Startup Elevar: An Experiential Entrepreneurship Course

Startup Elevar, a new initiative designed specifically for entrepreneurs in the earliest stages of their business journey, recently celebrated the completion of its inaugural cohort – and we couldn’t be more excited about its success.

This innovative four-week program serves as a launchpad for aspiring entrepreneurs, providing foundational business education before the full ALUNA curriculum begins and prior to the formal Elevar cohort selection process. Rather than waiting for applications to open, participants can begin developing their ideas immediately through practical workshops, hands-on learning, and personalized guidance.

Startup Elevar is designed to help entrepreneurs build confidence, refine their business vision, and strengthen their future Elevar applications. By creating an accessible entry point, we’re empowering participants to enter the full program with stronger business fundamentals, greater clarity, and the confidence to take the next step. At its core, Startup Elevar is about meeting entrepreneurs where they are, removing barriers to entry, and ensuring they have the tools and support needed to succeed from the very beginning.

Startup Elevar Impact

• Number of participants: 26
• Feedback from participants: Participants reported that they value the practical, hands-on approach, customer validation activities, networking opportunities, and the confidence they have gained in presenting and growing their businesses.
• Participating Businesses: The cohort includes businesses in food services, construction, health and wellness, home services, photography, retail, beauty, automotive services, and handcrafted products. A complete list is included in the attached participant report.
• Curriculum: The program begins with Phase 1, StartUp Elevar, a four-week experiential entrepreneurship course focused on customer validation, sales, networking, and business development, together with the Mentors International online course, Create Your Digital Marketing Plan. Phase 2 is a four-month Growth & Capital Readiness Program that provides advanced training in marketing, business finance, operations, human resources, business planning, credit readiness, and loan preparation. At the conclusion of Phase 2, 10 businesses will receive financial support to help strengthen and grow their businesses.