Week 1

Introduction, Assumptions, Personal Strengths, Building a Team & Personal Obstacles


CO.STARTERS Resources/Forms

CO.STARTERS Canvas
Someday…
Working Style Assessment
Typical Day
CO.STARTERS Planning Chart
Story Statements
One Page Business Plan
Interview Form

For-Profit or Nonprofit?

Should Your Business Be Nonprofit or For-Profit?
In this personally inspired blog post for the Harvard Business Review, Jane Chen shares what needs to be considered when decided whether to create a for-profit or nonprofit organization to fulfill a socially-minded mission.

Establishing a Nonprofit Organization
Grantspace.org is a website of the Foundation Center that has many helpful tips for nonprofits. If you are interested in starting a nonprofit, this is a good place to begin.

Building Your Team

Build Your Support Team
Even “solopreneurs” can benefit from a support network. This article from Entrepreneur.com gives tips and advise on how to develop an advisory board to get the support you need.

These 4 Personalities Make Up Your Startup Dream Team
Another look at the types of skills needed in a high functioning business team. Entrepreneur.com recruited business psychologist, Dr. James Maynard, and with the research help of Managing Editor Holly Regan, they identified four distinct personality types that are indispensable for turning your startup into a profitable business.

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Advisors
Venture Hacks answers some frequently asked questions about advisors.

Time Management

Tips on Time Management
This website lists tips and tools to aid you in better managing your time.

Time Management Tips From Serial Entrepreneurs
Five business owners offer their best advice for becoming more productive — and finding the right work-life balance.

Budgeting Tools

Mint
By linking your accounts and automatically consolidating them in one place, Mint makes it easy to budget and track your finances.

BudgetSimple
This tool is a simple online budget that will help you find out where your money is going, and the best way to cut unnecessary expenses.

Personal Capital
In an increasingly complex world, Personal Capital allows you to see all of your accounts in one place, make better wealth management decisions, and get objective financial advice from some of the best professionals in the business.

BudgetPulse
With BudgetPulse, you can organize your cash flow, expenses and bank accounts in one place.

Getting Out of Debt

Dave Ramsey
Through numerous tips and tools, Dave Ramsey provides the help you need to get out of debt.

60-Second Guide to Getting Out of Debt
This extremely simplified list of tips from the Motley Fool gives a fantastic overview of all you need to do to get out of debt – an stay out.

Credit Scores

How Does Your Credit Score Actually Work?
The Wall Street Journal explains it all.

Get It Done: Boost Your Credit Score in Months
The Motley Fool gives tips on improving your credit score.

Annual Credit Report
Once a year you are entitled to a free credit report. Use this site to access your score from all three credit reporting agencies.