Startup School graduates 24

New EDASC program sees successful start

At the end of June, 24 students graduated from the first cohort of Startup School, EDASC’s training program for entrepreneurs.

Startup School is a partnership between EDASC and the My Own Business Institute (MOBI) at Santa Clara University. EDASC developed the program and engaged MOBI to provide the online curriculum. In addition, SBDC Washington advisors are on hand during classroom sessions to answer questions about the coursework’s subject matter for the week. 

“We were delighted to adopt MOBI from Santa Clara University as the curriculum for our Startup School, particularly as it is available in both English and Spanish,” noted EDASC CEO John Sternlicht. “And combining that curriculum, customized to our community, with SBDC expertise makes this a powerful resource for local entrepreneurs.”

Jorge Estefan, EDASC’s Equitable Economic Development manager, saw the need for additional opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs to get foundational education that gives their business idea solid footing. Many of those entrepreneurs speak Spanish as their first language, so the inaugural cohort of Startup School was offered in Spanish. An English-language version of the program will be offered beginning Aug. 29.

The June 27 graduation celebration took place at La Catrina Tacos & Tequila in Mount Vernon. It was an opportunity for graduates and their families to celebrate their achievement.

“I applaud all the hard work of the students. Sticking with the 12-week program took discipline and determination,” Estefan said.  

While most of the students hailed from Skagit County, the hybrid classroom experience allowed students from anywhere in the state to participate. Participants logged on each week from locations including Bellingham, Redmond and Federal Way, Estefan said. Some of those students traveled to Mount Vernon for the graduation celebration.

Many of the graduates had launched their business prior to beginning Startup School, and these participants have been paired with an SBDC advisor to help them achieve their next business goal. Types are businesses are varied, including child care, trucking, retail and landscaping. 

Participants who are just starting out in business will be paired with an advisor from the Center for Inclusive Entrepreneurship. 

Among the registrants, including those who did not complete the training, 70% were first-generation Americans or immigrants, many with limited proficiency in English. Notably, 40% of participants had no prior computer experience, while 80% do have prior business experience.

The Startup School participants found value investing their time in the course.

One Startup School graduate summed up her experience this way: "Thanks to you, I am now focused on the business I want."