Lane Ford, near right, facilitates a meeting of Co.Starters, a class to assist people in getting a new business off the ground.
Co.Starters students Alex Jump, left, and David Wright talk about their dream of opening a ramen (noodle) restaurant prior to the start of their second week of class at the Co.Lab on East Main Street in this 2013 file photo.
Mary Alice Cråpo, right, a medical professional, outlines her goals before a Co.Starters class. Jennifer Jackson, back, listens.About Co.StartersNext program: Starts Tuesday, Jan. 14Fees: $100 to $500 on a sliding scale and includes materialsLength: One night a week for nine weeksFind out more: Email: info@colab; Call 423- 648-2195; or facebook.com/thecompanylabOffered by: LAUNCH Chattanooga, Glass House Collective, UTC, Covenant College, The Urban League, Co.LabSource: Co.Lab
When the business planning course asked would-be entrepreneur John Nelson to describe his potential customers, he had to pause and really think.
They’d be in their 30s, he decided. They’d have a little excess money. They’d want to do something more exciting with their lives.
“I realized I was describing myself,” the 31-year-old licensed pilot said.
It was a bit of a lightbulb moment.