Starting Your Journey: The Nine Steps to a Solid Business
Feeling stressed about where to start? You're not alone. The idea of starting your own business is exciting — but figuring out the first step can feel overwhelming. That's exactly what this class is for.
Join us for the first session of CleanStart's Summer Small Business Power Series — a four-class online series for entrepreneurs at every stage, supported by SMUD, the Carlsen Center and CalOSBA. Come find out what it actually takes, and whether it's the right fit for you.
Most people start by worrying about funding or rushing to build a prototype. That's usually the wrong place to start — and it's why roughly 70% of startups fail. They built something nobody wanted, because they assumed instead of asking. This class flips that script.
In a couple of hours, you'll learn the nine building blocks of a viable business using the Business Model Canvas: a structured, visual framework that replaces guessing with evidence. We'll walk through each block together, work a real example as a group, and then you'll start filling in your own.
You'll leave with:
A completed first-draft Business Model Canvas for your own idea
A clear sense of what to validate first — and why the order matters
No business plan required. No funding needed. Just bring your idea and a willingness to test your assumptions.
“Learn from a colleague” — Hear from someone who has been where you are now and how they succeeded. Get an idea whether building a business is a good fit for you.
Part of the CleanStart Summer Small Business Power Series | In partnership with StartupSac and made possible by support from the Carlsen Center, SMUD, Chico Start and CalOSBA