually via zoom
Session 1
Knowing Yourself
Introduction, Assumptions, Working Styles, Team Building, Obstacles
Session 2
Knowing Your Customer
Customer, Problem, Alternatives, Idea Testing
Session 3
Finding the Right Solution
Solution, Benefit, Advantage, Starting Small, Brand Identity
Session 4
Getting the Relationship Right
Marketing & Message; Getting, Keeping & Growing Customers
Session 5
Building Blocks
Distribution, Revenue, Typical Offering, Price
Session 6
Structures & Systems
Legal & Accounting Considerations
Session 7
Discovering the Bottom Line
Startup & Ongoing Needs, Fixed & Variable Costs, Break-Even Point
Session 8
Financial Modeling
Break-Even Point, Sales Projections, Cash Flow, Raising Capital
Session 9
Planning for Growth
Growth Plans, Goal Setting, Celebration Prep
Session 10
Celebration!
You made it. It's Party Time
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 of CO.STARTERS 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.