EXPLORE
Idea validation
Pre-Accelerator Program
For entrepreneurs to turn ideas into businesses.
Are you brimming with innovative ideas but uncertain about their potential? What to do next? Our Explore program is tailor-made for visionary entrepreneurs like you. Gain the confidence and clarity you need to move forward. Our tailored curriculum, expert mentors and industry veterans will provide you with personalized guidance, market insights, and rigorous feedback, helping you refine your concept into a viable business proposition. Don’t let doubt hold you back; join us and turn your vision into your venture!
Curriculum
10 sequential modules organized as follows:
Course I. Onboarding plan
Course II. Entrepreneurial Mindset
Course Ill. Introduction to Startups, Lean Thinking, and User-Centric Design
Course IV. Idea Validation
Course V. Problem-Solution Development
Course VI. Competitive & Solution Analysis
Course VII. Market Opportunity & Target Identification
Course VIII. Revenue & Business Models for Startups
Course IX. Go-To-Market Strategy
Course X. Roadmaps to move forward
Curriculum Delivery
Online Learning Management System
- Accessible. Participants will be able to access the curriculum 24/7 through a robust online Learning Management System (LMS).
- Flexible. The curriculum is sequentially structured and designed to be self-paced. It can be completed based on the participants capacity, not predetermined deadlines.
Mentoring/Coaching
Each participant may receive coaching based on their specific needs.
Workshops
In-person workshops will be held quarterly at Winston Starts giving participants the opportunity to engage with each other and have face-to-face time with coaches and mentors.
Office Space
Explore participants will receive access to state-of-the-art office workspace, 9 conference rooms with video conferencing capability, 2 kitchens, free Wi-Fi, garage parking, and free access to an onsite fitness center.
Networking Events
Explore Participants will have access to all Winston Starts events giving them the opportunity to engage with & learn from other founders, mentors & potential investors.
Fees
$150 per month for the duration of the program (self-paced)
Admission Criteria
- Commercial: Must be a for profit business idea/concept
- National Potential: Idea/concept could become a sizeable national business
- Local Presence: from Forsyth, Davidson, Davie, Stokes, Surry, Wilkes or Yadkin county
- Scalable: Potential to grow at reasonable pace and can grow profit % as it grows revenue
- Coachable: entrepreneur is willing to lean into our resources and be a positive community member