STARTINGLINE
Startup Essentials
A free three-week virtual course designed to give aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs the essential skills, tools and fundamentals for building a startup — while connecting participants with peers, experienced founders and resource providers across the local innovation ecosystem. UB faculty and industry professionals will lead a combination of virtual break-out sessions, presentations and expert panels culminating in an in-person Pitch Day and celebration.
Every great company has to start somewhere
StartingLine Startup Essentials is a FREE program for entrepreneurs at the very beginning of their journey. No prior startup experience needed — just the curiosity and the desire to learn. Whether you’re a tinkerer, hustler, creative, or big-picture ideator, StartingLine is open to everyone ready to explore what it takes to launch a startup.
StartingLine is sponsored by the Western New York Incubator Network (WIN)
BEP manages WIN, a regional collaboration of incubators and entrepreneurial support organizations that helps startups launch and grow across Western New York. WIN connects early-stage companies with resources including mentorship, workspace, business and technical expertise, funding opportunities and state innovation incentives. Through WIN, UB extends its entrepreneurial support beyond campus, fostering innovation, job creation and economic growth throughout the region.
Course Curriculum
An overview of the curriculum is listed below. Once accepted in the program, a full curriculum will be shared.
Breakout Sessions
These quick small group briefings will review assignment topics like customer discovery, financial goals and company structure.
Presentations
Each evening will include two 40-minute presentations on topics including defining a start-up, developing your elevator pitch, building a team, customer discovery and marketing and sales tactics.
Expert panels with startup founders who are building companies in various industries.
Assignments
Each week key readings will be assigned along with resources to help shape your business.
Pitch Presentations and Celebration
Refine your 60-second elevator pitch with feedback from peers and instructors. Celebrate with fellow cohort members!
STARTUP NEWS
Additional resources for startup growth
Build your business and connect with a diverse network of entrepreneurs in our two business incubators—the Incubator @ CBLS downtown and the Incubator @ Baird near North Campus.
Get up to $100,000 in pre-seed startup capital and help from experienced entrepreneurs through the UB Cultivator.
Tap into our full suite of entrepreneurial support services to launch or grow your business—funding, coaching, investor connections and more.