10 Signs PreFlight is the Perfect First Step to Start Your Business

In the 10 years since the EC opened its doors, hundreds of entrepreneurs have kicked off their business with our signature PreFlight program — a 14 week course to help new entrepreneurs begin with the end in mind as they start their first venture. 

But who is this program for? What can it do for you as a first time entrepreneur? And why should you make the jump right now? Check out these ten signs that PreFlight is going to be the perfect place to start.

You want to connect with entrepreneurs in the same phase you are.

Entrepreneurship can be a lonely road, but you don’t have to do it by yourself! By joining PreFlight, you become part of a group of dozens of fellow Phase 1 entrepreneurs* who can come with you on the journey, called a cohort! As a part of a PreFlight cohort, you’ll share insights about the process, brainstorm to solve one another’s problems, and celebrate your successes together, so you’ll always have someone to walk with as you build your business.

*Don’t know about the phases of entrepreneurship yet? Check out our breakdown of the entrepreneurial life cycle here!

You’ve never taken a business class, but want to start a business

Want to learn more about business, but don’t feel like a traditional classroom is for you? PreFlight has you covered! We break down entrepreneurship basics so they’re accessible to everyone – not just students with business degrees. Learn to “talk the talk” – from “ROI” to “seed investment” – in just 14 weeks, that’s about a quarter of the amount of time it takes to get an MBA!

You want to network with Advisors Who are Experts in Entrepreneurship and Their Fields

As a part of your PreFlight experience, you will not only get to learn from the experts who teach each of our courses, but you will also be connected with your very own Champion Advisor – an expert who will walk with you through the whole PreFlight experience to answer any questions you may have and to work with you on the details of your business idea. 

With over 300 advisors available in virtually every industry, we’ll connect you with someone interested in your business and excited to help you succeed.

You can do it without leaving your home!

We know that things are more uncertain now than ever before, but that doesn’t mean you have to put your dreams on hold. This year, we transitioned PreFlight to become a completely virtual program, accessible to anyone with a computer. Join classes every Monday from the comfort of your dining room table anywhere in Tennessee without the hassle of making the drive or finding a babysitter — one click, and you’re in! 

You’ve already started a business, but never mastered the basics.

Maybe you’ve already started the business of your dreams, but want to rebuild your foundation for maximum growth. Transform your side-hustle with the blueprint for success by brushing up on the basics – from financial modeling to customer interviews to tracking your financials.

You’re ready to jump into an entrepreneurial community of like-minded peers.

Access to our Virtual PreFlight course also comes with some community perks! Seen too much of your home office recently? Use your complimentary CoWork Membership to work out of the EC’s (socially-distanced and mask-required) space at 41 Peabody Street during business hours Monday through Friday! Then join us for one of our bi-weekly entrepreneurship workshops and learn crucial skills to growing your business virtually or in person.

You want to be your own boss, but you’re not ready to quit your day job.

Starting a business can be a big decision, and leaving your dayjob to work on your venture is an even bigger one. If you aren’t sure if entrepreneurship is for you (or you want to further validate the idea you think will take you to the top), PreFlight not only gives you the opportunity to continue honing your idea but also the chance to meet with some of our over 300 advisors who can share their perspective on making the jump into full-time entrepreneurship.

You want to start a business, but you need accountability to make it work! 

Confusion setting in? Not sure what to tackle first? We can help you get organized. In the weeks between curriculum sessions of PreFlight, you’ll be given homework assignments to help you apply each concept to your business specifically, including building your very own pitch deck! As you complete each assignment, you’ll get feedback from our staff and advisors to help you build your company to the best it can be.

You want to learn how to talk about your business idea like an expert.

All PreFlight participants get the opportunity to pitch their idea to our entrepreneurial community at PreFlight Pitch Night, an all-virtual pitch event just for our PreFlight entrepreneurs. Our curriculum gears you up to speak about your business professionally, in a way that makes others want to be in your corner! 

You have the next big idea, and you’re ready to get started.

So you’ve got a great idea, and you’re ready to bring it to life? Sounds like PreFlight might just be for you. Register today to reserve a seat in our fall cohort, which kicks off on Monday, September 14 and runs through the end of 2020. 

Do you identify as a founder of color, a woman founder, or an LGBTQ+ founder? Or maybe you’re a student, or you were born in a different country! You may qualify for one of our Diversity scholarships! Learn more about the scholarship process (and how we’re leveling the playing field for founders in all phases!) then apply for the opportunity to attend PreFlight completely free!