Transform Your Ideas Into Reality
A 6-week accelerator for college students ready to launch the next big thing.
Cost: FREE (Generously funded by WEDC)
Program Overview
This is so much more than a school project.
The Level Set program is designed to give you the confidence to start your business.
Learn
Validate your business model before you start to build and spend resources
Connect
Build your network with fellow founders and StartingBlock community of entrepreneurs
Launch
Graduate with confidence that you can start your business
Program Details
When:
June 11, 18, 25, July 9, 16, and 23
(6 weeks, Wednesdays, no class July 2nd)
2-3:30pm
Time Commitment:
10 Hours / week with a mix of classroom and independent work
Location:
StartingBlock Madison
821 East Washington Ave.
Madison, WI
Week 1 (June 11th)- Introduction to the DVF Framework and the Lean Canvas
Learn about the entrepreneurial trinity and start putting your ideas down into a one page business model canvas. (Because who needs a 43 page business plan?!)
Week 2 (June 18th) - Setting your minimum success criteria
Want to make enough to quit your day job? Maybe you want to build an empire...whatever your goal, let's see if the numbers actually work.
Week 3 (June 25th) - Validating your target market and early adopter
You like your idea...and your roommate likes your idea....but who else? Let's find your 'hell yes' customer segment.
Week 4 (July 9th) - Building a functional customer factory
From getting customers, to making them happy, you'll examine the touch points along the customer journey and find what resonates with you (and your customers).
Week 5 (July 16th) - Storytelling and the types of stories you need to master
Learn how to tell stories that DON'T make your customers' eyes gloss over.
Week 6 (July 23rd) - Identify your riskiest assumption and Building a Now, Next, Later plan
One of the perks of Level Set is a six month membership to StartingBlock, because most businesses are not actually overnight successes. Let's create a plan to take you from Week 6 to launch.
Shelby O., Middleton
(Miggy's Bakes founder)
Obsessed with StartingBlock, can't recommend it enough for people looking to connect with other entrepreneurs or learn about entrepreneurship. Tons of programs offered to support wherever you are in your journey. Everyone is welcoming and helpful.
Max M.,
UW student
I have attended some pre-accelerator bootcamps before. Level Set is the best one.
Michael C.,
Level Set grad
The Level Set program was exactly the boost I needed to propel me toward growing my business. The instructors were very knowledgeable and honest about what it takes to succeed in business.
Our Story
The Place in Madison to launch and grow a business
StartingBlock is Madison’s hub for entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers. We provide the space, resources, and connections to help startups launch, grow, and scale—whether you’re a first-time founder or a seasoned entrepreneur. Learn more here.
Frequently Asked Questions
(TL;DR Yes, this class is for you, really.)
Who is eligible?
College aged students (18ish-30ish) are encouraged to apply.
What if I don't have a fully formed idea yet?
GREAT! Have a fully formed business idea? ALSO GREAT! Already have a functioning business that is generating revenue? SUPER GREAT. We'd love to have you.
What's the cost? Remember, I'm a college student.
We saved the best for last. It's COMPLETELY FREE.
