Launch Academy

Our Launch Academy is an 8-month business certificate program for creative and social entrepreneurs at the idea stage who are committed to starting a business. The program supports participants in developing their idea and launching a business that can be sustained in the current economic environment.

Through the Launch Academy, you will gain the tools and resources to:

• Clarify your business idea, identify who it is for, and assess whether it meets a real need;
• Test your business concept with customers and use feedback to refine your offering;
• Learn how to reach customers, make early sales, and adapt your approach based on real-world conditions;
• Price your work, track income and expenses, and understand the financial realities of running a small business; and
• Set up basic systems for managing time, projects, communications, and finances as you launch your business.

All courses listed below are components of the Launch Academy certificate program and are not offered as standalone courses.

Launch Academy requires a meaningful weekly time commitment. You should plan to spend approximately 15–20 hours per week working on your business as part of the program. This time is dedicated to learning new concepts, applying them directly to your business idea, and receiving feedback and support as you prepare to launch.

Launch Academy is best suited for people who are able to make a consistent weekly commitment to working on their business.

Building a business is a process of continuous improvement. As a business owner, you will receive feedback from customers, employees, and partners on regular basis through informal conversations and more formal surveys and other tools. And, you will use that feedback to refine your services and business strategy.

Through the Launch Academy, we also provide you with regular feedback to start and grow your business. You will receive informal feedback from your instructor and peers on your weekly business development activities. In addition, you will receive more formal feedback through progress reports designed to provide you with documented feedback on your business and personal development and next steps for your business at regular intervals throughout each course.

In order to graduate from the Launch Academy and receive a Certificate of Completion, you must meet the following requirements:

• Comply with the attendance policy;
• Submit all required activities for completion of each course in the program; and
• Meet all financial obligations to Uptima Entrepreneur Cooperative.

A Certificate of Completion will be issued to each entrepreneur who has successfully completed the program within thirty (30) days of the end of the program.

We select up to 8 businesses to participate in our Launch Academy in each enrollment period.

Selection Criteria

• Have an idea for a creative or social enterprise
• Have knowledge of the field in which you are starting a business
• Be willing to commit to a process of understanding customer needs, testing your business idea, and using feedback to refine your approach
• Be a current resident of the United States
• At least 18 years or older as of the application deadline or if under 18, have legal guardian consent
• Have at least intermediate level English language skills
• Be able to commit up to 20 hours per week to building your business

Admissions Process

To be considered for the Launch Academy, you must apply online. After each application deadline, our staff will review all applications for the Launch Academy and select the top applicants for business consultations.

Based on business consultations, our staff will select up to 8 individuals per enrollment period to participate in the Launch Academy. We will notify all applicants of our selection decisions at least one week prior to the start date of each enrollment period.

Our Launch Academy is offered during the following times.

The total cost of Launch Academy is $3,700, which consists of a one-time $100 non-refundable registration fee and $3,600 in program fees.

Program Fees and Payment Options

The $3,600 program fee may be paid over the course of the program. You may choose to pay the program fee in monthly installments over the 8-month period. Specific payment schedules and due dates are provided upon acceptance into the program.

Additional Business Costs

In addition to program fees, you should be prepared to cover the basic costs of starting and operating a business. These costs vary by business but typically include:

• $250–$500 in one-time setup costs, such as purchasing a website domain and required business licenses; and
• $100–$200 per month for subscriptions and services to maintain a website, file management system, office technology, and phone or video conferencing.

Depending on the nature of the business, you may also incur additional costs related to marketing tools, project management systems, travel, materials, or equipment needed to operate your business.

Do I need to live in a specific location to apply?

Applicants must be current residents of the United States. Launch Academy is delivered online, and there are no additional geographic restrictions within the U.S.

How much does Launch Academy cost?

The total cost of Launch Academy is $3,700, which includes a $100 non-refundable registration fee and $3,600 in program fees. The program fee may be paid in monthly installments over the 8-month period.

What kinds of businesses are a good fit for Launch Academy?

Launch Academy is designed for creative and social enterprises at the idea stage. Participants work on business ideas that aim to meet real needs, generate income in realistic ways, and operate responsibly. We have worked with entrepreneurs across a wide range of industries, including arts and culture, education, health and wellness, food and beverage, retail and eCommerce, manufacturing, and service-based businesses.

What kinds of values or impact does the program support?

Launch Academy supports entrepreneurs who want to build businesses that are sustainable over time and contribute positively to the people and communities they serve. The program emphasizes practical decision-making around customers, pricing, labor, and resources.

What happens after I complete Launch Academy?

Participants receive a Certificate of Completion. Completion of Launch Academy does not guarantee admission to additional programs.

Can I become a member-owner of Uptima after completing Launch Academy?

Completion may make entrepreneurs eligible to pursue membership through a separate process.