WHAT DOES STARTUP IGNITION OFFER?
Startup Ignition offers startup bootcamp curriculum intended to help an entrepreneur evaluate venture ideas and validate business models and to help entrepreneurs with validated business models establish systems in preparation for scaling their venture.
Since the bootcamp presents all topics thoroughly yet efficiently, the bootcamp is open to all interested entrepreneurs at any stage. Even if a participant is past a certain stage, revisiting those issues is often a productive review that brings dividends.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THE COURSES?
Expect an intense, focused, and fun learning experience. You will spend three intensive days in the bootcamp as well as the time you will work on your venture after the bootcamp. You will be engaged in real-life assignments to advance your entrepreneurial dreams. You'll receive peer critiques. You'll be guided by expert mentors. You'll make progress quickly. And you'll be ready for the next step in your venture's evolution. See the curriculum page for an outline of what we teach in each course.
WHAT WILL I REALISTICALLY EXPECT TO WALK AWAY WITH?
Knowledge, skill, and an expanded network of subject matter experts and peers. You will better understand what to do and -- just as importantly -- what not to do as a startup entrepreneur. Doing one right thing you would not have done in pursuing your entrepreneurial venture, or avoiding one mistake you would have committed, could more than make or save you the cost of tuition.
WHO IS TEACHING THESE COURSES?
You are learning directly from our instructors who have built companies, overcome obstacles, and achieved venture success. Our instructors also are well versed in teaching and communicating their experiences and skills to others. Even some of the most successful business people in the world have a hard time relating their experiences to others in an approachable and concise manner. Our instructors are skilled at what they do, both in business and in teaching.
ARE THE TEACHERS/MENTORS REALLY EXPERTS?
Yes. Our instructors are world-class entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial educators who have made millions in the private sector with their own companies and by investing in others. They have "been there, done that." Each of these individuals has a passion for entrepreneurship and teaching. Check out our instructors page for more info.
WHAT WILL THE SCHEDULE BE?
The schedule usually involves three in-class days (8 hours per day) which are usually provided consecutively. Less commonly they are spread apart, such as three Saturdays in a row. Please check the courses page to see specific and current schedules and dates.
WHEN DOES IT START?
Applications are always open. Startup Ignition has courses throughout the year. Please check the courses page for exact dates. The Startup Ignition admissions process commences immediately upon application, usually beginning with a prospective participant test and an admissions interview.
SO I'M GOING TO BE SITTING IN CLASS FOR 3 DAYS AND THEN WHAT?
Yes, you will be in class for 3 days and then your time working on the many tasks you will need to accomplish. Mentors expect you to be spending time on your project/venture making every effort to fully implement what you have been taught. However, you may go at your own pac after bootcamp’s three in-class days.
HOW MUCH DOES THIS COST?
Startup Ignition's bootcamp course is $1,999. We want to keep founder learning available to all and by charging a flat fee instead of startup equity allows SI to be as accessible as possible. Please visit our tuition page for all of the financial details.
IS THIS AN ONLINE CLASS?
Not yet. It is “in the works.” Startup Ignition for now holds in-person courses in Utah and surrounding areas. You will see the difference in the teaching and mentoring you will receive from "been there, done that" entrepreneurs who have built and sold multiple companies and had big exits.
HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE IN THE CLASS?
To maintain a great learning environment, each cohort will be limited to 15 to 20, only occasionally going beyond those numbers. We don't want classes too big that it affects learning opportunities adversely.
WHERE IS STARTUP IGNITION?
Startup Ignition has held the various cohorts of its in-person “live” bootcamp in many different locations across Utah. There are plans to hold some outside of Utah. Most recently, we have held many cohorts at the Kiln Coworking Space in Lehi, UT. Remember, much of the success of the course depends on the hours you put in after the three days of bootcamp sessions and the location of the follow-up work is anywhere you choose.
AM I AUTOMATICALLY ACCEPTED WHEN I APPLY?
No. Because our class sizes are limited, we need to make sure that the people we accept those who are qualified really want to participate. The key thing that we are looking for is passion to learn, unstoppable drive, and ambition to succeed. If you have a real desire to start a venture and take it to the moon, we know we can help move the needle towards that goal.
DO I HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE ACCEPTED?
Chances are we are looking for people just like you. People who are passionate about starting their own venture, excited about changing the world with their products and services, are genuinely driven, and are looking to create wealth for themselves, their co-founders, employees, and others. You don't need any special super powers to be an entrepreneur. You don't need a lot of money. It's not a secret society. It's a way to approach new businesses with proven techniques, a set of structures, and a way of thinking. Ignore those people who tell you that you can't be an entrepreneur.
Our bootcamp is aimed at anyone wanting to quickly assimilate the knowledge and practical "how-to" side of early-stage entrepreneurship. These may include:
- students at a university wanting to get to the meat faster
- non-students who know the "university mill" is not for them
- workers who want to launch their own company
- technologists who want to understand the business side of entrepreneurship
- those who want to learn about real entrepreneurship from the ground up
WHAT IF I CO-FOUNDER AND WE WANT TO TAKE STARTUP IGNITION TOGETHER?
If you and your team have applied to the same course, please alert us to this during the application process. The secondary co-founder is free provided the primary founder is accepted and pays full tuition (it is a 2-for-1). We understand the advantages in having teammates and co-founders take our courses together.
ARE YOU GUARANTEEING ME ENTREPRENEURIAL SUCCESS?
No. We will provide you with some of the best startup training available anywhere. We can't guarantee venture success after our bootcamp, although we work extremely hard to make it happen. Success could also be finding out that your current venture is a waste of your time and you need to pursue a different venture. We work closely with angel investors and seed/venture funds to make sure they know who you are. By completing this course, your current and future investors can have more confidence that you have what it takes to be successful. Not every Startup Ignition participant will be looking to start a venture now. Others will decide to work for other entrepreneurs while they figure out an amazing idea to take to market. We want to get continuously better at preparing our participants to be the best possible entrepreneurs. Building a reputation which is attractive to bankers, investors, and the venture ecosystem is one of our goals.
WHAT IF I'M NOT WANTING TO START A COMPANY NOW OR DON'T HAVE ONE I AM RUNNING? IS STARTUP IGNITION STILL FOR ME?
Absolutely! We understand many people are not sure if they want to be an entrepreneur. If you are simply looking to learn what it would be like to launch your own venture or be involved with a startup, then this course is definitely for you.
CAN I REALLY BE A BETTER ENTREPRENEUR IN SUCH A SHORT TIME?
Entrepreneurship is a craft like any other that takes years of deliberate practice and learning to master. Our goal is to graduate world-class early-stage entrepreneurs, and jumpstart your journey towards becoming an entrepreneur who can change the world and put a lot of coin in his/her pocket. We believe that in this short time you can learn enough to make great strides and bring your entrepreneurial dreams to reality, while avoiding making mistakes that can end your startup venture prematurely. The past experience of our instructors has proven their teaching helps entrepreneurs increase success.
I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT BUSINESS. SHOULD I STILL PARTICIPATE IN THE BOOTCAMP?
All humans are natural barterers, so we have the ability to exchange value one with another to get what we need and want. Entrepreneurship is taking that natural ability and expanding it into an organization that marshals resources to create value in the marketplace, delivering products and services to customers. You are probably starting from a loftier perch than you think, and this course will help you soar. We teach you everything from scratch, or slow down so you understand it. You need to be reasonably proficient with a computer. We also believe that student success is directly tied to how intently students engage with the preparatory and out-of-class work we provide before the program.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY IDEA OR BUSINESS MODEL IS GOOD ENOUGH?
An idea nor busniess model is needed to attend Startup Ignition. During the bootcamp, the instructors will help you learn how to know for yourself using entrepreneurial science.
DO I NEED TO DO ANYTHING BEFORE CLASS STARTS? AM I REQUIRED TO BRING ANYTHING?
We provide a pre-course packet that has small assignments, including som reading. You will need to acquire and read certain books, articles, etc. There may be some aptitude and knowledge testing beforehand. You should bring your own laptop. We access Internet resources during the bootcamp. Other than that just show up with your passionate self!
WHAT IF I NEED TO MISS ONE OR MORE CLASS SESSIONS DURING THE COURSE?
We understand that life happens. If you can't make one of the days, you will be missing a large part of the curriculum. One day is survivable, two days is not. Please let us know ahead of time so we can do our best to get you caught up. However, we highly suggest you don't miss class as you could potentially fall behind very quickly as the curriculum is fast-paced and intense. Our focus is to make sure you are setup for success. If you know that you'll be missing more than a day, you may want to consider applying for a subsequent cohort that could fit your schedule better.
WILL I RECEIVE ANY SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT OR DIGITAL MARKETING SKILLS?
No. Startup Ignition does not teach anything related to coding, designing websites, digital marketing techniques, etc. We teach you how to effectively and efficiently take an idea through validation and funding, and on to scaling. We may touch upon principles that affect your decisions on what to do in software and marketing. If you are solely looking to learn how to design/build a website or how to digitally market your venture, then this course will not be a good fit for you..
HOW MUCH DO I NEED TO KNOW BEFOREHAND?
Nothing. The preparatory pre-course packet will start your journey into entrepreneurial knowledge. Obviously, having advanced knowledge always helps. But, it is not required. Following our instructions in the pre-course packet will be important. Having solid thinking behind why you want to be an entrepreneur will help. Being familiar with "the lean startup" lingo and principles will be a plus. Previous entrepreneurial experience will be a plus for this course, but it is not required.
DO I NEED TO KNOW GOOGLE DOCS?
The ability to use G-Suite (Google Docs) is required for Startup Ignition bootcamps. Like anything in today’s world, general computer competency is also required.