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Business Programs

RMMFI’s Business Idea Lab, Boot Camp, and Accelerator collectively guide entrepreneurs from idea development to business launch and scalable growth through progressive education, mentorship, and hands-on support.

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Business Idea Lab

Helping entrepreneurs refine ideas and build a clear business vision.

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Business Boot Camp

Supporting entrepreneurs with the tools to launch confidently.

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Business Accelerator

Strategic support to accelerate growth for established businesses.

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Business Idea Lab

Business Idea Lab helps entrepreneurs set the foundations for success by refining their idea and setting a vision for their entrepreneurial journey.

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A woman with a headband and a green sweatshirt speaks into a microphone, presenting her business idea in the softly lit Lab. She holds a clipboard as blurred lights and people create an inspiring backdrop.

Key Details

  • Program Structure: 5 classes and Pitch Night
  • Format:Online with an in-person option for Pitch Night
  • Time Commitment: 6 hours per week
  • Duration: 4 weeks
  • Class Time: Evenings
  • Capital Offered:  $500 Seed Loan at 0% interest available after program completion
  • Frequency: Offered 2-3 times per year, depending on site
  • Cost:$25

Program Description

Business Idea Lab is a 6-session program that gives entrepreneurs the tools to turn their business dream into a fully-formed business idea. Business Idea Lab is designed for entrepreneurs at a variety of stages, whether they are just starting to explore business ownership, looking to fine-tune an existing idea, or wanting to refine a concept for an existing business.

Approximately 75% of RMMFI entrepreneurs begin their journey in Business Idea Lab because even more developed business ideas can always be improved.

Business Idea Lab concludes with a Pitch Night, which gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their business ideas to the community for a chance to win prize money that can help them get their business off the ground.

In Business Idea Lab, entrepreneurs will:

Learn the essential skills and strengths of successful entrepreneurs.

Learn how to define their personal vision and set goals.

Receive an introduction to basic business concepts.

Learn how to generate, select, and test business ideas.

Meet with mentors (in class) to get feedback on their business ideas.

Learn how to build their own Startup Strategy.

Conduct a personal feasibility assessment.

Create their pitch to articulate their unique business idea.

Impact & Testimonials

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"I enjoyed talking with and bouncing off ideas with fellow entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners. The Idea Lab was very motivating and encouraging to me that I can, in fact, start a business; that the barriers to begin are not as big as I expected them to be."

86

of entrepreneurs feel Business Idea Lab was very or extremely useful in developing their business idea

651

entrepreneurs have completed Business Idea Lab

like 2

"BIL is for anyone who is curious about starting their own business but isn't sure where to start."

FAQs

Wait times vary based on location and program capacity. Applicants are placed into cohorts based on their readiness, eligibility, and ability to respond to communication and submit required documents.
If you’re not accepted into the Business Idea Lab, it doesn’t mean the door is closed. RMMFI may suggest additional resources, mentoring, or office hours to help you build a stronger foundation and reapply at a later time.
Business Idea Lab requires a $25 seat deposit. This deposit can be applied to the tuition balance for Business Launch Boot Camp if the participant is accepted. RMMFI is committed to removing financial barriers to entrepreneurship. Participants are encouraged to speak to their Business Idea Lab Trainer to develop a pay arrangement.
After completing the Business Idea Lab, participants may apply for the Business Launch Boot Camp, where they’ll receive more in-depth training on how to turn their idea into a fully operational business.
Basic technology skills, like using email, spreadsheets, and Zoom, can be helpful for participating in our programs. If you’re concerned about your technology skills, we encourage you to speak with our intake team for more information. RMMFI has resources available to support learning in this area, and we can help you determine if you’re ready to engage in the program.

Business Launch
Boot Camp

Business Launch Boot Camp provides the tools, guidance, and support needed to launch a business with confidence.

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A diverse group of six people is smiling and cheering on stage under a "TOWN HALL" sign, exuding the excitement of a successful business boot camp. Their raised fists and arms glisten in the warm light illuminating their joyful expressions.

Key Details

  • Program Structure: 2-3 classes per week, 1 mentor meeting per week, 2 presentations, and Graduation
  • Format:  Online with an in-person option for Graduation
  • Time Commitment: 15 hours/week
  • Duration: 12 weeks
  • Class Time: Evenings
  • Capital Offered:   Launch Loan up to $3,500 at 5% interest available after program completion
  • Frequency: Offered 2-3 times per year, depending on site
  • Cost: $75

Program Description

Business Launch Boot Camp (BLBC) is a 12-week intensive program that serves as the bridge between an idea and an operational business. It’s designed for individuals who have validated their business idea and are committed to taking their entrepreneurial dreams to the next level.

The comprehensive curriculum covers marketing, operations, financials, and management. With expert-led specialized workshops and dedicated mentor teams, participants receive personalized guidance and support as they navigate the complexities of launching their businesses.

By the end of the 12-week program, entrepreneurs will complete 2 business plan presentations (Retrospectives), a 12-month Financial Projection Workbook, and a Business Action Plan, including an Executive Summary.

In Business Launch Boot Camp, entrepreneurs will learn:

How to identify their market environment and target customer.

How to successfully craft and deliver their message.

How to develop their own Marketing Action Plan.

How to create an operations cycle to save time and money.

How to understand their business’s bottom line (revenue, costs, margin, profit, and cashflow) and take the stress out of business financials.

Effective management strategies for planning and goal setting.

How to measure and track their company’s Key Success Indicators.

Impact & Testimonials

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"Before Boot Camp, I had ideas, ideas, ideas with no structure for what to do with all of thing things swarming in my head. Boot Camp brought calm to my chaos and gave me next steps to really put things into action and make my business grow legs.”

88

of entrepreneurs would highly recommend Business Launch Boot Camp to a friend or colleague

597

entrepreneurs have completed Business Launch Boot Camp

like 2

“My time at RMMFI has been so helpful. I would recommend the program to ANYONE who's ready to start taking their business seriously!”

customer 3

“The Boot Camp gives entrepreneurs (or aspiring entrepreneurs) a great jumping-off point from wherever they're at in their business to either launch or grow, and I loved the one-on-one support I got throughout the course.”

FAQs

Wait times vary depending on location and your application readiness. Applicants are seated based on their eligibility, responsiveness, and submission of all required documents.
If you’re not accepted into the Boot Camp, RMMFI may work with you to identify areas where more preparation is needed. You could be paired with individual mentors, attend office hours, or receive a list of recommended resources to better prepare for the next cohort.
The Boot Camp tuition is $75. If you have already made a $25 seat deposit during the Business Idea lab program, your tuition balance is now only $50. RMMFI is committed to removing financial barriers to entrepreneurship, so if you have concerns about the deposit, you’re encouraged to speak with your Boot camp Trainer to discuss payment arrangements.
Basic technology skills, like using email, spreadsheets, and Zoom, can be helpful for participating in our programs. If you’re concerned about your technology skills, we encourage you to speak with our intake team for more information. RMMFI has resources available to support learning in this area, and we can help you determine if you’re ready to engage in the program.

Thrive Business
Accelerator

The Thrive Business Accelerator provides next-level support for established business owners as they navigate challenges, take on new projects, and accelerate their business growth.
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Key Details

  • Program Structure: 1 workshop and 1 experiential lab per week, 1 mentor meeting per week, a self-guided Capstone Project, and a panel presentation
  • Format:  Online
  • Time Commitment: 6 hours/week
  • Duration: 10 weeks
  • Class Time: Evenings
  • Capital Offered: Thrive Loan up to $7,000 available within 6 months of program completion
  • Frequency: Offered 2 times per year
  • Cost: Free

Program Description

The Thrive Business Accelerator is designed for entrepreneurs in the Thrive phase of RMMFI’s journey who are currently running a business. The program provides entrepreneurs with the capital and capacity they need to test new tools and long-term, sustainable growth strategies. The Thrive Business Accelerator includes technical assistance, mentorship, access to upfront grant capital, and a community of experienced entrepreneurs.

In the Thrive Business Accelerator, entrepreneurs will:

Learn from topic experts on branding and marketing, e-commerce, sales, business automation tools, accounting and bookkeeping, financial forecasting, HR, and strategic visioning.

Attend experiential labs that provide structured time to work on the business.

Participate in weekly mentor meetings to receive support with their self-identified goals.

Complete a culminating self-guided Capstone Project and panel presentation.

Impact & Testimonials

A simple, green, hand-drawn heart outlined in a continuous stroke against a transparent background. The heart is slightly asymmetrical, giving it a casual, organic feel—perfect for adding a touch of warmth to your business bootcamp materials.

“This was an opportunity to slow down and take a look at what I had accomplished and what needed to be done to continue to build my business. Being in class with other Boot Camp graduates who are on the same grind removed some of the isolation that I was feeling. And I got to hear new thoughts and ideas for brilliant entrepreneurs.”

76

of entrepreneurs rate their experience in Thrive Business Accelerator as excellent

69

entrepreneurs have completed Thrive Business Accelerator

like 2

“I learned so much in this program. The timing for me was important, and also being surrounded by other entrepreneurs with businesses of all shapes, sizes, and trajectories.”

FAQs

Wait times vary. We select participants based on their readiness, business growth potential, and ability to meet program requirements. Talk with our Thrive team to learn more.
If you’re not accepted into Thrive, RMMFI may offer you additional mentorship, office hours, or other resources to help strengthen your business and reapply when you’re ready for the next cohort.
Yes, graduates of the Thrive Business Accelerator may be eligible for additional capital support, including loans or grants (when available), to help scale their businesses.
Basic technology skills, like using email, spreadsheets, and Zoom, can be helpful for participating in our programs. If you’re concerned about your technology skills, we encourage you to speak with our intake team for more information. RMMFI has resources available to support learning in this area, and we can help you determine if you’re ready to engage in the program.

Turn Your Business Dream Into Reality

Take the first step toward realizing your entrepreneurial dreams with RMMFI. Complete your Dream Survey today!

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