Start Up Your Startup

“Start Up Your Startup was a catalyst for getting our business moving.  We had an idea to start a business creating sustainable furniture, but we had zero experience in running our own business.  One day we walked into the Biz Foundry and met with Jess Lewis who linked us with the Start Up workshop.  The 4-week program helped us identify our mission, customers, team, funding, etc.  On top of the awesome course content, we grew our network with a fantastic group of entrepreneurs.  Several weeks after Start Up Your Startup, Jess continues to energetically support us in networking, website development, and event planning.”

“Starting a new business is daunting to say the least. I knew I had a great idea, but I had no idea where to start. I began perusing the TN.gov website and found small business help. From there, I was introduced to The Biz Foundry and took Start Up Your Start Up. This class was invaluable. We had one on one discussions with guest speakers representing law, accountancy, insurance, and covered topics such as marketing, budgeting, social media, and websites. Our coach, Jess Lewis, was (and remains) a valuable asset. In this class, I found a safe place to further explore and develop my idea in a casual, supportive and welcoming environment.⁠ ⁠ Now, I am working diligently to tie up the final loose ends and open my store this fall! All of the pieces and parts that felt so overwhelming in the beginning, have now clicked into place thanks to the direction and support I found during the Start Up class. I have a lot of work ahead of me to ensure the success of my idea, but I know I have the Biz Foundry as a touchstone to help/coach me through further iterations, hiccups in the process and share the joy.” ⁠ ⁠

“Startup Your Startup was so helpful to me as I was trying to revamp my business coming out of Covid in 2021. Not being able to do in-person art shows during 2020 was a big hit, and talking through some of those issues in Startup pushed me forward into looking at other ways to do business. The Biz Foundry really helped me as I completely overhauled my website and rebranded myself to fit my business needs and customer needs better. In part due to Start Up and the help I’ve gotten from The Biz Foundry, I’m on track to have my best year ever in 2022!” ⁠

“Startup Your Startup gave me a space to be able to talk out my ideas and concerns related to entrepreneurship with an audience that could relate regardless of how different our business ideas were. It helped me to know myself better from an entrepreneur perspective and identify areas where I needed the most support in. I gained momentum while taking the course and that momentum has continued after as well. Jess and The Biz Foundry have been super helpful with giving support, problem solving, website and design, and have pointed me towards resources that may be helpful both now and in the future. I value the gains I made during Startup Your Startup.”

“The Biz Foundry taught me the importance of working ON my business verses IN my business. This advice along with everything I learned in Start Up Your Startup & my mentoring at The Biz Foundry has been integral to my success.”

“Start Up Your Startup provided me with an amazing opportunity to network with people that I probably wouldn’t have met otherwise. I now have a network of people that I work with for all sorts of needs for my business. Plus, doing Start Up Your Startup helped me get the loan I needed for my business!”

“Before participating in the Startup Your Startup Workshop, I had only discussed my business idea with a handful of close friends. When I presented my idea on the first day of the workshop, the feedback was very encouraging. Throughout the 4 week program, we were taught all about starting our own small business. We were taken through the process step by step and were even fortunate enough to have professionals come and speak with us about their specific fields (accounting, legal, insurance, etc.) More importantly, we learned a lot about what NOT to do and critical pitfalls that small business owners often stumble across. By the end of the workshop, I had begun to spread the word and had realized that my idea had enormous potential. The networking opportunities are endless, through The Biz Foundry and the support from all the team members has been amazing. Most of the information presented in the workshop is not information that you will find in a traditional MBA program since it is tailored to small businesses in our local region of the country and even state. 5/5 Stars – highly recommend!”

“Start Up Your Startup has been an absolute Godsend for me in the beginning phase of turning this side-project into a viable business. I cannot thank Jess Lewis and The Biz Foundry enough for providing this solid foundation upon which to build the early structure of SOCIALFARE! I had no idea what an incredible resource this 4-week program would prove to be. The amount of guidance I received on everything from the legalities of business structure to unfiltered feedback on my logo was priceless. (Or at least more than I could afford on my startup budget!) Although I come with nearly twenty years of food/beverage/hospitality experience under my belt – both as an operator and entrepreneur – I needed the guidance that the Start Up program provided to help narrow my focus while remaining true to the creative vision. In fact, by answering or eliminating so many of the questions and concerns of early entrepreneurship, Start Up Your Startup has given me more freedom to channel and plan the uncommon aspects of SOCIALFARE events. I’m incredibly grateful for the support and community that Jess and The Biz Foundry continue to provide to me as a fledgling entrepreneur.”

“Being a part of the Start Up Your Startup cohort was what I needed to jumpstart my new business. I have taken other courses, but this learning was by far the best I’ve experienced. It helped me slow down, take stock of where I am and get my foundation in order before rushing forward. The cohort of fellow business owners and coaching from Jess was encouraging and invaluable, providing needed networking and feedback. Maybe I’m a training geek, but I still reach for the course workbook again and again as I solidify my business – and I think you will too!”