Support through every stage
Columbia is home to a robust ecosystem of support for businesses of all types. Select your stage, and find the resource provider best equipped to help you.
Ideation01
Ideation is the beginning of the entrepreneurial process. During this stage, you’ll begin testing and refining your business idea by identifying pain points and conducting research.
Does this sound like you?
- I’ve got a business idea.
- I’ve decided that I’m ready to be an entrepreneur.
- I’ve conducted initial market research by talking with friends, family and colleagues.
Validation02
During the validation stage, you’ll develop your Minimum Viable Product (MVP) while setting the stage for launch – defining your marketing strategy and building a team.
Does this sound like you?
- I’m developing my MVP.
- I’ve begun identifying my ideal customers and my marketing strategy to reach them.
- I’ve evaluated my needs to begin assembling my team.
Launch03
At launch, you’ll see how a broad audience responds to your product. As you gather feedback from customers, you’ll continue to refine and improve your product.
Does this sound like you?
- I’m ready to release my product to a wider audience.
- I’m considering changes to my product based upon customer feedback.
Growth04
As your company grows, you will generate increasing revenue and refine your market strategy to create more consistent cash flow.
Does this sound like you?
- I’ve got steady cash flow.
- My revenue is consistently increasing.
- I’m retaining customers and adding employees as needed.
Maturity05
Maturity doesn’t mean your company is done growing. You may be adding new product lines, expanding into new markets or considering strategies for stable future growth.
- My company is stable and reliable meets its operational needs.
- My company is devising new ways to expand its market scope or add new products.