Everyone Has to Start Somewhere. The Starting Line Puts ‘Somewhere’ on the Map.

Written by Tim Raderstorf7 years ago

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I’m a young entrepreneur in Columbus, Ohio. Given the current ecosystem, that’s actually a pretty mighty combination. Ohio is the best state in the country if you’re looking to start a company. Don’t take my word for that, ask our buddies at Forbes and they’ll tell you all about it.

In December 2017, I started my second business and have been amazed by the available support and resources to help me along the way. But back in 2012, when I decided it was time to test the entrepreneurial waters, I had one big problem: I had no idea where to begin. I needed a programmer, a lawyer, a mentor, and most importantly, confidence. In the following years spent navigating the Columbus entrepreneurial ecosystem, I realized I was not alone. Many of my peers had no idea where to begin when first exploring entrepreneurship.

If you feel like the 2012 version of me, there’s good news: The Starting line is here to help you develop the tools, network, and confidence to get started. The Starting Line provides Columbus (young) professionals with access to the resources, education, and network needed to make informed decisions about taking the first steps to starting their business, all at no charge.

Why

Recognizing that many (young) professionals in Columbus have great ideas to contribute, we want to make sure that you have the resources, knowledge, and confidence to get started. Through a collaboration with the Create Columbus Commission, The Ohio State University College of Nursing’s Innovation Studio is partnering with some of Columbus’ top local businesses (Root, ZoCo Design, Land Grant Brewing Company, Hot Chicken Takeover, CrossChx, & Wolf’s Ridge Brewing to name a few) that have been founded by a young professional to provide insight and resources to Columbus’ (young) professionals. 

What

The Starting Line brings prototyping tools, designers, programmers, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and much more to local businesses that have been founded by young professionals and delivers mini half-day entrepreneurship boot camps to help you take the first few steps to start your business. You’ll learn what drove these founders to entrepreneurship and how they found success. 

Need to talk to a lawyer? Check. Need to 3D print a prototype? Check. How about advice from a programmer? Check. Oh, and it’s all free!

You can learn more at www.go.osu.edu/startingline

Starting Line Agenda

Warning: If you’re not willing to hustle, this probably isn’t the right event for you.

As each entrepreneur and business idea is unique, so is each Starting Line experience. These events are purposefully unstructured to let entrepreneurs choose their path. Our goal is to provide you with the tools and support you need to get started. Your goal should be to soak up as much advice as you can get and hustle to take the first few steps to start your business or regain momentum.

8:00 – 8:10 – Introductions and Caffeine
8:10 – 9:00 – Fireside Chat with Young Professional Founder from Host Business
9:00 – 9:15 – Intention Setting: Write down one goal you will accomplish today at the Starting Line
9:15 – 11:45 – Hustle, Create, Connect: Meet with designers, lawyers, entrepreneurs, programmers. Get questions answered. Develop prototypes. Make Friends. Be your own guide.
11:45 – 12:00 – Debrief and Reframe: What will you do this week to build on your momentum?

When

Tour Stop #1

Date – March 3, 2018

Sponsor – Wolf’s Ridge Brewing

Location – The Tap Room at Wolf’s Ridge Brewing 215 N 4th St, Columbus, Ohio, 43215

Time – 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

RSVP – www.go.osu.edu/wolfrsvp

Tour Stop #2

Date – April 7, 2018

Sponsor – ZoCo Design

Location – Lumos Innovation, 107 S High St #200A, Columbus, OH 43215

Time 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

RSVP – www.go.osu.edu/zocorsvp

Tour Stops will run monthly through September 2018. Check www.go.osu.edu/startline for schedule updates.

Who

If you found this page, The Starting Line was built for you. We are looking for entrepreneurs (aspiring or actual) who need a little help to get started or dig out of a hole. The Starting Line is a great place to plug into Columbus’ thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem and can help bring your business to life. Check back often for updates to the schedule and event details. 

How

The Starting Line is powered by The Innovation Studio at The Ohio State University College of Nursing, a moveable makerspace that fosters interprofessional innovation across campus. Why nursing you may ask? As the largest healthcare profession, nurses consistently innovate at the bedside to improve patient outcomes. Thanks to the generosity of Gary and Connie Sharpe, and the Create Columbus Commission, we’re able to leverage the Innovation Studio and its team to bring the Starting Line to our community. 

How to get involved

RSVP at the links above.

Want to get involved as a starting line mentor? Contact our Chief Innovation Officer, Tim Raderstorf, at raderstorf.3@osu.edu for details. 

What’s the catch?

Sorry, not going to find anything here. You live in a community unlike any other. Our only ask is for you to participate, be respectful, and create something great in Columbus. Now get to it!

The Starting Line is Proudly Powered by The Innovation Studio