StartingLine

Startup Essentials

A new three-week virtual course designed to give aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs the important skills, tools and fundamentals for building a start-up. 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.

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 FREE and open to anyone ready to explore what it takes to launch a startup.

Cohort #2

Spring 2026

Dates to be announced. All sessions are virtual except for the pitch presentation and celebration.

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.