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BUILD

Launch your business with structure, mentorship, and accountability.

At-a-Glance

BUILD helps early-stage founders move beyond the idea and into action. Through guided modules, personalized mentor feedback, and structured accountability, you’ll validate your business model, test your product, and start gaining traction.

 

Designed as a flexible, self-paced program with built-in mentorship, BUILD gives you the tools, mentorship, and support to move from concept to launch — at your own pace but never alone.

STAGE:

Early-stage, post-idea founders

FORMAT:

Self-paced with guided mentorship and feedback

DURATION:

3-6 Months

COST:

$250 ($150 for inaugural participants)

START DATE:

Winter 2025

ENROLLMENT

Rolling Admissions (Monthly Onboarding)

STATUS:

Interest Form Open

What You'll Learn

BUILD combines flexibility with accountability — so you can make real progress at your own pace. The program includes:

Structured Learning Modules:​

  • Problem/Solution Fit

  • Customer Discovery

  • Business Model & Unique Value Proposition

  • Market & Competitor Research

  • Messaging & Branding

  • Experimentation & Testing

 

​1:1 Mentor Support & Personalized Feedback

You’ll be matched with a dedicated mentor who provides written feedback and 1:1 meetings throughout your journey. Not just templates — real, actionable guidance on your actual work.

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Access to the Founder's Network

Office hours, advising, mentorship referrals, and member perks.

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You'll gain the clarity, , structure, and momentum to:

  • Identify your ideal customer and validate key assumptions

  • Test and refine your business model and value proposition

  • Build a brand and message that resonate

  • Experiment through real-world feedback and adapt strategically

  • Strengthen business foundations (legal, finance, operations)

  • Set measurable goals and plan your next steps toward growth

This Program is Perfect For

BUILD is designed for founders who are past the idea stage and ready to start building for real.

 

You’ll fit right in if you:

  • Have a defined business idea, product, or service

  • Are actively validating your business model or making early sales

  • Are ready to do the work — discovery, testing, and iteration

  • Want practical mentorship and accountability

  • Thrive in a flexible, self-paced format

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You don’t need to be full-time in your business — just committed to progress.

 

BUILD may not be a fit if you:

  • Are still exploring multiple ideas and haven’t picked one

  • Haven’t yet defined your customer or product

  • Want a group/cohort model (this program is individualized and self-paced)

 

Not quite ready?
Start with Startup 101 [link] to solidify your foundation before applying.

What to Expect

BUILD provides structure, mentorship, and accountability — guiding you from idea validation to launch readiness.

Here's how it works:​​

  1. Self-Assessment: Upon acceptance, complete a diagnostic to identify your strengths, challenges, and priorities.

  2. Kickoff Meeting: Meet with your mentor and the Startup Tucson team to review your self-assessment, clarify goals, and set your timeline.

  3. Module Progression & Mentor Feedback: Work through the modules at your own pace, submitting worksheets and receiving personalized mentor feedback.

  4. Check-Ins & Wrap Meeting: Meet with your mentor three additional times — at key milestones and for a final wrap-up with the Startup Tucson team to map your next phase of growth.

  5. Ongoing Support: Stay connected with Startup Tucson through the Founder’s Network, office hours, and Build-to-Grow workshops for continued learning and accountability.

Next Steps

  1. Complete a 2025 Interest Form to be notified when the Winter 2025 program opens. 
    NOTE: If you’re already a Founder’s Network member, contact the Startup Tucson team to request the streamlined BUILD application.

  2. Application Review: Startup Tucson reviews submissions monthly and invites accepted founders to onboarding. Admission is selective — we curate for fit, readiness, and commitment.

  3. Onboarding: Once invited, you’ll pay your program fee and begin your self-assessment. After completing it, you’ll schedule your kickoff session and meet your mentor to begin your BUILD journey.​​​

Have questions before you apply? Contact Us or explore Startup 101 to get started.

FAQs
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