Coulee Region Business Center

09/09/2026

Thinking about starting a business?

Before the business plan, logo, website, or LLC, there’s a more important question:

Is there actually an opportunity worth pursuing?

That’s what the Pre-Startup Cohort is designed to help you figure out.
- Start with the problem.
- Understand the customer.
- Test the opportunity.

Then decide what’s worth building.

Start here: couleeregionbusinesscenter.org

09/05/2026

Have an idea you’ve been kicking around?

Or maybe you’ve spotted a problem at work, in your industry, or in the community and thought, “There has to be a better way.”

That’s exactly where the Pre-Startup Cohort starts.

Not with a business plan.
Not with a logo.
Not with forming an LLC.

We start by figuring out whether there’s actually an opportunity worth pursuing.

The next cohort begins Wednesday, September 9 at the Coulee Region Business Center, and we still have room for a few more people.

Over four sessions, we’ll work through:

• Is this a real problem worth solving?
• Who actually has the problem?
• How are they solving it today?
• Is there enough demand to build something around it?
• What might the venture look like?
• What should you do next?

You don’t need a polished idea. You don’t need a business plan. And you definitely don’t need to already consider yourself an entrepreneur.

Just bring the idea, problem, or opportunity you keep thinking about.

Starts September 9 | 4:30–6:30 PM
📍 Coulee Region Business Center, La Crosse

Register here:
https://couleeregionbusinesscenter.coworksapp.com/events/1309450

Know someone who is always saying, “I’ve thought about starting something…”?

Tag them or send this to them.

09/02/2026

This one is for the girls! Next time you're in need for a girls trip getaway visit the La Crosse Region and see what all the hype is about! There's so many things to do, whether you're looking for a weekend of relaxation or want to cross off that itinerary, we have it all!

09/02/2026

08/24/2026

The next Pre-Startup Cohort at the Coulee Region Business Center will look very different.

And that’s intentional.

We’ve significantly redesigned the curriculum around a question that I think should come much earlier in the entrepreneurial journey:

What does this person actually need next?

Too often, entrepreneurship programs assume everyone should follow the same path. Have an idea → write a business plan → start a business.

But an idea isn't necessarily an opportunity. An opportunity isn't necessarily a business. And someone exploring an idea may need validation, education, a mentor, an industry expert, financing, an incubator, or even permission to decide not to pursue it.

So beginning September 9, our Pre-Startup Cohort becomes much more intentional about that early part of the journey.

Session 1 | Sept. 9 – Start With the Right Problem
Define the problem, customer, assumptions, and opportunity.
https://couleeregionbusinesscenter.coworksapp.com/events/1309450

Session 2 | Sept. 16 – Validating the Opportunity
Test demand, competition, differentiation, and assumptions.
https://couleeregionbusinesscenter.coworksapp.com/events/1309455

Session 3 | Sept. 23 – Designing the Venture
Explore the business model, revenue, resources, partnerships, and path to market.
https://couleeregionbusinesscenter.coworksapp.com/events/1309456

Session 4 | Sept. 30 – Next Steps & Entrepreneurial Pathways
Assess what you've learned, determine the right next step, and build a practical 90-day plan.
https://couleeregionbusinesscenter.coworksapp.com/events/1309464

Another important change: you don't have to attend all four.

Attend the entire cohort or choose the session that addresses what you need right now.

The goal isn't to move everyone through the same program.

It's to create a more intentional pathway from idea → validation → venture development → the right next resource.

Sometimes the right outcome is starting a company.

Sometimes it's doing more work.

Sometimes it's connecting with another organization.

And sometimes it's realizing an idea shouldn't move forward.

All of those can be successful outcomes of a good pre-startup process.

08/17/2026

07/17/2026

Applications are now open for the inaugural CRBC Pre-Startup Cohort!

Every successful business starts with an idea. The challenge is knowing what to do next.

The CRBC Pre-Startup Cohort is a four-week program designed for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to explore, validate, and develop a business idea before launching. Whether you're starting from scratch or refining an existing concept, you'll gain practical knowledge, guidance, and connections to help you move forward.

There is no cost to participate. We simply ask that participants commit to actively engaging throughout the program.

****UPDATED SCHEDULE****
Weeks of July 29 and August 5
Starting Strong
Connect 1x 1 in preparation for upcoming sessions. The first session for this cohort is August 5.

August 5 | 4:30–6:30 PM
Thinking Like an Entrepreneur
Strategic & Innovative Thinking (CRBC) and Building Your Brand & Value Proposition; Introduction to Starting & Developing a Business (Wisconsin SBDC) and the Business Model Canvas (SCORE)

August 12 | 4:30–6:30 PM
Planning for Success
Financial & Business Planning (Wisconsin SBDC)

August 19 | 4:30–6:30 PM
Moving Forward
Scaling Your Business, Developing Your Action Plan, and Next Steps

Throughout the cohort, you'll work alongside experienced business professionals and regional partners in a collaborative environment designed to help you take the next step with confidence.

Space is limited.

Apply here: https://uwlax.iad1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0wwpknoKGLLisOa