Our industry-recognized certification goes beyond textbook learning—you'll actually start and operate your business during the 36-week program with intensive mentoring from successful entrepreneurs. Unlike academic programs, Next Level provides 12 weeks of intensive practical work, 24 weeks of continued one-on-one mentoring, and a 9-month membership in Wisconsin's premier startup ecosystem at StartingBlock Madison. You'll graduate not just with a certificate, but with an actual functioning business, complete legal structure, financial systems, and the network to scale successfully.
We've exclusively designed NEXT LEVEL for:
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Young adults aged 18-26 looking for an alternative to traditional college or entry-level employment
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Adults, Veterans, Dislocated Workers seeking to create their own economic opportunities
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Aspiring entrepreneurs with business ideas who lack the practical skills to launch successfully
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What participants can expect:
During the first 12 weeks, you can expect:
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Attend 3 hours of instruction daily covering business planning, technology, financing, and legal foundations
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Spend 20 hours weekly working hands-on to develop your actual business idea
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Meet with your assigned mentor for 1 hour weekly to work through challenges and opportunities
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Complete practical assignments like customer discovery, market analysis, and revenue model development
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Present your progress regularly to instructors, mentors, and fellow entrepreneurs for feedback
During the 24 week mentoring period, you can expect:
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Continue meeting with your mentor weekly for business review and strategic guidance
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Access ongoing support as you grow and scale your business operations
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Participate in StartingBlock Madison's entrepreneurial community and networking events
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Receive business consulting and shared services through your 9-month membership
By the end, you'll have...
