CO.STARTERS is a nine-week program that equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn business ideas into action and turn a passion into a sustainable and thriving business. Each week, the group of entrepreneurs will tackle another aspect of building a business – from creating a lean canvas business plan, to driving marketing and sales and learning how to scale.
Local professionals will lead the training modules and facilitate the CO.STARTERS curriculum. These facilitators will rotate leading CO.STARTERS cohorts several times a year.
Meet your Fall 2020 Facilitators
Nicole Rule
Nicole Rule is the owner of Danicole Bespoke Headwear, where she makes handmade headpieces, including turbans, head wraps, bows, and silk flowers for daily wear, weddings and other formal occasions. Nicole sells her products online and in many boutique stores in Lynchburg and across Virginia. Nicole first participated in CO.STARTERS in 2016, and became a certified CO.STARTERS facilitator in 2019.
Elise Spontarelli 
Elise Spontarelli is the Executive Director at Vector Space, Lynchburg’s maker space. There she combines her business and nonprofit experience with her creative passions. With a background in graphic design, she gives her designs life by vinyl cutting, laser engraving, and silk screening. Elise is also a strong advocate of the maker movement and loves community collaborations. She works with her husband and whenever they can find the time, they enjoy making toys and contraptions for their two young sons. Elise has facilitated multiple CO.STARTERS cohorts since she was certified in 2017.
The 2020 Fall CO.STARTERS cohort will begin September 14th, the deadline to apply is August 1st. If you are interested in applying for the CO.STARTERS program, please visit https://www.opportunitylynchburg.com/co-starters/ if you have questions about CO.STARTERS, please contact Emelyn Gwynn Light at 434.845.7291 or EmelynGwynn@LynchburgVA.Gov