Launch your product, service or tech business in just 5 months
Let us help you launch your innovative idea. In just five months, we'll help you turn your great idea into a customer-ready business strategy.
This program is designed for busy, working adults who need flexibility and support to accomplish their goals within an already full schedule. That's why this program follows a hybrid format, combining online and in-person evening sessions. The expected time commitment is just 10+ hours per month, over five months.
Program Benefits & Experience
As a Bootcamp cohort member, you'll:
- Attend weekly evening sessions with expert-led coaching
- Build core business assets: customer insights, brand identity, financials, website, and pitch deck
- Get personalized mentor sessions to sharpen your strategy
- Learn to use AI-enhanced tools to streamline planning, marketing, and productivity
- Develop a Lean Canvas and Small Business Association-aligned business plan
- Create an investor-ready pitch deck that tells your story
- Access up to $10,000 in customized startup services for your business
- Kick-off
- Envision and launch your idea: Product development for tech & non-tech companies
- Workshop BP-1 (Grounding Your Business)
- Workshop BP-2 (Defining Your Solution & Market Fit)
- Workshop BP-3 (Marketing, Money & Startup Costs)
- Workshop BP-4 ( Finalizing the Plan & Pitching Your Vision)
- Customer Discovery, Market Opportunity & UVP
- Customer persona & branding
- Legal & Insurance
- Executive Presence (media training/networking)
- Speed coaching
- Digital Marketing/Customer Acquisition
- Marketing Traction (Cost-Effective Marketing)
- Basic Bookkeeping & Budgeting
- Financing Your Venture (grants, loans, funding options, competitions)
- Forecasting growth
- Executive Presence (media training/networking)
- Pitch deck development
In addition to program sessions and workshops, you'll experience:
- Six dedicated 1:1 mentoring sessions
- Five hands-on projects
- Guided assignments
Join the Winter Bootcamp Cohort
Your first step to get started with the EC Winter Bootcamp is to register to join the EC. Our programs, events and services are free for current WCC students and Washtenaw County residents. Out-of-county residents are welcome to join with a one-time, lifetime fee of $25.
- Application deadline: December 31, 2025
- Winter 2026 Cohort Start Date: February 1, 2026
Bootcamp participants must be 18 years or older to join.
What happens after you register?
After you register to join the EC, you'll:
- Be contacted for a 1:1 Bootcamp introductory interview
- Submit a formal program application
- Be selected to attend
- Note: This is a competitive program. Rules apply.
- Complete program forms
- Join the Winter 2026 Bootcamp cohort
Want to learn more about the program? Join an info. session!
Join an upcoming information session online or in person.
Zoom Sessions
Join via our Zoom link on any of the dates and times:
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| Wednesday, Nov. 19 | 5-6 p.m. |
| Friday, Nov. 21 | 12-1 p.m. |
| Tuesday, Dec. 1 | 5-6 p.m. |
| Friday, Dec. 5 | 12-1 p.m. |
| Wednesday, Dec. 10 | 5-6 p.m. |
| Thursday, Dec. 11 | 12-1 p.m. |
In-Person Sessions
Meet us at the Entrepreneurship Center (Damen Flower Building, Room 120) on WCC's campus: 4800 E. Huron River Dr., Ann Arbor, MI, 48105.
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| Tuesday, Nov. 18 | 12-1 p.m. |
| Thursday, Dec. 4 | 5-6 p.m. |
| Saturday, Dec. 6 | 10-11 a.m. |