POPULARITY
Overcoming barriers to starting a business can be challenging, but it's a necessary step for aspiring entrepreneurs. Many people dream of launching their own ventures, yet few actually take the leap. In this episode of Building Better Developers, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche break down the common barriers preventing entrepreneurs from starting a business. They discuss fears, practical roadblocks, and solutions to help business owners move forward. What's Stopping You from Starting a Business? The first step in overcoming barriers to starting a business is identifying them. Some of the most common obstacles entrepreneurs face include: Financial Concerns – Many people believe they need a large sum of money to start a business. While funding is important, many successful businesses have started with minimal capital by leveraging bootstrapping techniques, seeking grants, or using crowdfunding platforms. Time Constraints – Balancing a full-time job, family responsibilities, and personal commitments can be overwhelming. However, successful entrepreneurs find ways to carve out time by prioritizing tasks and setting manageable goals. Fear of Failure – The fear of making mistakes can be paralyzing. However, failure is often a stepping stone to success. Learning from mistakes and adapting is a crucial part of overcoming barriers to starting a business. Lack of Knowledge or Experience – Not knowing where to start can be daunting. However, countless resources, such as mentorship programs, business courses, and online communities, are available to help new entrepreneurs navigate their journey. Regulatory and Legal Concerns – Many entrepreneurs worry about compliance with government regulations, tax obligations, and legal structures. Researching industry requirements and seeking professional advice can simplify the process and eliminate uncertainty. Overcoming Barriers to Starting a Business: Taking the First Steps Broadhead and Meloche emphasize that action is key. Instead of overanalyzing and delaying, start small. Consider these initial steps: Define Your Business Idea – Clearly outline what problem your business solves and who your target customers are. Write a Simple Business Plan – It doesn't have to be elaborate. A one-page plan detailing your goals, strategies, and expected costs can provide clarity and direction. Seek Guidance – Connecting with a mentor or business network can provide insights and encouragement. Validate Your Idea – Test your concept with potential customers through surveys or pilot sales before fully committing. Research Legal and Financial Requirements – Registering a business, obtaining necessary licenses, and setting up a simple accounting system are crucial early steps. How to Remove Mental Barriers to Starting a Business Meloche shares a personal struggle—jumping into businesses without proper planning. He emphasizes the importance of seeking out resources, like business training programs, to bridge knowledge gaps. Programs like Co-Starters help entrepreneurs refine their business ideas, create plans, and understand financial and regulatory responsibilities. A common mental barrier is self-doubt. Many people assume they must be experts before starting. However, learning on the go and surrounding yourself with knowledgeable individuals can accelerate growth and provide the necessary support system. The Challenge: Overcoming Your Business Startup Barriers Today At the end of the episode, the hosts issue a challenge: Face one of your barriers today. Whether it's researching licensing requirements, drafting a business plan, or networking with industry professionals, taking one concrete step forward can make all the difference. Final Thoughts Every entrepreneur faces barriers, but overcoming barriers to starting a business is possible by tackling them head-on. Whether financial, time-related, or mental roadblocks, there are ways to overcome each one. With the right mindset, resources, and support, anyone can turn their business idea into reality. If you've been waiting for the perfect moment to start your business, this is it. Take the first step today and start building your future. Stay Connected: Join the Develpreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, there's always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let's continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources Learning From Your First Business Business Finance Management: Building Better Businesses for Success Securing Your Product And Business – Nate Sheen Interview Creating a Podcast – Not Just a Lot of Talking Building Better Businesses – With Bonus Content
Welcome to Season 21! We're nearing 800 episodes in. Today, we ask whether you should specialize in one skill or master a broad range of skills in your career and business. Join Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche as they unpack this nuanced debate. They offer insight on applying this to your niche when building your business and identifying target customers. Niche Broad vs. Deep Expertise Crafting a Compelling Pitch: Solving Customer Problems In this episode, Rob and Michael reflect on their experiences building their respective businesses. They discuss the challenges and rewards of finding the right balance between breadth and depth. This is key when crafting a compelling pitch. You want a message that resonates with potential customers. Avoid technical jargon and focus on a clear message about your products or services. Refining Your Focus: Insights from Industry Experience Both share their ideas for refining the focus of their consultation companies. Instead of focusing on a broad spectrum of services, they moved to a more targeted approach. In this new approach, they discuss catering to specific industries such as healthcare and e-commerce. Now, you can focus on specific customer pain points and articulate how your solution addresses their needs concisely. Finding Your Niche: Targeting Specific Markets Michael shares insights on his experience through Co: Starters, where he learned to make a pivotal shift. When pitching, he moved from emphasizing technical details to emphasizing the value to the customer. He honed in on the client's problems. Presenting clear, understandable solutions and streamlined communication increased his effectiveness in reaching potential clients. Communicating Value: Simplifying Technical Complexity Throughout the episode, Rob and Michael stress the importance of identifying your target market. Understand their challenges and tailor your messaging to resonate with them. They also underscore the value of simplicity and clarity in communication, steering away from overwhelming prospects with technical complexities. In conclusion, Rob and Michael encourage listeners to reflect on their career paths. Consider whether specializing in a niche or mastering a broader skill set aligns with your goals and aspirations. Focus on delivering value to your customers and communicating your solutions effectively. You can do these things to carve out a successful and fulfilling career path. Feedback and questions are welcome at info@develpreneur.com, and listeners are invited to connect with Develpreneur on YouTube for more insights and discussions. By focusing on mastering data integration, developers can unlock new possibilities and streamline their workflows. Additional Resources From Side Hustle to Success Navigating the Consulting Roller Coaster Strategies for a Successful Business Launch Behind the Scenes Podcast Video
Collider is passionate about sharing the stories of local entrepreneurs and small business owners! Today on the podcast we chat with David Razidlo about his web app, Game Haven, which simplifies the tabletop game selection process by matching enthusiasts with games tailored to their preferences and connecting them with local communities where they can enjoy them, as well as his experience as a CO.STARTERS participant!
Collider is passionate about sharing the stories of local entrepreneurs and small business owners! Today on the podcast we're getting an update from a previous Rochester Rising Podcast interviewee, Kristine Stensland, to find out more about how her digital therapeutic behavioral and mental health assessment and intervention tool, Genograms, has developed and changed over the past year, as well as her experience as a CO.STARTERS participant.
Today on the podcast we chat with Paul Koerner about his non-alcoholic beverage business, Afterglow, as well as his experience as a CO.STARTERS participant. This is part one of our four-part CO.STARTERS series so stay tuned for additional episodes!
Learn more about CO.STARTERS : https://www.collider.mn/costarters-1Donate: https://www.4giving.com/donation/443A
In this episode, host David Ponraj and CO.STARTERS CEO Jose Alfaro discuss the power of collaborations between economic developers, entrepreneurs, local leaders, and other partners to drive economic growth. They share success stories from Nashville, Sioux Falls, and beyond, highlighting how CO.STARTERS initiatives create the infrastructure, culture, and investment needed to attract businesses and revitalize communities. Their conversation emphasizes the importance of supporting diverse entrepreneurs and investing in local leaders who understand small town needs. Alfaro also provides insights on building sustainable revenue sources for entrepreneurship programs through partnerships. Tune in to hear inspirational examples of how collaboration and entrepreneurship can reimagine economic development.About CO.STARTERSCO.STARTERS is a ten-week program that equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn business ideas into action and turn a passion into a sustainable and thriving business.Learn more: https://www.costarters.co/aboutAbout JoseJose Alfaro stands out as an experienced leader with a proven track record of building sustainable and thriving business models on a large scale. His distinctive strength lies in recognizing and nurturing the unique gifts and strengths of individuals, enabling him to form cohesive and goal-oriented teams. At the helm of CO.STARTERS, Jose places a strong emphasis on empowering individuals to pursue their entrepreneurial passions, leading a global effort to transform the very culture of entrepreneurship. His leadership journey is marked by a dedication to building strong, sustainable communities and businesses.Connect with Jose: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-m-alfaro/
Are Co-Starters a Good or Bad Thing?Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
You've heard it from us multiple times on this podcast and we're finally interviewing the lady who got us hooked on the program! Please help us welcome Rebekah Marr, CO.STARTERS to our virtual couch!CO.STARTERS is a 10-week accelerator program that takes idea-stage entrepreneurs through business basics, laying a strong foundation for their ventures' sustainable launch and growth. We've been fortunate to help 40 Fostorians bring their business ideas to life through this program, and we were thrilled to finally sit down with Rebekah and let her know how thankful we are for her faith in our community and in us.“When you are able to change individual lives, you have an opportunity to transform the communities around them," explains Rebekah. "I'm excited to see what the future holds."We hope you enjoy learning more about Rebekah Marr and CO.STARTERS here.Get to know us ...And, find us on Apple to leave us a review!Or, listen to our favorite songs ; -)
In this episode, Dane has an in-depth conversation with Jose Alfaro, CEO of CO.STARTERS, a dynamic entrepreneurial accelerator program designed to equip creative entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and support to turn their passion into a profitable business. Jose shared the inspiring journey of CO.STARTERS, from its beginnings in Chattanooga, Tennessee, inspired by a desire to revitalize the city and attract major corporations like Volkswagen, to its current global reach spanning over 210 cities across 24 states and multiple countries. The program, which started under a non-profit initiative, went private in 2016, broadening its horizons and allowing it to have a significant impact on a global scale. Throughout the episode, Jose emphasized the unique approach of the CO.STARTERS program. Instead of adopting a traditional teaching methodology, CO.STARTERS is built around facilitation, with the program directors guiding participants towards their customers to validate their business ideas. This innovative approach has resulted in not only robust business formation but also organic collaborations and mergers among the participants. Key to the CO.STARTERS model is their focus on building community. Participants are grouped into cohorts of 10 to 16 people, fostering an environment of peer-to-peer learning, collaboration, and cooperation. Jose shared fascinating anecdotes of how this peer interaction has led to the formation of successful businesses and collaborations. The conversation also delved into the curriculum of the program, which has been designed to simplify complex business concepts and make them accessible to creative entrepreneurs who might not have a traditional business background. Beyond the curriculum, the program also serves as a front door to the entrepreneurial ecosystem, connecting graduates to a variety of resources, from the SBA to different accelerators and pitch competitions. Jose Alfaro's passion for supporting creative entrepreneurs was evident throughout the conversation. If you're interested in the intersection of creativity and entrepreneurship, or if you're a part of a community that could benefit from a program like CO.STARTERS, this episode is not to be missed. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Jose Alfaro.
In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Jose Alfaro, the CEO of CO.STARTERS - an organization equipping communities with robust programs to grow local small businesses. Through a community based approach, this Appalachian organization has outgrown the "borders" to consist of a network of success stories throughout the world. Take a listen to hear Jose discuss CO.STARTERS practical and comprehensible approach to entrepreneurial development so business owners can move forward with their goals. With a dedicated footprint in Appalachia, CO.STARTERS is developing a ecosystem of communities to drive sustainable impacts throughout the region - hear how they are dedicated to one community at a time! You might also hear Neil's indifference towards sharks and bears - oh my! Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz (and CO.STARTERS success story) of the week: CPRWrap! CO.STARTERS - www.costarters.co CPRWrap - www.cprwrap.com Cocaine Bear (Daily Yonder) - www.dailyyonder.com/cocaine-bear-a-true-rural-story-mined-for-movie-madness/2023/03/09/ Sharknado (IMDb) - www.imdb.com/title/tt2724064/ Canton NC: Pactiv-Evergreen Mill (Story: "Smoky Mountain News") - www.smokymountainnews.com/news/item/35242-canton-mill-s-closing-means-uncertainty-for-county-region
Episode 81 of the Louie Tee Network Podcast begins with some brief NBA talk which leads us right into the Gem Droppin' Session on the Top Player with the MOST to lose with NO CFB Season in 2020, then we move on to you, the viewer as we get into some Social Media Maneuvers, before finishing up with a good ole' fashion 3 & OUT.... Episode Timestamp (3:24) Droppin' A Gem On Ya Melon: Top Player MOST Potentially Impacted by NO Fall CFB Season (25:56) Revisiting the 2020 NFL Draft 1st RD (Picks 1 - 11) (50:18) 3 & OUT Donate via PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/LouieTeeNetwork Cash App: $LouieTeeNetwork PayPal: paypal.me/LouieTeeNetwork Affiliate Links: AMAZON: http://bit.ly/louieteenetwork TUBEBUDDY: www.tubebuddy.com/LouieTeeNetwork Check out the website www.louieteenetwork.net Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to the show!
Nora Roughen-Schmidt and Luke Zahm chat with Enoch Elwell CEO of Co.Starters about his experiences in economic development, as an entrepreneur and as one of the leaders in grass roots economic development and business support.
Today on Small Time Leaders, businessman and wordsmith Dan Monroe returns to share how a phone call from his sister led to a two-year journey of traveling, education, and a new career. Listen in as Michael and Dan discuss the importance of being honest with your support system, how to overcome the fear of the unknown, and the importance of asking your family for support. Dan Monroe, is a principal and one of three masterful wordsmiths at Cayenne Creative Group – a creative, brand-development agency in Birmingham, Alabama that offers national and international brand experience in the form of an agile creative team. Cayenne helps clients tell their stories strategically in ways that are interruptive and authentic. Cayenne’s clients include: UAB Medicine, Altec, Birmingham Orthodontics, Golden Flake, and Alabama Power, to name but a few. Dan, BA ’83 from Vanderbilt University, is on the board of the Birmingham YMCA, the Birmingham Sunrise Rotary Club, and is actively involved with Co-Starters, a program that helps entrepreneurs bring their business ideas into fruition. You can connect with Dan via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cayennewriter/ Michael’s latest book, Roll Up Your Sleeves, is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and independent local bookstores. Roll Up Your Sleeves teaches people how to Lead and Live in a Constant Changing World with simple applications. Take a closer look at the book and experience a new way of working through an unexpected change in your life and career by taking the 2-minute My Change Management Style Quiz http://rollupsleevesbook.com/ To learn more about Michael’s Leadership and Life Transition services and see his Leadership & Life Journal blog- a new way to think about at the important things you already know, go to at https://michaelalantate.com/
On this episode of Small Time Leaders, businessman and wordsmith Dan Monroe shares his story of finding his passion for storytelling and how one mentor helped him create a path to success. Listen in as Michael and Dan discuss the multiple dimensions of leadership, the importance of listening to others, and how to take in the entire picture of a person before taking action. Dan Monroe, is a principal and one of three masterful wordsmiths at Cayenne Creative Group – a creative, brand-development agency in Birmingham, Alabama that offers national and international brand experience in the form of an agile creative team. Cayenne helps clients tell their stories strategically in ways that are interruptive and authentic. Cayenne’s clients include: UAB Medicine, Altec, Birmingham Orthodontics, Golden Flake, and Alabama Power, to name but a few. Dan, BA ’83 from Vanderbilt University, is on the board of the Birmingham YMCA, the Birmingham Sunrise Rotary Club, and is actively involved with Co-Starters, a program that helps entrepreneurs bring their business ideas into fruition. You can connect with Dan via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cayennewriter/ Michael’s latest book, Roll Up Your Sleeves, is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and independent local bookstores. Roll Up Your Sleeves teaches people how to Lead and Live in a Constant Changing World with simple applications. Take a closer look at the book and experience a new way of working through an unexpected change in your life and career by taking the 2-minute My Change Management Style Quiz http://rollupsleevesbook.com/ To learn more about Michael’s Leadership and Life Transition services and see his Leadership & Life Journal blog- a new way to think about at the important things you already know, go to at https://michaelalantate.com/
Lily Shaw works to support and connect the worlds of entrepreneurs, businesses, and communities through access, content and support. She is the community lead for 1 Million Cups Saint Paul, the trainer, and facilitator for Co-Starters, a 10-week program presented by the James J Hill Foundation designed for entrepreneurs to develop and fine-tune their ideas and determining next steps to bring that idea to fruition through real-time feedback. Participants leave the program with a deeper understanding of how to create a sustainable business, articulate their models, and repeat the process. Lily is also the Director of Customer Experience at Startup Space and works with diverse startups to promote inclusive access to resources and tools that help all people build more businesses without barriers. Click here to learn more about the Co-Starters curriculum structureFor questions regarding the program visit the CO.STARTER MN information page click here.Support the showFollow the Makers of Minnesota on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @MakersofMN. Send story ideas to Stephanie@stephaniesdish.com If you appreciate the work we do here, please subscribe on Patreon Please subscribe to My newsletter at https://stephaniehansen.substack.com/ so you don't miss an epiosde of the Makers of Minnesota This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stephaniehansen.substack.com/subscribe
Lily Shaw works to support and connect the worlds of entrepreneurs, businesses, and communities through access, content and support. She is the community lead for 1 Million Cups Saint Paul, the trainer, and facilitator for Co-Starters, a 10-week program presented by the James J Hill Foundation designed for entrepreneurs to develop and fine-tune their ideas and determining next steps to bring that idea to fruition through real-time feedback. Participants leave the program with a deeper understanding of how to create a sustainable business, articulate their models, and repeat the process. Lily is also the Director of Customer Experience at Startup Space and works with diverse startups to promote inclusive access to resources and tools that help all people build more businesses without barriers. Click here to learn more about the Co-Starters curriculum structureFor questions regarding the program visit the CO.STARTER MN information page click here.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/StephanieHansen)
Lily Shaw works to support and connect the worlds of entrepreneurs, businesses, and communities through access, content and support. She is the community lead for 1 Million Cups Saint Paul, the trainer, and facilitator for Co-Starters, a 10-week program presented by the James J Hill Foundation designed for entrepreneurs to develop and fine-tune their ideas and determining next steps to bring that idea to fruition through real-time feedback. Participants leave the program with a deeper understanding of how to create a sustainable business, articulate their models, and repeat the process. Lily is also the Director of Customer Experience at Startup Space and works with diverse startups to promote inclusive access to resources and tools that help all people build more businesses without barriers. Click here to learn more about the Co-Starters curriculum structureFor questions regarding the program visit the CO.STARTER MN information page click here.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/StephanieHansen)
When most people think about startups and entrepreneurship, the local church doesn't necessarily come to mind. For this episode, We wanted to feature 3 talks that explore how the local church can become a catalyst for starting local businesses and creating social impact within the community. This discussion is sponsored the Chalmers Center and the Chattanooga Institute for Faith & Work. Stu Minshew is the Vice President of Innovation Operations at the Chalmers Center. Stu received his masters of business administration from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a focus on Strategy, Entrepreneurship, and Organizational Behavior. Over his career, he has started 4 businesses, trained cross-cultural teams, and led consulting and training projects for over 10,000 professionals. Philip Roundy is an Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship at the UTC College of Business. He received his Ph.D. in corporate strategy from UT Austin. His research focuses on understanding how entrepreneurship can be used as a tool for economic and community revitalization. Through his research and consulting, he has interviewed and worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs and investors across North America. Jose is the director of growth at Co Starters, where he works to build strong and sustainable business models. He is an experienced operations director who has successfully scaled organizations in the community development and hospitality industries. Discover a biblical framework for helping people in poverty! Through our new online course HWH the basics, you’ll learn how to walk with the poor in humble relationships instead of providing temporary handouts. Learn more at http://hwhthebasics.com
This episode is part two of our StartUp Week Chattanooga preview focusing on the Co.Starter's Summit. Co.Starters is an organization that exists to help you get your idea off the ground and guide people through the landscape of entrepreneurship and business. It is also much more than that. But it is also so much more than that. Listen in as two of Co.Starters founders, Enoch Elwell and Will Joseph, share how their organization has blossomed from simply providing a curriculum into an international network of community & business leaders looking to solve problems through leveraging relationships, innovation, and business. The Summit itself is an event that runs in conjunction to StartUp Week, so in the process we run through a preview of their programming and events. https://costarters.co/