Techstars Startup Week Columbus 2018

The Starting Line provides Columbus professionals with access to the tools, education, and network needed to make informed decisions about taking the first steps to starting their business, all at no charge.  We’ll host our boot camp on Thursday evening at 5, and throughout the week our shop manager will be on site with our 3D printers, laser cutter and prototyping tools to help the community turn ideas into actions.  

Why?
Recognizing that many professionals in Columbus have great ideas to contribute, we want to make sure that you have the resources, knowledge, and confidence to get started. Through a collaboration with the Create Columbus Commission, The Ohio State University College of Nursing’s Innovation Studio is partnering with some of Columbus’ top local businesses (Root, ZoCo Design, Land Grant Brewing Company, CrossChx & Wolf’s Ridge Brewing to name a few) that have been founded by a young professional to provide insight and resources to Columbus’ professionals.

What?
The Starting Line brings prototyping tools, designers, programmers, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and much more to local businesses that have been founded by young professionals and delivers mini half-day entrepreneurship boot camps to help you take the first few steps to start your business.  You’ll hear firsthand about what drove these founders to entrepreneurship and how they found success.  

Need to talk to a lawyer? Check.
Need to 3D print a prototype? Check.
How about advice from a programmer? Check.
Oh, and it’s all free!

Who?
If you found this page, The Starting Line was built for you.  We are looking for entrepreneurs (aspiring or actual) who need a little help to get started or push past a plateau. The Starting Line is a great place to plug into Columbus’ thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem and can help bring your business to life.  Check back often for updates to the schedule and event details.

How?
The Starting Line is powered by The Innovation Studio at The Ohio State University College of Nursing, a moveable makerspace that fosters interprofessional innovation across campus.  Why nursing you may ask?  As the largest healthcare profession, nurses consistently innovate at the bedside to improve patient outcomes. Thanks to the generosity of Gary and Connie Sharpe, and the Create Columbus Commission, we’re able to leverage the Innovation Studio and its team to bring the Starting Line to our community.  

How to get involved?
Come on up and ask for help.  It's that easy.
Want to get involved as a starting line mentor? Contact our Chief Innovation Officer, Tim Raderstorf, at raderstorf.3@osu.edu for details.

What’s the catch?
Sorry, not going to find anything here.  You live in a community unlike any other.  Our only ask is for you to participate, be respectful, and create something great in Columbus.  Now get to it!