APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED FOR OUR JANUARY 2024 CLASS

Deadline for applications was 12/27/2023

Mission

Our mission is to mentor startups so they can:

  • Create products and services that meet the needs potential paying customers
  • Understand how to access capital
  • Have a plan to increase revenue
  • Be confident when hiring locally 
  • Help strengthen the Maryland economy  

What is 30 Steps for Startups?

30 Steps for Startups is a free, 6-session, online program for Maryland entrepreneurs who want to avoid costly mistakes and reach profitability faster. This class is challenging. We focus heavily on planning for profitability, using numbers to make business decisions and developing a plan for smart growth of your company. There are no fees to apply or participate thanks to our partners, the U.S. Small Business Administration, the National Disability Institute, Glass Soldier, Baltimore Economic Leadership League and FSC First.

This program is facilitated by Will Holmes Consulting and begins January 1st 2024. The application deadline is December 27th 2023.

This step-by-step system is based on 20 years of Business Advisor Will Holmes, working with entrepreneurs, helping them to create solutions to their business challenges. Since 2016, this curriculum, in various iterations, has helped thousands of business owners increase revenue and add jobs in their communities.

Our Partners:

  • The National Disability Institute
  • The U.S. Small Business Administration
  • Glass Soldier and Act2End
  • The Baltimore Economic Leadership League
  • Will Holmes Consulting
  • FSC First
  • Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation

 

Who is eligible?

Thanks to our Partners, this program is free for:

  • Startups
  • Business owners who identify as having a disability
  • Veteran-Owned Businesses
  • Woman-Owned Businesses
  • Rural Businesses
  • Small Businesses

Participants are chosen by WHC based on the thoroughness of their application, past revenue, business experience, target customers, plans to hire workers, and what products and services the business offers.

6 Sessions via Zoom

Class Schedule:

  • 1/1/2024
  • 1/2/2024
  • 1/8/2024
  • 1/15/2024
  • 1/22/2024
  • 1/29/2024

Classes are from 6pm to 9:30pm EST via Zoom. Participants will need access to the internet and to the Zoom app to participate. Homework is submitted by completing a questionnaire on the WHC website. We will also reference a 12-month cash flow projections excel worksheet throughout the program. Attendees are encouraged to utilize this tool to plan the growth of their business.

Topics: 

Classes are challenging and interactive. Classes are taught in English and live captions are presented on the screen. If you require additional reasonable accommodations, please let us know in your application. If you require or desire a helper during class to help you better understand or communicate, please feel free to bring them with you. Mics should be on mute during the class.

To graduate, participants must:

  • Attend each class.
  • Submit all weekly homework assignments on time via the WHC website.

Additional one-on-one coaching is NOT REQUIRED to participate in the program. It is an option offered to those applicants who are chosen to participate.

An Example of a Class

Apply

We choose participants based on the quality of their application. We may ask for additional information or an interview due to the limited spots and competitive application process. If not chosen for this cohort, we may invite you to a future cohort in 2024.

Deadline for applications was 12/27/2023