Denison Entrepreneurship Pathways Program

Entrepreneurship Pathways Program

30-day online program to explore, validate, and start your entrepreneurial journey that fits your life

Get Started Today

Next cohort: January 15, 2026

Early bird ends: November 1, 2025

Clarity + direction

Uncover what entrepreneurship might look like for you
Take first steps into business ownership

Program details

Fits your busy schedule
3 hrs/wk commitment

“If you have ever had a dream to start something and didn’t know where to start, start here!”

★★★★★

A Pragmatic Approach to Your Entrepreneurial Pivot

What’s next for your career?

Are you considering a career shift? Wondering if entrepreneurship, a side hustle, or small business ownership could be the right path for you?

This 30-day program will guide you step by step to explore ideas, validate opportunities, and take action. Transitions are powerful — and sometimes daunting. Whether you’re ready to leave a job, craving more freedom, or simply curious about business ownership, this program gives you structure, tools, and community.

Perfect for you if you’re:

Alumni in transition who want to explore entrepreneurship
Side hustlers ready to test or grow their idea
Professionals curious about small business ownership
Anyone who feels the pull toward building something new

The Three Stages of Your Journey

Based on proven design thinking principles

Explore

Define what you want to build
Assess your time, resources, and support
Align entrepreneurship with your career and life goals

Validate

Test whether there’s a market for your idea
Identify the time, money, and skills required
Pressure-test your idea in a safe, supportive setting

Start

Outline your first steps
Learn what matters most when launching
Leave with a realistic action plan

What You’ll Experience

This is a peer-learning program; you’ll work with fellow alumni who “get you” and want to help you thrive!

Assignments that fit your schedule

Spend about 3 hours/week learning entrepreneurship principles, exploring resources, and completing insightful exercises

Weekly team working sessions

Fellow alumni give you new perspectives and actionable feedback on your entrepreneurial journey

Accountability partner check-ins

Go deeper and have more breakthroughs with your assigned partner throughout the program

Expert facilitator guidance

Receive dedicated support from experienced entrepreneurs throughout your journey

Format

Virtual, with live sessions and self-paced activities

Duration

30 days

Time Commitment

Approximately 3 hours per week

Start Date

January 15, 2026

Get Started Today

Our next program starts January 15, 2026

Early Bird Enrollment

$250

Available through November 1, 2025

Enroll Now

Regular Enrollment

$295

After November 1, 2025

Enroll Now

Alumni Success Stories

See what fellow Denisonians have accomplished through entrepreneurship

Sarah ’15

Launched Consulting Practice

From corporate executive to independent consultant, Sarah used the validation framework to test her idea, identify her ideal clients, and launch her business while still employed.

Michael ’18

Started Tech Startup

With a full-time engineering job, Michael wasn’t sure if his app idea had legs. The program helped him validate demand, build an MVP, and secure early users.

Jennifer ’12

Opened Creative Studio

Jennifer always dreamed of opening her own design studio but didn’t know where to start. The program gave her the confidence to take the leap.

What You’ll Gain

Clarity

Identify your business idea or determine which idea to pursue first. Move from overwhelmed to focused.

Validation

Confirm your idea has market potential and fits your lifestyle before investing significant time and money.

Confidence

Take the first steps toward entrepreneurship with certainty and a clear roadmap for success.

Community

Join Denison alumni navigating change together. Build lasting connections with fellow entrepreneurs.

What Participants Say

This program gave me the clarity I desperately needed. I went from feeling overwhelmed by possibilities to having a concrete plan I’m actually excited about. The Denison community aspect made all the difference.

Nathan R.

Class of 2016 • Marketing Professional

I’ve attended other entrepreneurship workshops, but this was different. The structured approach to validation saved me from pursuing an idea that wouldn’t have worked. Now I’m building something with real market demand.

Ari K.

Class of 2019 • Financial Analyst

As someone mid-career with a family, I didn’t think I had time for this. But the program fit my schedule perfectly, and the peer accountability kept me moving forward. Best investment I’ve made in myself.

Rebecca M.

Class of 2013 • Healthcare Administrator

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have a business idea yet?

Not a problem! Many participants join without a clear idea. The Explore stage is specifically designed to help you identify potential business opportunities that align with your skills, interests, and lifestyle. You’ll use proven frameworks to generate and evaluate ideas.

Can I do this while working full-time?

Absolutely. The program requires approximately 3 hours per week and is designed for busy professionals. Most activities are self-paced, and live sessions are offered at multiple times to accommodate different schedules. Many participants maintain their full-time jobs throughout the program.

How is this different from other entrepreneurship programs?

This program focuses specifically on validation and practical action rather than just education. You’ll work with fellow Denison alumni who understand your background, receive structured guidance through each stage, and leave with a tested idea and concrete action plan—not just theory.

What happens after the 30 days?

You’ll leave with a validated business idea, a clear action plan, and connections to fellow Denison entrepreneurs. While the formal program ends after 30 days, many participants continue supporting each other and stay connected through the alumni network. You’ll also have access to resources and next steps for launching your venture.

What if I realize my idea won’t work?

That’s actually a success! The validation process is designed to help you test ideas quickly and affordably before investing significant time and money. Discovering what won’t work saves you from costly mistakes and frees you to pivot to better opportunities. Many participants refine or completely change their ideas during the program.

Ready to Take the Leap?

Join a community of Denisonians who are embracing the challenge of entrepreneurship and writing their own next chapters. Through 30 days of guided exploration, you’ll move from “I think I want to start something” to “I know what steps to take.”

Apply Now

Denison Big Red. Bold Moves. Your Next Chapter Starts Here.