What is STEAM?

 

The Innovation Center’s STEAM Program is based on the CO.STARTERS curriculum. It is a 10-week facilitator-led course, offered once a week for three hours. The cohort based program equips aspiring artists, creative and tech entrepreneurs with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn ideas into action and turn a passion into a sustainable and thriving endeavor!

Included:

  • Course materials

  • Free Discovery session for tech related businesses

  • Access to Innovation Center events & networking opportunities

  • Cost: $375*

 
 

The Innovation Center has received funding from Creative Pinellas to support artists, art organizations and arts-related organizations within Pinellas County to participate in CO.STARTERS at no cost.

testimonials:

“ I highly recommend the CO.STARTERS program for every business owner, regardless of which development stage you are in. You learn from very experienced professionals about every aspect, whether you need it now or in the future. I especially benefitted from how to effectively identify and understand my customer base.” - Rick Hurst, RickHurstArt.com, St. Petersburg, Florida

“The results surprised me. Chris Paradies is a patient and knowledgeable teacher. Finding the common denominators across visual, performing artists and one lonely writer is a heroic feat. Personally, this class is responsible for my partnership with K. M. (another participant in this cohort) and the formation of Emporvium LLC.” - Kenn Brody, Broken Symmetry Publishing & Emporvium LLC

“I learned a lot participating in the COSTARTERS program. I am grateful for the experience.  Even though, there is a lot left to accomplish, I have a road map and have begun the journey.” Barb Beyhl

 
headshot of Chris Paradies

Facilitator

Chris Paradies, President of Paradies Law, P.A.

Curriculum

You will develop and fine-tune your business idea, receiving constructive feedback from peers, advisors, and potential customers. By updating your approach based on real-time feedback you will be able to pivot or move forward. The ten-week course curriculum is taught by  Chris Paradies, President of Paradies Law, P.A.  and includes:

 

Week 1 : Knowing Yourself
Introductions, Assumptions, Working Styles, Team Building, Obstacles

Week 2 : Knowing Your Customer
Customer, Problem, Alternatives, Idea Testing

Week 3 : Finding the Right Solution
Solution, Benefit, Advantage, Starting Small, Brand Identity

Week 4 : Getting the Relationship Right
Marketing & Message; Getting, Keeping & Growing Customers

Week 5 :  Building Blocks
Distribution, Revenue, Typical Offering, Price

 

SESSION 6: Structures & Systems
Legal & Accounting Considerations

SESSION 7: Discovering the Bottom Line
Startup & Ongoing Needs, Fixed & Variable Costs, Break-Even Point

SESSION 8: Financial Modeling
Break-Even Point, Sales Projections, Cash Flow, Raising Capital

SESSION 9: Planning for Growth Growth Plans, Goal Setting, Celebration Prep

SESSION 10: Celebration!