Make Startups Program: Filling the Gap for Experienced Military Spouses
As a military spouse, moving from location to location and having to start from scratch repeatedly has definitely been challenging. The Make Startups program allowed me to pull the skills I had developed from multiple jobs to create a business of my own that I can take with me wherever I go.
- Catherine Bichard
Catherine Bichard stumbled upon the Make Startups program as she searched for ways to utilize her skills and create a sustainable career. Inspired by the idea of starting her own business, she poured into the program, drawing upon the skills she had developed from her previous jobs. With the help of the Make Startups team, she transformed her passion into a reality. Catherine is now the owner of Kinnaber Marketing, a full-service marketing agency.
As a military spouse, Catherine knows that the future is uncertain, but the skills she gained from Make Startups have allowed her to adapt and thrive in any situation. Through perseverance and determination, she has carved out a path that supports her family financially and gives her the sense of purpose and fulfillment she has been searching for.
Like many aspiring entrepreneurs, Catherine struggled to find the right resources and guidance to help her develop a clear and compelling business strategy. That was until she found the Make Startups program offering the Kauffman FastTrac course. The program provided an invaluable support system and knowledge base for those looking to navigate the complexities of the business world.
During her time in the program, Catherine learned the skills needed to develop a successful business strategy. Make Startups covered all aspects of starting and running a business, from financial management to marketing and networking. But more importantly, Catherine gained a deeper understanding of how to properly implement financial management, which she knew would be critical for her business's success.
(story continues below…)
Start Your Journey
The program's networking opportunities were also crucial for Catherine. Her consistent participation in Chamber of Commerce lunches and networking events allowed her to meet other like-minded entrepreneurs, exchange experiences and valuable insights, and make valuable business connections.
Another invaluable resource provided by the program included theClubhou.se and the shared workspace. It allowed Catherine to meet with potential clients and customers professionally while accessing various indispensable tools and resources in building her business.
However, building a business plan was the most challenging aspect of getting started for Catherine. With the help of the Make Startups instructor and the support of her fellow entrepreneurs, she developed a comprehensive plan that set her objectives and helped her avoid many of the common pitfalls new businesses face.
Creating a social media strategy was another area where Catherine excelled. She spoke to potential customers who needed help with marketing to gain a deeper understanding of her target market and tailor her social media content accordingly. Her approach was efficient and helped her gain wider exposure.
For other entrepreneurs looking to join the program, Catherine encourages them to be prepared to put in some serious effort and dig deep. Take full advantage of all available resources, including the shared workspace, one-on-one mentoring, and group coaching sessions. Catherine found them all incredibly beneficial in tying everything together, providing invaluable resources for answering the "what now?" and "what next?" questions that inevitably come up after completing a program like Make Startups.
The Make Startups program provided Catherine Bichard with the necessary support and skills to run her business successfully. The program's comprehensive approach provided Catherine with valuable insights crucial for navigating the complex world of entrepreneurship. With the right skills, attitude, and determination, Catherine believes anything is possible, and with the support of the Make Startups program, she is on her way to achieving great success.
“As a military spouse, moving from location to location and having to start from scratch repeatedly has definitely been challenging. The Make Startups program allowed me to pull the skills I had developed from multiple jobs to create a business of my own that I can take with me wherever I go. The military does a great job of providing skill bridges to young spouses, but there is a gap for more experienced spouses, and Make Startups fills this need.”
(Article by Yulonda Beatty)
