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Spring 2026 Startup Starter workshops – Starting May 13 for 8 weeks – Free – Missoula
Exciting news for Montana founders, builders, and future entrepreneurs. Do you have a new business idea or an innovative startup concept, but aren’t sure about where to begin or next steps? Or are you just interested in learning more about entrepreneurship, and how to turn a new idea into a viable business?
VBX Venture Studio is launching its Spring 2026 Startup Starter workshop on May 13th—a free, 8-week, real-world entrepreneurship course designed to help participants turn new ideas into viable business ventures. Led by Erik Guzik, PhD, Clinical Professor of Entrepreneurship at the The University of Montana – College of Business, the workshop series will work with cohort members to identify, develop, and launch value-based business opportunities, no matter the size or market type.
The workshop series is sponsored by VBX and Blackfoot Communications, a company that has long believed in connecting communities and supporting economic growth across Montana.
Up to 10 applicants will be accepted for the Spring 2026 cohort. The workshop series will be offered Wednesdays from 5:30pm-7:30pm at Blackfoot Communications Missoula location. The first workshop begins Wednesday, May 13th. The deadline for applications is Friday, May 8th. Learn more and apply via the link below.
What you’ll get:
• An 8-week entrepreneurship course, complete with textbook, workbook materials, and digital programming, all at no cost.
• Workshop sessions led by experts in entrepreneurship, marketing, and business.
• Concrete deliverables required for future launch and fund-raising, including a financial model, revenue forecast, marketing plan, and pitch deck.
• A vetted strategy for funding and launching your business.
• An opportunity to develop your idea into a new company, including joining the VBX Venture Studio.
• One-on-one support for application to the upcoming Startup World Cup on October 21, 2026 at the University of Montana: https://lnkd.in/gsdk24Gd
• A chance to participate in a possibly life-changing workshop, while contributing to the economic development of Missoula.
What you’ll learn:
• Opportunity & problem validation
• Value proposition design
• Business models & unit economics
• Customer acquisition & traction
• Building the venture team
• Financial planning & funding strategy
• Pitching & next steps
• The entrepreneurial process
Whether you’re a student, professional, side-hustler, future founder, or someone looking for a true career change, this program is built to help you move from idea to action.
Thank you to Blackfoot Communications for helping make entrepreneurship education accessible to more people in our region.
