Supporting New Entrepreneurs
While all our services are FREE, success depends on your commitment, determination and participation.
The entrepreneurs in our program make good use of their mentors, workshops, and daily online support. In addition to greater financial security, the big result is confidence in yourself and your future.
Our Core Programs
The Business Basics Course Online
Work at your own pace and learn the basics of what you need to know to get started. Here’s what people say:
“This was such an amazing course!! I really learned so much and feel a lot more confident about starting my cleaning company.”
“Thank you for the great tips provided. It forced me to create a business plan, which gave me a holistic view of what I need to do. Now, I have some information that I can work with.”
“It is easy to understand yet very insightful. Thank you.
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Northstar Startups Business Incubator
Once you are accepted into the incubator, you will:
- be paired with a business mentor
- receive real-world business training
- join the Northstar Startups Hub
- qualify for funding for marketing and small equipment costs
- participate in marketing events
- be introduced to local professionals
There is no pre-defined end to your participation in the incubator. We are here to help.
Look below for the types of businesses we can help you with.
It all starts with the Business Basics Course.
Business Ideas We Can Help You Launch
Dog Walking / Pet Sitting
Mobile Car Detailing
Laundry & Folding Service
Home Organization
Homework Help
Senior Companion Visits
Bike Repair or Tune-ups
Sewing / Alterations
Hair Braiding or Mobile Haircuts
Grocery Shopping for Seniors
Tech Help for Seniors
Furniture Assembly
TV Mounting / Smart Home Setup
Language Translation / Interpretation
Basic Computer Setup / Tech Troubleshooting
Event Decoration or Setup
Flyer Design & Distribution
Social Media Management
Music instruction
Conversational English Practice
From Idea to Income
Starting a business can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Northstar Startups helps aspiring entrepreneurs move from idea to income with practical training, coaching, community, and support.
Everyone’s journey is different. Some people move quickly while others take their time. The important thing is to keep going.
Decide on the Right Business for You
Every successful business starts with an idea. Your business idea should be a service (because they are inexpensive to start) and it should be simple. Simple businesses are often the most successful.
Learn the Fundamentals of Business
Take our online Business Basics Course with your simple business idea in mind. It teaches you the essentials of business and takes you through all the elements you need to think about when starting your business. Take it at your own pace.
Turn Your Idea into a Plan
As you work through the course, you are actually working on the components of a simple one-page business plan. Putting all the pieces together into a plan is one of the last modules in the course. The plan helps clarify your services, customers, pricing, and next actions.
Access Coaching and Support
Once you've completed the course and your business plan, you can apply to the Northstar Startups Business Incubator for mentor support, financial assistance for approved business expenses, and ongoing education.
Become Part of a Community
No one builds a business on their own. Everyone needs support and encouragement. That's why Northstar offers opportunities to connect with other entrepreneurs through networking events, our Startup Hub community, workshops, and peer support.
Take Action and Build Momentum
Starting a business isn't about having everything perfect. It's about taking consistent action, testing ideas, learning from experience, and continuing to improve. Steady, forward motion is the key.
Welcome Your First Customers
The first customer is a milestone worth celebrating. From there, you'll continue building relationships, gaining confidence, generating referrals, and growing your business one customer at a time.