A Culture-Affirming Learning Experience

This course is a curated collection of real-world insights and practical lessons designed for aspiring entrepreneurs at the earliest stages of building a startup. Developed from years of experience through HBCUvc’s programs, the Startup Toolkit brings together practical insights to guide you through the startup journey—from refining your idea to securing funding and expanding your network. The lessons come from founder interviews, and our training classes, featuring real conversations with experienced entrepreneurs and investors. While this isn’t a highly produced, studio-polished course, the insights and frameworks shared are authentic, actionable, and proven to help early-stage founders succeed. A core part of our approach is ensuring that diverse voices and lived experiences are represented. The speakers and contributors in this course reflect the real startup ecosystem, making it clear that entrepreneurs from all backgrounds belong in this space. That’s why we call this toolkit culture-affirming—it reinforces that your ideas, experiences, and ambitions matter in building the future of entrepreneurship.

Course Curriculum

7 Chapters · 43 Lessons

  1. 1

    Course Introduction

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Introduction

  2. 2

    What is a Startup?

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Defining a Startup in the Context of This Toolkit

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      What Makes a Business a Technology Startup?

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Founders & Investors Define "Startup" - Part 1

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Founders & Investors Define "Startup" - Part 2

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Founders & Investors Define "Startup" - Part 3

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Knowledge Check

  3. 3

    Getting Started

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      From Ideas to Execution

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Evaluating Your Business Ideas

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Business Model Canvas - DOWNLOAD

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Business Model Canvas Workshop

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Refining Your Idea Through Feedback

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      What Investors Look For - Part 1

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      What Investors Look For - Part 2

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      What Investors Look For - Part 3

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      What Investors Look For - Part 4

  4. 4

    Building a Minimum Viable Product

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      The Power of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP): Build, Test, Refine

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Founders Explain MVP - Part 1

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Founders Explain MVP - Part 2

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Founders Explain MVP - Part 3

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Knowledge Check

  5. 5

    Building Your Startup Team & Incorporating Your Business

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Introduction

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Finding the Right Team Members

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Finding a Co-Founder

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Building A Startup Team

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      When Should You Incorporate Your Business?

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      When to Incorporate Your Business

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Thoughts on Incorporating Your Business

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      When to Incorporate Your Business Part 2

  6. 6

    Funding Your Business: Choosing the Right Capital Strategy

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Introduction

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Bootstrapping vs. Venture Capital: Which Path is Right for You?

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Raising Money in Silicon Valley

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Fundraising While Black

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      You Have to Grow Before Fundraising

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Alternative Funding Sources: Beyond VC & Angel Investors

  7. 7

    Expanding Your Network: Getting Customers & Finding Mentors

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Introduction

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Growing Your Customer Base: From Network to Market

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Using Pilot Projects to Acquire Customers

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Strategies to Acquire New Customers

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      How to Find the Right Mentor for Your Startup

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Expanding Your Network

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Identifying Mentors

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Final Words: Your Startup Journey Begins Now

Start Your Startup Journey Today!

Unlock the full potential of your startup with our Startup Toolkit Course. Take the leap towards entrepreneurial success.

Enroll Now

About HBCUvc

HBCUvc is a nonprofit organization operating under fiscal sponsor Social Good Fund (EIN: 46-1323531). We are transforming the entrepreneurial investing landscape by empowering Black and underrepresented communities through education, investment, and community. We equip the next generation of investors and entrepreneurs with the knowledge, networks, and resources to create generational impact. Learn more at www.hbcu.vc.