This session includes classes on 9 consecutive Wednesdays. Attendance at all 9 sessions is HIGHLY encouraged.

The Formula 8 combines classroom and online coursework to teach 8 essentials of an entrepreneurial mindset using the business canvas process to inspire and engage participants. We will focus on customer discovery and acquisition for both start-up and existing businesses. Hearing from unlikely yet successful entrepreneurs, participants will learn to evaluate business opportunities from a practical method inspired by the life story of Clifton Taulbert.

This course is a revolutionary learning program designed to inspire and engage participants in the fundamental aspects of an entrepreneurial mindset and the unlimited opportunities it can provide. The overall objective is to empower learners through entrepreneurial thinking and immerse them in entrepreneurial experiences that will enable them to develop entrepreneurial skills. With market testing, you will also be using a canvas tool to test assumptions rather than utilizing traditional business planning.

Dates: TBD (Attendance at all nine sessions is expected.)
Times: Wednesdays from 5:30pm-8:30pm
Fee: $649 ($150 with scholarship opportunity)
Scholarships: May be available, your application will be reviewed for these opportunities.

Apply for scholarships and the class here.

GROWTH360 (in person)

Classes for this session will be held 9am – noon on Fridays beginning May 31 – August 9, 2024. Attendance at all 10 weeks of classes is expected.

With a 360° perspective, businesses can avoid blind spots and make smarter decisions. This workshop introduces the GrowthWheel® Framework with participants taking home tools, Decision Sheets and 30-60-90 Day Plans.

How can GROWTH 360 help your business?

  • Supports the decision making we do every day.
  • Supplies a visual toolkit for dialogue, focus, agenda setting, decision-making and action- taking.
  • Provides a simple action oriented process to help you grow.
  • Stays true to the way most entrepreneurs think and work.
  • Helps companies determine which areas to focus on to strengthen and grow their business.
  • Gives an alternative to the conventional business plan.

Please note the qualifications and email us if you have any questions:

At least 2 years in business
$50,000 or more in revenue prior year
Owner working full time in business

Dates: May 31 – August 9
Time: 9:00am – Noon on Fridays
Fee: $899

Registration is a two step process: 

Step 1 – enroll for the course
Step 2 – make payment for the course
Your registration is not complete until both steps have been completed.

Pitching to Investors (Virtual/Zoom)

Do you need funding for your business, but don’t know where to start with your pitch to a potential investor?

Learn the best strategies to convince investors that you are worth their money, and avoid the common pitfalls made by many businesses.

In the Pitching to Investors class, learn:

  • Investor pet peeves
  • Selling your product
  • Market characteristics
  • Competitive analyses
  • Do’s and don’ts of financial slides
  • The “ask” and the “leave”

This workshop is presented by Michele Weigand, managing partner of Focused Perspective with more than 27 years of finance and business development experience. She was the former chief investment officer for KTEC and managed investments for GE Mortgage and GE Reinsurance.

Dates: Feb 29, May 22, July 18, OR October 3,2024
Time: 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Fee: $49
Make your payment at our Marketplace

Reading and Understanding Financial Statements (Virtual/Zoom)

Learn how to identify key business information that is captured on an income statement and balance sheet in this basic financial class. Participants will learn to calculate several ratios and understand what those ratios mean in terms of business productivity and success. Leave this session with a greater understanding of how to read and interpret financial documents and how to use that information to drive business decisions.

Dates: Feb 27, 2024 OR October 1, 2024
Times: 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Fee: $49
Make your payment on our Marketplace 

ScaleUP! Kansas City         In person

This series of classes are for those businesses that have the ability to reach well over $1M revenue or, if already there continue the upward trajectory.

This is a very selective opportunity for those that qualify:

  • At least $250,000 in revenue in past year
  • At least 2 employees with owner working full time in/on business
  • At least 2 years in business
  • Able to make the commitment to all 17 sessions on Thursdays from 8:30 am to Noon (approximate)

Applications for Cohort 14 are now open. 

Cohort 14 begins on August 8 and runs through December 12, 2024. Deadline for applications is July 25 and decisions will be sent out by July 29.

Social Media Mindset: Build Relationships not Clicks! (Virtual/Zoom)

Social media can be an amazing tool for your small business. Learn how to use those channels to create content that can equal not just sales, but lifelong customers!

Dates: Feb 20 OR September 24, 2024
Time: 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Fee: $49
Make your payment at our Marketplace 

Startup Boards 101 (In person)

If your early-stage company has just formed a board (or are about to), Startup Boards 101 is designed for you.

This series of three workshops (attendence at all three required) helps entrepreneurs and potential board members understand the whys, whats and hows of early-stage boards.

Those selected founders will have moved beyond the startup stage, will be seriously considering the benefits of an advisory or fiduciary board and will benefit from networking with potential board members.

Spots are limited . Complete the application for consideration as a founder or potential board member.

Dates: TBD
Time: 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Fee:$49 fee for founders, $149 for potential board members – pay links will be sent after acceptance

Apply here for the class