Commons Business Bootcamp

Whether you plan to start a part-time or full-time business, the Commons Business Bootcamp is for you. In the fast-paced collaborative two-day session, you'll find out how you can successfully turn a burning idea into a reality. Learn how to properly set up your business and how to market your products and services. Get the details on pricing, cash flow, financing, employees, taxes, business plans and more. The insights you’ll gain can be applied to any type of business, whether it is home-based, online, retail, service, tech, manufacturing or distribution.

Get your business going in this 2-Day weekend bootcamp!
$200 includes over 15 hours of professional instruction,
lunch and all program materials

(Plus a $50 Early Bird Discount)

Scholarships Available

The Commons is pleased to offer full and partial scholarships for programs with a registration fee. Eligibility is based on financial need and criteria defining groups historically underserved or discriminated against in entrepreneurship. Other limited scholarships may be awarded on a case-by-case basis, based on availability of funding and space at the event.

**Do not register for the event online if you plan to apply for a scholarship. We will save a seat for all scholarship applicants.**

Request Scholarship Support

 BOOTCAMP DAY ONE

Business Viability 
Vision for your business
What will you sell
Who will you sell it to
What’s going on in your industry
Who are your competitors
How will you differentiate yourself in the marketplace
How will you market your products and services
Start-Up Steps
Start-up checklist
Start-up costs
Sources for start-up funds
Start-up timeframe
Choose a legal entity
Taxes & Insurance
1-Hour Lunch Break

Marketing 
Marketing strategy/plan/goals
Target market
Marketing mix
Marketing/sales cycle
Testing and tracking

Workshop Time

BOOTCAMP DAY TWO

Pricing
Overview of pricing
Pricing products (cost of goods, gross profit, gross profit margin)
Pricing services (pricing by the hour, pricing by the job)
Income And Cash Flow 
Flow of money in and out of business
4 ways to make more money
Sales projections
Cost of goods projections
Gross profit projections
Overhead/monthly expenses projections
Breakeven projections
Cash flow projections
1-Hour Lunch Break
Day-To-Day Operations/Processes 
Workflow/processes
Policies and procedures
Organizational chart
Employees vs independent contractors
Payroll
Business Planning 
Uses for a business plan
Borrowing money
Fill-in-the-blank business plan
Worktime / Wrap Up

Your Bootcamp Instructor: Jennifer Croft, Founder of 5 Minute Classes

Self-employed since the age of twenty, Jennifer Croft, owner of 5 Minute Classes has successfully started and run seven small businesses. Through her teaching and one-on-one consulting, she has helped more than 3,000 people start and run their own businesses. 

Jennifer's teaching and instruction experience includes:

• Small Business Development Centers (Littleton and Denver)
• Arapahoe Community College
• Colorado Free University
• Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce
• Jeffco Business Resource Center
• Mi Casa Resource Center
• Grand County Business and Economic Development Association (BEDA) 
• Dozens of colleges and universities, including: Arizona State University, Temple University, Portland State University, University of California, University of Texas

Transportation Options

• Limited metered parking in area
• Public paid parking at Denver Performing Arts Center / Entrances on both Arapahoe & 13th Street
• 3 blocks from RTD 16th Street Free MallRide
• 1 block from RTD Light Rail Theater District/Convention Center Station (D, F, H lines)
• B-cycle to 14th & Stout
• Convenient Car Share drop-off at Champa & 13th

Commons Business Bootcamp is Presented by
The Commons on Champa & 5 Minute Classes

The Commons on Champa is Powered by The Downtown Denver Partnership

Have questions about Business Startup Bootcamp? Contact Commons Business Startup Basics