STARTINGLINE
Startup Essentials
A free three-week virtual course designed to help aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs begin building a startup. Participants connect with peers, experienced founders and resource providers across the local innovation ecosystem, while learning from UB staff and industry professionals through virtual breakout sessions, presentations and expert panels.
The program culminates in an in-person Pitch Day and celebration, and participants who complete the requirements earn a UB micro-credential.
Every great company has to start somewhere
StartingLine: Startup Essentials is a FREE micro-credentialed 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 into 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 startup, developing your elevator pitch, building a team, customer discovery and marketing and sales tactics.
EXPERT PANELS
Hear from startup founders who are building companies across a range of 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!
Micro-Credential
Micro-credentials are short, focused learning programs smaller than minors, certificates, or degree programs, designed to help you gain skills and knowledge tailored to your academic or professional goals.
Completing a micro-credential earns you a digital badge—a clickable, verifiable icon that records the issuing institution, date earned, criteria met and evidence of your achievement. These badges are dynamic, owned by you, and can be shared on social media, digital résumés, e-portfolios and more. Badges for these programs are issued through Credly.
LEVEL: Continuing Education/Professional Education
WHO IS ELIGIBLE: Non-UB students only
CREDIT OPTIONS: Not for credit
Requirements
To earn the StartingLine: Startup Essentials micro-credential, participants must attend all sessions, complete all assignments and submit a final reflection.
Skills/NACE Competencies
Career and Self-Development, Communication, Critical Thinking, Leadership, Professionalism, Teamwork
To learn more about micro-credentials and digital badges please visit buffalo.edu/micro-credentials
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.