CO.STARTERS training for new, existing entrepreneurs is coming to Prairie du Chien

The nationally-renowned CO.STARTERS entrepreneurial training program is coming to Prairie du Chien. Ahead of the program’s launch, all new and existing entrepreneurs are invited to the Waterfront Hotel Backwater Bar, in downtown PdC, for an information session, Thursday, Feb. 13, from 6 to 7 p.m.

This fresh opportunity is thanks to Couleecap, in partnership with the UW Extension Office and PdC Main Street, and support from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

CO.STARTERS provides new and existing entrepreneurs interactive learning sessions to work through their ideas for launching or expanding a business. The program involves eight, weekly sessions where participants develop their business plan, interview customers, and learn what it takes to launch or grow a successful business. The program concludes on the ninth week with a Flight Night celebration. The celebration offers participants an opportunity to pitch their businesses as they prepare to open their doors or launch their expansion.

All sessions are facilitated by experienced entrepreneurs certified to train others on business development. Facilitators don’t teach the materials, but instead help guide CO.STARTERS participants through the ideas and concepts of identifying a value proposition and creating a business model. They use their insight to help drive and shape the discussion, and collaborative business development process structured around CO.STARTERS accessible, action driven curriculum.

Becoming a facilitator is also a great way for current business owners to expand their network, and continue to develop their own business. It’s fun, insightful, and a starting point for a strong, sustainable ecosystem of entrepreneurial support.

Couleecap has been operating the CO.STARTERS program since 2015; starting in La Crosse, and since expanding to Viroqua and Sparta. This program has helped countless small businesses find success, and execute meaningful expansions.

Ahead of the launch of Prairie du Chien’s first CO.STARTERS cohort, Couleecap and PdC Main Street are holding a “town hall” informational session for those interested in opening a new business, expanding an existing business, current business owners, and anyone else interested in learning more about CO.STARTERS, and how it can be used to help build and support strong communities.

For further information, or to register for the 2020 Prairie du Chien training series, go to www.couleeco.com/costarters, or contact Aaron Reimler at (608) 797-5746 or aaron.reimler@couleecap.org.