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:
June 1st, 2026

Registration deadline:
May 29th, 2026

Clarity + direction

  • Discover which idea to pursue
  • Define what you want to build

Program details

  • Fits your busy schedule
  • 5 hrs/wk commitment
Professional entrepreneur

“I found a career I now love thanks to the Program!”

★★★★★
Smiling participant

A Pragmatic Approach to Your Entrepreneurial Pivot

What’s next for your career? Let’s find out.

Are you considering a career shift? Wondering if entrepreneurship, a side hustle, or small business ownership could be the right path for you? Hoping to diversify your income and reduce your employment risk?

TThe Denison Alumni Entrepreneurship Pathways Program 30-day program will guide you step by step to explore new career 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 the structure, tools, and community to take the first steps.

Perfect for you if you’re:

  • Alumnus in transition who wants to explore entrepreneurship
  • Side hustler ready to test or grow your idea
  • Professional curious about small business ownership or diversifying income streams
  • Feel the pull toward building something new

The Three Stages of Your Journey

Based on proven design thinking principles

1

Explore

  • Define the career you want to build
  • Assess your time, resources, and support
  • AAlign entrepreneurship with your career and life goals
2

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
3

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!

3 Live Group Sessions + 1 One-on-One Session

Be guided through the phases of Explore, Validate, Start by fellow Denisonians during 3 weekly live video calls (recordings provided) and get 1-1 support in an individual call to take your results further.

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 (recorded) sessions and self-paced activities + 1 Personalized Call
Duration
30 days
Time Commitment
Approximately 5 hours per week
Start Date
June 1st, 2026

Get Started Today

Our next program starts June 1st, 2026

Denison Alumni Enrollment

$250
Enroll Now

Alumni Success Stories

See what fellow Denisonians have accomplished through entrepreneurship

Professional woman entrepreneur

HAYES

Grew a Guitar Education Company

Hayes knew he had a passion for helping people learn guitar, but when it came to growing a business that could support him full time, he needed some support in the “how.” This program gave him the pieces to take action.

Young entrepreneur at desk

LANA

Runs a Productivity Consulting Practice

Lana craved a career that was fulfilling and allowed her the financial and time freedom to care for her family, finding that balance was part of her goals in this work.

Smiling business owner

CARLIN

Launched AI Based Marketing Firm

JHaving only worked in corporate, Carlin was ready for more creative endeavors that also brought in additional income, now he has the business structure to do so and the confidence to take the leap.

What You’ll Gain

Clarity

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

Validation

Confirm your idea of next steps 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

Cali and Mark have been wonderful and have helped me propel my business forward, giving me and my family the freedom we need!

This has been really, really helpful. You helped me unearth something that I never would have found on my own in a million years.

I AM JUST HAVING THE BEST TIME! I can’t even believe how much progress we have made in the last month on my new biz!

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 5 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.
Who is leading the program?
Two fellow Denisonians from the 2010 class who run several businesses themselves and now help others do the same! For more on their shared business and who they are, visit their site here.
What technology will I need to participate?
All you need is a computer with a webcam, reliable wifi, and a Google account. We’ll be using Zoom for our video calls and Google Docs for our assignments.
What happens if I need to miss a live call?
ANo worries, we’ll be recording all 3 sessions, so you can watch the replay in your own time.
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.