News Archives | Square One https://squareoneschool.com/category/news/ A Community For First-Time Founders Thu, 19 Feb 2026 15:56:36 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 https://squareoneschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/cropped-sq_0000_Group-2-32x32.png News Archives | Square One https://squareoneschool.com/category/news/ 32 32 Square One Wins Federal Award to Launch New Southeast Investment Initiative https://squareoneschool.com/square-one-wins-federal-award-to-launch-new-southeast-investment-initiative/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=square-one-wins-federal-award-to-launch-new-southeast-investment-initiative Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:00:29 +0000 https://squareoneschool.com/?p=85931 Atlanta, GA — [December 16, 2025] — Square One Startup School, a nonprofit startup accelerator based in Atlanta, has been […]

The post Square One Wins Federal Award to Launch New Southeast Investment Initiative appeared first on Square One.

]]>
Atlanta, GA — [December 16, 2025] — Square One Startup School, a nonprofit startup accelerator based in Atlanta, has been selected as a 2025 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition Award recipient by the U.S. Small Business Administration, receiving a $75,000 federal prize to launch its newest regional capital formation initiative: Spark The Southeast Project.

The Spark The Southeast Project is designed to expand access to early-stage startup capital across the Southeastern United States by creating new angel investors, incentivizing first-time investments, and keeping high-growth founders headquartered in the region. The initiative directly responds to a growing investment gap that has forced many Southeast startups to seek funding outside the region—or shut down altogether.

Solving a Growing Capital Crisis in the Southeast Startup Ecosystem

Despite the Southeast’s surging entrepreneurial activity, the region continues to face a persistent shortage of early-stage investors and declining in-region capital deployment. This capital gap disproportionately affects overlooked founders and undercapitalized communities, often forcing startups to relocate or fold before reaching sustainability.

Spark The Southeast tackles this problem at the root—by simultaneously training founders to become capital-ready and developing brand-new angel investors within the region.

“We don’t just need more startups in the Southeast—we need more investors who are equipped, incentivized, and confident enough to back them,” said Executive Director, Justin McLeod. “Spark The Southeast is about rebuilding the region’s early-stage capital engine from the inside out.”

How Spark The Southeast Works

Spark The Southeast operates through a two-sided capital formation model:

1. Founder Capital Readiness

Square One will train at least 10 pre-seed stage startups through its proven 10-week virtual pre-accelerator, preparing founders for:

  • Angel investment readiness
  • Financial projections
  • Pitch development
  • Fundraising strategy
  • Investor communications

Eligible startups must:

  • Be based in one of the eligible Southeast states
  • Have raised under $250,000 in total capital
2. Angel Investor Training + Cash Rebates

Through ecosystem partnerships, at least 10 first-time angel investors will be trained to deploy capital into Southeast startups. To accelerate early participation, Square One is piloting direct cash rebates as an incentive for investments into qualifying companies:

  • 10% cash rebate (up to $2,500) for investments in qualifying Southeast startups that have graduated from Square One’s pre-accelerator
  • 5% rebate for investments in qualifying Southeast startups

This approach simulates the impact of Angel Investment Tax Credit programs, which currently exist in only a few Southeast states—​​this project serves as a feasibility test to determine whether expanding such incentives regionwide could stimulate stronger early-stage investment.

Eligible Southeast States

The Spark The Southeast pilot focuses on startups based in:

  • Alabama
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Mississippi
  • North Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • West Virginia

Note: Arkansas, South Carolina, and Virginia already operate investor tax credit programs.

A Long-Term Vision for a Connected Southeast Innovation Economy

Spark The Southeast represents Stage One of a multi-year strategy to build a cross-state investor network that allows capital to flow more freely across the region. In Stage Two, Square One will also conduct a formal feasibility study to assess where statewide Angel Investment Tax Credit programs could be established or expanded.

If successful, the initiative will:

  • Increase regional investor participation
  • Keep startups headquartered in the Southeast
  • Unlock new early-stage capital pipelines
  • Strengthen local job creation and economic mobility
  • Reduce founder dependence on out-of-state capital markets

Media, Partnerships, and Angel Training Collaborations

Square One Startup School is actively seeking ecosystem partners across the Southeast—including organizations that provide angel investment training, investor education, or capital formation programs—to collaborate on Spark The Southeast and expand the reach of this initiative.

Interested in partnering or already providing angel investment training in the Southeast? Email founder@squareoneschool.com to explore collaboration opportunities with the Spark The Southeast Project.

About Square One Startup School

Square One Startup School is a 501(c)(3) entrepreneurial support organization equipping underrepresented founders with the education, coaching, and capital readiness needed to build scalable technology companies in undercapitalized regions across the United States. Since 2020, Square One Startup School has supported 65+ early-stage technology startups, helping founders access over $8 million in capital while delivering virtual education, 1-on-1 coaching, and community-driven acceleration for underrepresented entrepreneurs nationwide.

With the backing of the SBA Growth Accelerator Fund Challenge, Square One is now scaling its impact deeper into the Southeast—where it was founded.

Learn more at www.squareoneschool.com

The post Square One Wins Federal Award to Launch New Southeast Investment Initiative appeared first on Square One.

]]>
Square One Startup School Earns 501(c)(3) Status to Scale Inclusive Innovation https://squareoneschool.com/square-one-startup-school-earns-501c3-status-to-scale-inclusive-innovation/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=square-one-startup-school-earns-501c3-status-to-scale-inclusive-innovation Tue, 02 Dec 2025 06:00:48 +0000 https://squareoneschool.com/?p=85807 ATLANTA, GA — [December 2, 2025] — Square One Startup School, the virtual pre-accelerator dedicated to uplifting underrepresented founders, today […]

The post Square One Startup School Earns 501(c)(3) Status to Scale Inclusive Innovation appeared first on Square One.

]]>
ATLANTA, GA — [December 2, 2025] — Square One Startup School, the virtual pre-accelerator dedicated to uplifting underrepresented founders, today announced that it has officially obtained its 501(c)(3) nonprofit designation—solidifying its evolution from a program within Surthrive LLC into a fully independent organization with a national platform for inclusive innovation.

Founded in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, Square One started as a simple experiment: could quality startup education, mentorship, and capital access be delivered virtually—meeting founders where they are—without requiring them to relocate to traditional tech hubs? The answer became a resounding yes.

What began as a coaching program in Atlanta, Georgia has since grown into a scalable, community-centered platform that serves underrepresented founders across the nation and beyond. To date, Square One has supported more than 200 diverse startup founders who have collectively raised over $10 million, created hundreds of jobs, and built high-growth ventures rooted in their own communities. Its virtual startup showcases have reached audiences across seven countries, four continents, and every U.S. region, demonstrating the power—and necessity—of borderless access.

“Officially becoming a nonprofit marks a turning point,” said Justin McLeod, Founder and Executive Director of Square One Startup School. “We’re no longer just a program—we’re a platform built to scale opportunity. This new chapter positions Square One to deepen our impact, expand national partnerships, and provide founders everywhere with the education, resources, and strategic connections they deserve.”

From Program to Platform: A New Era of Impact

Square One’s transition into an independent 501(c)(3) cements its long-term commitment to economic mobility and inclusive innovation. The new structure enables the organization to expand its year-round virtual programs, strengthen public-sector and industry partnerships, and open new pathways for philanthropy to fuel innovation in underserved regions. 

Square One’s mission remains clear: to build a more equitable innovation economy by equipping historically excluded innovators with the education, resources, and strategic connections needed to launch high-growth ventures that strengthen their own communities.

Its signature 10-week pre-accelerator—paired with ongoing coaching, community support, and investor exposure—empowers first-time founders to progress from idea to execution. By removing geographic, financial, and cultural barriers, Square One continues to demonstrate that innovation can thrive anywhere.

Introducing the Square One Board of Directors

With its new nonprofit status, Square One is guided by an inaugural board of directors composed of nationally recognized ecosystem builders, educators, and economic development leaders.

Justin McLeod — Executive Director
Founder of Square One Startup School; ecosystem builder and entrepreneurship leader who has supported 550+ disadvantaged small businesses, helping them raise $44M and create 1,000+ jobs across 23 states through his small business marketing consultancy, Surthrive.

Lavonya Jones — Board Member
Entrepreneurship educator and economic development leader heading Innovation & Entrepreneurship for the City of Hampton, VA. Formerly led entrepreneurship pipelines at Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and 40+ HBCUs.

Charlton Cunningham — Board Member
Seasoned ecosystem builder and Ecosystem Navigator at The Continuum, with experience leading startup programs at Startup Atlanta, Lightship Foundation, HBCUvc, and Higher Ground Labs.

Charlotte Clark — Board Member
Former software engineer and current Economic Recovery Corps Fellow supporting inclusive economic development through product, operations, and community-centered small business support.

This board will guide Square One’s national expansion, regional partnership development, organizational sustainability, and founder-focused programming.

A Vision for the Future

With nonprofit status secured, Square One is poised to scale its platform to reach thousands of underrepresented innovators nationwide. In the coming year, the organization will:

  • Expand its virtual pre-accelerator to additional regions
  • Launch new industry-specific cohorts, such as AI, climate, and BlueTech
  • Deepen partnerships with economic development agencies, universities, and investor networks to co-create innovative solutions that address place-based challenges
  • Continue building community-centered ecosystems where innovation fuels local economic growth

“Entrepreneurship is the most powerful engine for economic mobility,” McLeod added. “By meeting founders where they are, we ensure that those historically left out can help shape—and benefit from—the future of innovation.”

About Square One Startup School

Square One Startup School is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to reimagining who gets to build the future. Through a virtual 10-week pre-accelerator, year-round learning programs, and a national ecosystem of partners, Square One equips underrepresented founders—especially women and entrepreneurs of color—with the tools, mentorship, and connections needed to launch high-growth startups that create jobs, build wealth, and strengthen communities.

Donate now at www.squareoneschool.com/pledge

The post Square One Startup School Earns 501(c)(3) Status to Scale Inclusive Innovation appeared first on Square One.

]]>
Introducing Square One Startup School’s 9th Cohort https://squareoneschool.com/introducing-square-one-startup-schools-9th-cohort/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=introducing-square-one-startup-schools-9th-cohort Wed, 11 Sep 2024 18:15:37 +0000 https://squareoneschool.com/?p=84433 We are excited to announce the arrival of our newest cohort of visionary startup founders joining Square One Startup School’s […]

The post Introducing Square One Startup School’s 9th Cohort appeared first on Square One.

]]>
We are excited to announce the arrival of our newest cohort of visionary startup founders joining Square One Startup School’s immersive 10-week pre-accelerator program this Fall 2024. This vibrant group of startup founders bring together a diverse mix of innovative technology companies spanning AI-powered enterprise software, groundbreaking healthcare advancements, cutting-edge music technology and transformative fintech solutions. 

These founders are poised to push boundaries, disrupt industries, and redefine the future of technology. Join us as we embark on this exciting journey with the next wave of game-changing leaders. Allow us to introduce you to Cohort 9!

Meet The Founders

(Left to Right)

  • Joevan Palmer // Saola Health // Saola Health is a mental health community platform that helps individuals with stress management, anxiety reduction, and suicide prevention by providing real-time mental health advisors.  
  • Emmanuel Obodoechine // Eno // ENO is an automated savings app that helps first-time home buyers save money to purchase their first home. 
  • Demontay George // Dizzbe // Dizzbe is an AI-powered personal stylist helping online shoppers simplify their online shopping experience by discovering clothing items and accessories across the web that best fit their style and budget.
  • Dre Manning // SparQ Social // SparQ Social is a marketplace with ready-to-post video content helping marketing professionals access quality license-free content in one convenient location. 
  • Treasure Goddard // Applicaster // Applicaster uses AI to simplify the job application process by allowing job seekers to bulk apply to multiple job openings at once. 
  • Jeremy Knowles // Eryn // Eryn is an AI-powered enterprise software that aligns talent strategy with business goals. 
  • Darrien Carter // Aonverse // Aonverse is a social network for gamers and cosplayers.  
  • Brandon Hazzard // Fox Flock // Fox Flock makes in-person networking more effective by allowing professionals to identify fellow professionals located nearby.  
  • Jaidan Hines // AuxBattles // AuxBattles is a music social networking game that allows friends to compare their playlists against each other with a community of music lovers determining the winner. 

How To Stay Connected

If you’re looking to engage, support, or follow the progress of this group of early-stage startup founders over the next 10-weeks, the best way to connect with them directly is to join our FREE online learning community HERE!

The post Introducing Square One Startup School’s 9th Cohort appeared first on Square One.

]]>
Unveiling Square One Startup School’s 8th Cohort! https://squareoneschool.com/unveling-square-one-startup-schools-8th-cohort/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=unveling-square-one-startup-schools-8th-cohort Thu, 11 Apr 2024 20:31:55 +0000 https://squareoneschool.com/?p=84339 Meet the founders accepted into the 8th Cohort of Square One Startup School's 10-week virtual-first pre-accelerator program.

The post Unveiling Square One Startup School’s 8th Cohort! appeared first on Square One.

]]>
We are thrilled to unveil the newest cohort of visionary minds joining Square One Startup School’s esteemed 10-week pre-accelerator program. Representing a kaleidoscope of innovation, this diverse group of startup founders brings together cutting-edge expertise from the realms of artificial intelligence, fintech, healthcare, and Software as a Service (SaaS). 

As they embark on this transformative journey, they are poised to redefine industries, disrupt norms, and shape the future of entrepreneurship. Get ready to witness the birth of groundbreaking solutions and the rise of tomorrow’s industry leaders. Allow us to introduce the founders in Cohort 8! 

Meet The Founders

 

(Left to Right)

 

  • Jamila Carrington Smith // Centric AI // CENTRIC is an AI-powered customer success manager that helps businesses create a high-touch experience for their customers that grows their bottom line.
  • Luben Petrov // Alternative Systems and Technologies // Alternative Systems and Technologies is an AI-powered quant investing company that helps wealth managers increase their annual returns for their investors. 
  • Abdul Diallo // Jootal // Jootal is a modern equity-crowdfunding platform that allows anyone from around the world to invest in real estate and organic farms based in the African diaspora.
  • Deon Lumpkin // Goody’s 2 Go // Goody’s 2 Go is an on-demand shopping marketplace allowing convenient stores to increase their revenue by selling expiring or underperforming inventory at a discounted price. 
  • Ray Arceneaux // Diabetes Healthcare Company // Diabetes Healthcare Company is an AI-powered diabetes care management platform for people who have recently been diagnosed with diabetes. 
  • Victory Ogunbanwo // AsoebiBar // AsoebiBar is a One-Stop-Shop for finding and purchasing custom African Asoebi clothing. 
  • Grace Simmons // Gluggler // Gluggler is an on-demand delivery marketplace for alcohol, tobacco and convenience goods.
  • Jermey Vincent // GlobeKin // GlobeKin is an e-learning platform that enhances out-of-school learning for kids K-12.
  • Ryan Marsh // Sidenote // Sidenote is a group chat app that helps with managing and planning activities with your friends and family.
  • Sarah Lawrence // Tallymade // Tallymade is a gamified survey tool that increases survey completion rates by transforming surveys into interactive games.  

How To Stay Connected

If you’re looking to engage, support, and follow the progress of this group of startup founders, the best way to connect with them is by joining our Square One community HERE!

The post Unveiling Square One Startup School’s 8th Cohort! appeared first on Square One.

]]>
Meet Square One’s Lucky Number 7 Cohort https://squareoneschool.com/meet-square-ones-lucky-number-7-cohort/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=meet-square-ones-lucky-number-7-cohort Mon, 11 Sep 2023 09:26:28 +0000 https://squareoneschool.com/?p=84108 As the bell rings for a new school year this Fall, a new class of entrepreneurial innovators will be joining […]

The post Meet Square One’s Lucky Number 7 Cohort appeared first on Square One.

]]>
As the bell rings for a new school year this Fall, a new class of entrepreneurial innovators will be joining Square One Startup School’s 7th Cohort to accelerate their startups and embark on a journey to change the world. 

From a linguistic app powered by AI to a waste management platform reducing waste in a unique way, we are excited to introduce Square One’s 7th Cohort! 

Meet The Founders

(Left to Right)

  • Hope Anusiem // Fashion Row Collective // Fashion Row Collectives is a professional social network for the fashion industry helping fashion creatives, brands, and providers seamlessly connect and collaborate. 
  • Nadia Rivera // Fishwalk // Fishwalk is an AI-powered voice recognition technology tutor helping non-native English speakers learn and improve their speech, pronunciation and conversational skills.
  • King Davis // Shwcse // Shwcse is an online marketplace that connects consumers directly to independent clothing brands.
  • Miranda Terrell // Leisure Parking // Leisure Parking is a parking management platform that simplifies the parking reservation process. 
  • Kirk Scott // Helix // Helix is a centralized platform helping student-athletes secure scholarships and NIL deals. 
  • Lucas Scandian // Fishwalk // Fishwalk is an AI-powered voice recognition technology tutor helping non-native English speakers learn and improve their speech, pronunciation and conversational skills.
  • Shonda Hobbs // ProfessionDeck // ProfessionDeck is an online gig work marketplace that allows educators to earn supplemental income by leveraging their freelance talents to support local business and school district needs. 
  • Raven Campbell // Ape Recycling // Ape Recycling is a waste management software platform that reduces waste by helping construction companies divert, track, and sell recycled construction debris to contractors.
  • Calvetta Phair // ReferAll // ReferAll is a recruiting platform that monetizes the referral process. 
  • Dana Blades // INtv // INtv a television app that displays content based on the program that is being viewed in order to boost viewer engagement and provide critical metrics to advertisement companies.

How To Stay Connected

If you’re looking to engage and support this group of startup founders, here are 3 ways to connect with the Square One community and follow their journey: 

  1. Subscribe to our Back To The Basics Newsletter to stay up-to-date 
  2. Follow our Wisdom Wednesday Sessions to attend FREE events
  3. Explore our Content Library for FREE courses and content

The post Meet Square One’s Lucky Number 7 Cohort appeared first on Square One.

]]>
Square One’s Announces It’s Most Advanced Cohort, Meet Cohort 6 https://squareoneschool.com/meet-cohort-6/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=meet-cohort-6 Thu, 20 Apr 2023 15:21:24 +0000 https://squareoneschool.com/?p=83760 From health and wellness apps powered by AI to smart contract platforms leveraging blockchain technology, we are excited to introduce Square One’s most advanced cohort to-date , Cohort 6! 

The post Square One’s Announces It’s Most Advanced Cohort, Meet Cohort 6 appeared first on Square One.

]]>
School is back in session with a fresh batch of new first-time tech startup founders looking to take their startup to the next level by joining Square One Startup School’s 6th Cohort.

From health and wellness apps powered by AI to smart contract platforms leveraging blockchain technology, we are excited to introduce Square One’s most advanced cohort to-date , Cohort 6! 

Meet The Founders

(Left to Right)

  • Skania Florestal // HBCU Made // HBCUMADE is a professional social network designed to help corporations diversify their talent pipeline by connecting them to alumni networks at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
  • Odie Gray // Spotlight // Spotlight is a web application that matches social impact services from non-profits with people in need within under-resourced communities. 
  • Surayya Walters // Still Knowing // Still Knowing is a digital community and platform where Gen Z can gather to discover their faith, learn faith-based mental health practices, and interact with educational and community resources to support them in their journey toward blending spiritual and emotional wellness.
  • Gavin Sharp // Interp // INTERP is a health tech company that provides on-demand interpreters for non-english speaking patients. 
  • Torance Robuck Jr. // Handitova // Handitova is an on-demand delivery app that offers same-day delivery for small e-commerce businesses. 
  • Janai Walters (Co-Founder) // inSIDEkonnect // InSIDEkonnect is a platform that seamlessly connects socially-disadvantaged business suppliers to corporate and government buyers using smart contracts. 
  • Sean Graham (Co-Founder) // inSIDEkonnect // InSIDEkonnect is a platform that seamlessly connects socially-disadvantaged business suppliers to corporate and government buyers using smart contracts. 
  • Dominic Pritham // Braghumble // BragHumble is an AI-powered personal fitness trainer that helps remote workers improve their at-home workouts to achieve their personal fitness goals. 

Getting On The Fast Track

This group of startup founders is considered our most advanced cohort to-date because the majority of them have functioning products, active users, and paying customers. Regardless of where they are in their journey, these founders will be placed on a fast track to reach their next major milestone over the course of 10-weeks. For non-technical founders looking to build their first product the “Build” Track will help them build an MVP. For pre-revenue founders, the “Sell” Track will help them build a waitlist of new customers. Lastly, for pre-seed founders, the “Scale” Track will help them prepare for a successful fundraising journey. 

How To Stay Connected

If you’re looking to engage and support this group of amazing startup founders in Cohort 6, here are 3 ways to follow their journey and connect with the Square One community: 

  1. Subscribe to our Back To The Basics Newsletter to stay up-to-date 
  2. Follow our Wisdom Wednesday Sessions to attend FREE events
  3. Sign up to Become an Advisor to share your expertise

The post Square One’s Announces It’s Most Advanced Cohort, Meet Cohort 6 appeared first on Square One.

]]>
Applications For Our Spring Cohort Are Open! 📣 https://squareoneschool.com/applications-for-our-spring-cohort-are-open-%f0%9f%93%a3/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=applications-for-our-spring-cohort-are-open-%25f0%259f%2593%25a3 Wed, 08 Feb 2023 21:40:39 +0000 https://squareoneschool.com/?p=83338 Meet Square One Startup School's newest and biggest batch of early-stage startup founders participating in the programs 5th cohort.

The post Applications For Our Spring Cohort Are Open! 📣 appeared first on Square One.

]]>
 

We are super excited to announce that applications to join Square One Startup School’s 6th cohort are officially open! Join a community of fellow founders this Spring to learn from some of the nation’s top startup experts to build the next profitable tech startup.

 

What’s New?! 💡

Our Brand

We are kicking off the New Year with a new look. Our new website has gotten a refresh and redesign to match the variety of pathways to success that founders can experience while being apart of Square One. Yellow highlights our “Build” Track which is for non-technical founders looking to build their first product. Green represents our “Sell” Track which is for pre-revenue founders looking to acquire new customers. Red represents our “Scale” Track which is for our pre-seed founders who are preparing to raise capital for their company.

Program Curriculum

We are switching from a theoretical curriculum to a practical curriculum helping founders walk away with tangible outcomes. No code is the future, so we’re implementing DIY software-building into our curriculum that will be integrated into all of our hands-on workshops! Instead of relying on a developer or contractor, our founders will learn how to build the most basic version of their product, sales funnel, and fundraising journey that will allow them to validate, automate, and delegate.

Alumni Spotlight ✨

Alex Edquist, Good Agriculture (Left) & Elkanah Reed, Workopti (Right)

Square One graduates have been busy making strides to advance their startups. Big shoutout to cohort 5 alum, Alex Edquist (Good Agriculture), who was recently accepted into the 2023 class for Techstars Impact by Cox Enterprises. Techstars Impact focuses on for-profit companies making a positive impact on underrepresented groups, underserved communities and environmental sustainability.

Cohort 5 alum, Elkanah Reed (WORKOPTI), is making his mark in the startup world! Since 2022 he’s been accepted into several programs including Deloitte ScaleUp Program 2022, TAG Connect, Microsoft Black Partner Growth Initiative, and Google’s Black Founders Exchange.

Applications Are Open 🙌

We are seeking to support the best overlooked early-stage startup founders around the world to join our 6th cohort over the course of 10-weeks. If you are a tech startup founder looking to accelerate your path to startup success be sure to submit your application to join a vibrant virtual startup community with world-class startup experts HERE.

Last year we were fortunate enough to give away 10 Fully-Paid scholarships to startup founders due to our ecosystem partners. The good news is that we are offering more scholarships for founders to participate in Square One for free or at a discounted rate (Check scholarship eligibility). If you support tech entrepreneurs and would like to be an official ecosystem partner learn more here.

What is Square One? 🤔

Square One is a fully-remote pre-accelerator program helping pre-product, pre-revenue, and pre-seed tech startups accelerate their path to profitability in 10-weeks. The program consists of a customer-first curriculum, close-knit cohort of fellow founders, and guidance from world-class entrepreneurs, mentors, and advisors.

The post Applications For Our Spring Cohort Are Open! 📣 appeared first on Square One.

]]>
Square One Launches It Largest Cohort, Meet Cohort 5 https://squareoneschool.com/square-one-launches-it-largest-cohort-meet-cohort-5/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=square-one-launches-it-largest-cohort-meet-cohort-5 Thu, 11 Aug 2022 15:25:33 +0000 https://squareoneschool.com/?p=83215 Meet Square One Startup School's newest and biggest batch of early-stage startup founders participating in the programs 5th cohort.

The post Square One Launches It Largest Cohort, Meet Cohort 5 appeared first on Square One.

]]>
Square One Startup School was designed to surround and support first-time startup founders with a community that can be accessed from virtually anywhere in the world. 

Since launching in 2020, Square One has brought in over 50+ startup experts to train over 25 startup founders. We are super excited to add to our rapidly growing virtual community with the announcement of our largest cohort to date, Cohort 5! 

Meet The Founders

 

(Left to Right)

 

  • Elkanah Reed // Workopti // WORKOPTI is a strategic planning platform that provides one-click business insights to increase productivity and reduce meetings. 
  • Cortesia Oxford // The Branding Architect // The Branding Architect is developing a marketplace to discover digital assets such as video, photos, and illustrations with diverse representation for businesses to create inclusive marketing campaigns. 
  • Melissa Brogdon // Fourth Party // Fourth Party is a scheduling platform helping mediators streamline the coordination and meeting portion of the meditation process.
  • Naim Ali // Payote //  Payote is a Web3 marketplace for automotive merchandise. 
  • Deniece Griffin // Grown & Fit Studio // Grown & Fit Studio is developing a menopausal health platform addressing the needs of women 40+ in a community format.
  • Sheila Jordan // Knowledge Architects // Knowledge Architects is developing an AR/VR educational platform to upskill technicians in the industrial maintenance industry. 
  • Alex Edquist // Good Agriculture // Good Agriculture is a platform uniting small farmers under one business umbrella to compete against industrial agriculture at scale.
  • Vishwa Mudigonda // KemNu // KemNu is an engagement marketplace for educational institutions to improve student & community experience.
  • Lauren Randolph // Kin Collective // Kin Collective is a subscription-box filled with Black-owned food & beverage products making it easier for conscious consumers to support Black-owned businesses.
  • Shawanda Johnson // Picture Fresh // Picture Fresh is developing a modern air-purifier system to provide safe air quality for indoor environments.

Meet The Coaches

We have brought together a new batch of startup experts ranging from product development, legal, digital marketing, finance, and more to work 1-on-1 with our startups in Cohort 5 helping them reach their personalized goals for the program over the next 10-weeks. New coaches joining the Square One network include Sean Frazier, Managing Partner at 1731 MGMT and Brett Clanton one of the first hires and Lead Engineers for Calendly. 

(Left to Right) Manav Thaker, Stephanie Smith, Brett Clanton, Charlotte Clark, Lawrence O’Connor, Chris Gilmore, Sean Frazier, Phil Lakin, Durantae Lucas, Brandy Nagel, and more that aren’t photographed.

.

Wisdom Wednesday Sessions Are Back!

Last year we opened up our Wisdom Wednesday Series to the general public and had an amazing response and attendance from our Square One Community. For this cohort we are bringing in 3 new amazing speakers that consist of a Venture Capitalist, Executive, and Founder that forged their own paths in the startup world. 

Mckeever Conwell, Managing Partner at Rarebreed Ventures, Mandela Schumacher-Hodge Dixon, CEO at All Raise, Ben Chestnut, Founder of Mailchimp

How To Stay Connected

Missed the application deadline? No worries, we got you! Here are 3 ways to connect with the Square One community and follow the journey of the amazing founders in Cohort 5: 

  1. Enroll in Square One: On-Demand to access a series of online courses
  2. Follow our Wisdom Wednesday Sessions to attend FREE events
  3. Subscribe to our Back To The Basics Newsletter to stay up-to-date

The post Square One Launches It Largest Cohort, Meet Cohort 5 appeared first on Square One.

]]>
Expanding Square One’s Footprint: Meet Our 4th Cohort https://squareoneschool.com/expanding-square-ones-footprint-meet-our-4th-cohort/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=expanding-square-ones-footprint-meet-our-4th-cohort https://squareoneschool.com/expanding-square-ones-footprint-meet-our-4th-cohort/#comments Thu, 01 Jul 2021 18:30:33 +0000 https://squareoneschool.com/?p=82921 Square One Startup School was designed to break geographical barriers in the startup world to prove that anyone with an […]

The post Expanding Square One’s Footprint: Meet Our 4th Cohort appeared first on Square One.

]]>
Square One Startup School was designed to break geographical barriers in the startup world to prove that anyone with an idea can build their startup from anywhere in the world and still have access to a world-class startup network to increase their chances of startup success.  

With the majority of founders in our previous cohorts being based in the South (US) we’re excited to be expanding Square One’s national and international footprint with our 4th Cohort! 

Meet The Founders

(Left to Right)

  • Brian Mays // Smile // Los Angeles, CA: Smile uses real time data to create personalized oral care products and education while leveraging teledentistry to make expert advice and services more affordable.   
  • Onanma Okeke (Co-Founder) // Lanor // New York, NY: Lanor is a cloud-based inventory and product lifecycle management platform built for retail brands.
  • Arnav Bathla // Sqillful // Victoria, British Columbia, Canada: Sqillful provides short immersive training and experiential learning for students to get job-ready.
  • Abiola Doherty (Co-Founder) // // Los Angeles, CA: Lanor: Lanor is a cloud-based inventory and product lifecycle management platform built for retail brands.
  • Dedren Snead // Future Bridge // Atlanta, GA: Future Bridge is a learning management system teaching kids K-12 how to code through gamification and connecting them to careers in tech.  

What’s New?

At Square One, we are constantly iterating on our 10-week program to fit the needs of our community, which is why we divided the program into 3 Tracks to be intentional about the 3 types of founders we serve; Pre-Product, Pre-Revenue, and Pre-Seed. 

We’re allowing founders to choose which area of their business they want to focus on the most over the course of these 10-weeks. Product, Customers, or Investment?

Each founder may have different individual goals but the same objectives: 1) Build a quick & cost-effective MVP to validate your concept 2) Build an email list and monetize your audience 3) Receive your first investment or term sheet by the end of the program. 

Our Growing Community 

We’ve brought on a new batch of coaches and partners including Carta and some individuals at high-performing venture capital and startup legal firms to train and support our 4th Cohort of founders along their startup journey. 


What’s Next?

Grab a Class Pass to learn from our coaches yourself and subscribe to our newsletter to follow the journey of this amazing group of founders! 

The post Expanding Square One’s Footprint: Meet Our 4th Cohort appeared first on Square One.

]]>
https://squareoneschool.com/expanding-square-ones-footprint-meet-our-4th-cohort/feed/ 2
Meet The New Coaches & Partners For Cohort 4 https://squareoneschool.com/meet-the-new-coaches-and-partners-for-cohort-4/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=meet-the-new-coaches-and-partners-for-cohort-4 Wed, 23 Jun 2021 14:53:18 +0000 https://squareoneschool.com/?p=82882 Meet Cohort 4's diverse group of coaches including sales reps, startup lawyers, venture capital analysts, no-code specialists, and more.

The post Meet The New Coaches & Partners For Cohort 4 appeared first on Square One.

]]>
There is more to startups than building a cool product and raising a bunch of money. The unsexy side of a sustainable startup, such as customer research, company structure, and cap table management, are often overlooked but extremely important to a startups success. 

This is why we’ve curated over 40+ influential startup experts, with a variety of expertise, to coach our community of first-time founders so that they avoid costly mistakes and increase their chances of startup success. 

Today, we are super excited to announce the new coaches and partners training, inspiring, and supporting our fourth cohort! 

Meet The Coaches 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Left to Right)

Not Photographed

New Partners

We are super excited to announce our new partnership with Carta, a platform that helps companies manage their cap tables, valuations, investments, and equity plans!

For Cohort 4 we are opening up our program to startups founders looking to raise their pre-seed round so that they are fully prepared to go on a successful fundraising journey to secure their first investment in the most equity-efficient way possible. 

The partnership will include FREE tools and resources exclusive to our 4th Cohort along with workshops powered by Carta. 

What’s Next?

Our next cohort kicks off next week and we’ll be announcing founders in Cohort 4 soon! There are few spots open to join our 4th Cohort so if you are interested in participating submit your application by Friday, June 25th at 11:59pm PST to join the waitlist. 

 

 

APPLY TODAY!

The post Meet The New Coaches & Partners For Cohort 4 appeared first on Square One.

]]>