Feb. 10, 2026
This piece is sponsored by Startup Sioux Falls.
Starting a business is exciting. Figuring out how to run and grow that business is where many founders get stuck.
That’s exactly why the CO.STARTERS Business Accelerator exists. This 10-week, cohort-based program at Startup Sioux Falls is designed for founders who are ready to slow down, ask better questions and build a business that is sustainable.
The next cohort begins March 4, and applications are open until Feb. 16.
What happens when founders get space, structure and support?
Suzanne Warwick joined the Business Accelerator with an idea for a pediatric sleep consulting business and what she describes as a half-baked plan.
“The accelerator quickly became my favorite part of the week,” she said. “The camaraderie with other like-minded entrepreneurs has been so encouraging, and the program has given me the clarity, confidence and courage to truly take hold of this business.”
She refined her idea and, maybe more importantly, found the confidence to share it publicly for the first time with her new venture, Tender Sleep Company.
After just three sessions of the Business Accelerator and taking the leap to put her business out into the world, momentum started to build:
- More than 10 people reached out to connect and refer clients.
- Warwick was invited to speak at a newborn care workshop.
- She joined a Small Business Saturday promotion.
- She booked her first speaking engagement for new moms.
- She began working with three families.
“I can confidently say that being selected for the CO.STARTERS Business Accelerator has changed my life,” Warwick said. “I can see beyond the program, not just what this business can be but the path to get it there.”
Who is this program for?
You’re a great fit for the Accelerator if:
- You’ve recently started a business and want to make sure you’re building it the right way.
- You’re launching a product or service.
- You’ve been running a business for a while and feel stuck, scattered or ready for a reset.
- You want systems, clarity and a supportive community of founders around you.
What you’ll do over 10 weeks
Each week, you’ll spend three focused hours digging into the core pieces of your business:
- Understanding your customer and the real problem you solve.
- Clarifying your offer, pricing and message.
- Building legal, financial and operational systems.
- Learning how to model your finances and plan for growth.
- Creating a practical road map for what comes next.
You won’t do this alone. You’ll learn alongside a small cohort of founders and hear from successful local entrepreneurs who share their stories and expertise each week.
The program is facilitated by Jessica Meyers, co-founder and CEO of PorchLight, who also serves as an entrepreneur in residence at Startup Sioux Falls and brings real-world experience building systems, teams and businesses that last.
The investment — and why it’s a no-brainer
The full value of this program is $3,800.
Thanks to community support, your cost is $350.
That includes:
- 30 hours of expert coaching and facilitation.
- Direct access to local business experts.
- A cohort that becomes part of your support system long after graduation.
- Access to a monthly alumni meetup to help you keep building momentum.
Ready to build the business you’ve been imagining?
What founders often don’t need is more hustle. They need time to think clearly.
“The intentional time each week to think, plan, brainstorm and ask myself the tough questions was invaluable,” one participant said.
If you’ve been craving that kind of time, clarity and confidence, this is your opportunity.
The next CO.STARTERS Business Accelerator begins March 4 in downtown Sioux Falls. Applications close Feb. 16.
Spots are limited. Apply and give yourself the space to build your business better.