CHRISTIANSBURG – A new program in Christiansburg will help residents grow their entrepreneurial dreams, and potentially award up to $5,000 in startup grant funds.
Launch Christiansburg is the latest town program aimed at helping Christiansburg citizens bring their business idea to life. The effort includes a variety of resources to the meet the needs of current and potential business owners, including a 10-week educational course, free mini workshops, networking opportunities, Q&As with entrepreneurial experts and more.
The 10-week educational course (CORE) will provide participants with information on how to complete a business canvas, local business resources, networking opportunities, expansion opportunities, access to our business mentor program and much more. The sessions will cover a variety of topics including marketing and message, legal and accounting considerations, and financial modeling, amongst others.
The course will allow starters and dreamers to shape and fine-tune their new business or expansion idea. It will also help navigate needed steps to bring their idea to fruition. At the end of the program, participants will deliver a business pitch, where they could receive up to $5,000 to help begin or grow their business.
“The Launch Christiansburg educational course is a life-changing opportunity for artists, creatives, entrepreneurs, and business owners to network and collaborate with like-minded individuals,” said Amanda Hebert, the Launch Christiansburg coordinator and Small Business Solutions Manager for the Town of Christiansburg. “This program is intended to ultimately make a positive impact on the lives of our educational cohort and on Christiansburg’s economy as well.”
Applications are now being accepted for the Launch Christiansburg 10-week educational CORE course. The course begins on Sept. 11, 2024, and the deadline to apply is July 15, 2024.
Leading up to Launch Christiansburg’s 10-week CORE course, will be a variety of free mini workshops that will cover topics such as business finance, business marketing and getting started. Information on how to sign up for the free mini workshops, which begin May 22, can be provided by emailing Amanda Hebert at ahebert@christiansburg.org.
Programming for Launch Christiansburg will be provided by CO.STARTERS, a business development organization that works with communities across the country to empower entrepreneurs with the startup support and services to build thriving businesses. Curriculum for the 10-week educational CORE course will be presented through an in-person, cohort-style format at Christiansburg Town Hall.
For more information and to apply, visit Christiansburg.org/LaunchChristiansburg.
Town of Christiansburg