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Next Level Program

Have an idea for a new product or scalable service? Want to know if you can turn that idea into a profitable business?

Next Level is a 10-week program hosted by the Central Carolina Community College Small Business Center, with financial support from NC IDEA, and in cooperation with Innovate Carolina. The program is designed to take you through a step-by-step process for figuring out if your idea can actually make money.

The main reason most new startups fail is because the entrepreneur invests time, money, and energy into creating a business before finding out if there is enough interest from potential customers to support the business and make money.

Entrepreneurs that go on to build successful businesses do it in a different way that reduces risk. They identify opportunities, test, and pivot when needed.

Next Level utilizes a proven process for starting a business based on Lean Startup principles that takes you from idea to sales with minimal risk.

Divided into phases, Next Level includes bite-sized lessons, activities, and a facilitator to assist you through the process.

Once you’ve validated your idea, you’ll discover how to pitch your idea to potential investors and take your business to the next level.

In this program you’ll discover how to:

  • Find opportunities that customers will pay for
  • Test new and exciting ideas
  • Avoid mistakes that cost time and money
  • Get proof that your idea has potential to make money and will sell
  • Reduce risk and improve your chances of success
  • Gain the confidence to raise money
  • Validate your idea
  • Build your dream

Classes are free, but all participants must apply and be approved to be guaranteed a space in the program.

  • Class size is limited to 10 individuals.
  • Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
  • Location: Pittsboro

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Testimonials

The Next Level program allowed me to not only validate my idea but also build a credible pitch deck. Both the instructor and facilitator were both very knowledgeable and supportive of the class with engaging weekly sessions and keen insights into our particular ideas. I would highly recommend anyone with a business idea to begin with Next Level. The support network has been unbelievable. I can't wait for the next cohort to begin.

Andre Mapp
Future Business Owner

The Next Level class was an incredible experience. The instructor and staff were knowledgeable and engaging. It was beneficial and I would highly recommend it to anyone working on a start-up. Beyond thankful.

Charity Blackmon
Future Business Owner

The Next Level class had a significant impact on my journey to pursue my passion within the intersection of healthcare and game development. It helped me focus my ideas and develop clear plans of action throughout the steps to begin a startup. The personalized approach was immeasurable, and I am confident moving forward knowing I have the support and resources the class provided (and will continue to provide!). I have a greater sense of purpose and direction in my professional life as a result of this class!

Katie Stokes
Future Business Owner

Class Syllabus

  • PART ONE: Introduction to 21st Century Entrepreneurship

    September 11, 2023

    In the 21st century, it is no longer about developing a product then figuring out how to sell it. Today, it’s about understanding a problem that people have and finding a solution to solve that problem. In this seminar, discussion will focus on what it takes to launch a business, what it takes to be successful, and what path to follow to successfully launch a new venture.

  • PART TWO: How to Start a Business in 7 Phases

    September 18, 2023

    This seminar will cover finding the problem, picking a customer to serve, finding unmet market needs, identifying early adopters, choosing a beachhead, and writing your customer discovery script.

  • PART THREE: How to Start a Business in 7 Phases

    September 25, 2023

    FinancingIn this seminar, participants will discover how to design lean startup experiments, identify how and when to pivot, create affinity diagrams, and analyze problems.

  • PART FOUR: How to Start a Business in 7 Phases

    October 2, 2023

    This seminar will cover creating customer personas, developing key messaging based on customer personas, applying an affinity diagram to assimilate large amounts of customer information, defining a problem statement, and quantifying your beachhead.

  • PART FIVE: How to Start a Business in 7 Phases

    October 16, 2023

    This seminar will cover creating customer personas, developing key messaging based on customer personas, applying an affinity diagram to assimilate large amounts of customer information, defining a problem statement, and quantifying your beachhead.

  • PART SIX: How to Start a Business in 7 Phases

    October 23, 2023

    This seminar will cover creating a minimum viable offer, designing and executing the offer experiment, developing a solution interview script, and conducting customer validation interviews.

  • PART SEVEN: How to Start a Business in 7 Phases

    October 30, 2023

    This seminar will cover identifying the key components of a good elevator pitch and preparing an elevator pitch script.

  • PART EIGHT: How to Start a Business in 7 Phases

    November 6, 2023

    This seminar will cover creating a name for your new venture, understanding trademarks, domain names, branding, email and incorporation.

  • PART NINE: How to Start a Business in 7 Phases

    November 13, 2023

    This seminar will cover effectively pitching your business idea to potential investors and stakeholders.

  • PART TEN: How to Start a Business in 7 Phases

    November 20, 2023

    This seminar will cover creating a 5-10 minute pitch presentation on your business idea.