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Phase 1 - START
Ready for your business dreams to take root? In the START phase, we will dig deep to figure out whether or not entrepreneurship is in your best interest. If it is, we get to work on the lessons below. If it isn't, we will make sure you get support from partner agencies to help you find a job that matches your skills and interests.
Estimated time to complete phase: 6-9 months
LESSONS
Unit 1: Intro to Entrepreneurship
Unit 2: Your MVP (Initial Product)
Unit 3: Your Target Customer
Unit 4: Your Unique Value Proposition
You will complete...
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Our intake survey and other intake paperwork
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A simple business plan
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DRS preliminary questionnaire for self-employment (Form IL 488-0284)
You will receive...
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Funding (~$100) to create a proof-of-concept version of your product
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1-on-1 support for identifying a business idea that can be competitive
![Girl Planting Tree [Stage 1]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/008ee2_e197973ca9594738b62e8612e5a65d6c~mv2_d_9492_10803_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_487,h_554,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/008ee2_e197973ca9594738b62e8612e5a65d6c~mv2_d_9492_10803_s_4_2.jpg)
You will create...
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A proof-of-concept product to show that what you plan on selling through your business is realistic
UPCOMING EVENTS
Phase 2 - GROW
It's time to breathe some life into your plan! In the GROW phase, we will help you nurture your idea into one that bears fruit. You can receive equipment, support opening a business account, and get a professional page on our website, for free!
Estimated time to complete phase: 9-12 months
LESSONS
Unit 1: Operations
Unit 2: Manufacturing Costs
Unit 3: Customer Profiles
Unit 4: Your Marketing Mix
Unit 5: Brand Development
Unit 6: Content Creation
Unit 7: Integrated Marketing
Unit 8: Financial Logistics
You will complete...
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A full business plan
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DRS full proposal for self-employment (Form IL 488-0283)
You will receive...
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Up to $900 for business expenses
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Space in our business incubator to run your business within
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A "featured artist" page on our website
You will create...
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Improved versions of your products
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Social media accounts for your business
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A bank account for your business
![Girl Picking Appls from Tree [Stage 2]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/008ee2_44f89635a81944b79a517378513dd767~mv2_d_1700_2338_s_2.png/v1/crop/x_0,y_0,w_1700,h_2159/fill/w_457,h_580,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/008ee2_44f89635a81944b79a517378513dd767~mv2_d_1700_2338_s_2.png)
Phase 3 - Run
You are now in business! How 'bout them apples? In the RUN phase, we begin moving away from working on your business plan. The focus of this phase is to learn about how your business actually runs, and what will need to be done to make it sustainable! Sadly, we can't do it all... good thing we will connect you with other agencies that can help you while you continue to run your business with us!
Estimated time to complete phase: As long as you like!
AREAS OF SUPPORT
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Increasing sales
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Building a website
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Requesting equipment, supplies and materials from your DRS counselor
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Shipping products
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Fulfilling orders
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Getting connected with our partner agencies
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Marketing and advertising
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And more!
![Girl Selling Candy Apples [Stage 3]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/008ee2_0febacc771fc45c09781971d1df97dfb~mv2_d_1700_2338_s_2.png/v1/fill/w_353,h_486,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/008ee2_0febacc771fc45c09781971d1df97dfb~mv2_d_1700_2338_s_2.png)
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