A Proven Path From Idea To Launch
CO.STARTERS is the premier national model for building vibrant communities, equipping starters and leaders with the strategy, tools, and relationships needed to thrive. LAUNCH HARRISONBURG brings that model home.
See how it worksOur first cohort launched in December 2019, when fourteen entrepreneurs came together to learn and grow. Ten successive cohorts have since taught prospective founders how to plan, launch, and grow their businesses, all from other successful entrepreneurs.
Who It's For & What To Expect
Whether you have a brand-new idea or an established business launching something new,
LAUNCH HARRISONBURG meets you where you are.
Who It's For
The only real prerequisites are an idea and a commitment to show up.
- 1An Idea You're Ready To PursueSomething you are excited to share and take forward.
- 2A Commitment To Show Up WeeklyReady to study, shape, and fine-tune that idea in a supportive, collaborative environment.
If you are creative, community-minded, and serious about building a sustainable business, we want you.
What To Expect
An action-driven process led by two experienced entrepreneurs. You will test your assumptions with real customers, uncover flaws quickly, and leave able to repeat the process with your next idea.
- A Small, Supportive CohortWork alongside a tight group of like-minded starters.
- Real Customer ValidationTest ideas against the market, not just theory.
- A Repeatable FrameworkLeave with a process you can run again and again.
Learn From Those Who Have Done It
Benjamin Breeden is the founder and CEO of Caf2Code, a Harrisonburg-based Microsoft consulting firm specializing in enterprise technology, digital transformation, managed services, and business systems modernization. Since founding the company in 2017, Benjamin has grown Caf2Code from an independent consulting practice into a nationally recognized firm serving mid-market and enterprise clients across the United States. The company employs more than 30 people in 16 states.
Benjamin's work has centered on building a durable, high-trust professional services business: finding the right market position, developing client relationships, hiring and retaining exceptional talent, managing growth, navigating risk, and making the practical decisions required to turn opportunity into a sustainable company. Caf2Code is known for stepping into complex, high-stakes business technology initiatives where clients need clear leadership, accountability, and results.
Benjamin brings to CO.STARTERS the perspective of a founder who has lived the full arc of business building: starting with specialized expertise, earning early customers, creating a reputation, building a team, developing systems, managing cash flow, and learning how to lead through uncertainty. His experience is not limited to ideas or planning; it includes sales, operations, finance, hiring, culture, client management, strategic positioning, and long-term growth.
As a certified CO.STARTERS facilitator, Benjamin is especially interested in helping entrepreneurs think clearly about the business underneath the idea. Who is the customer? What problem is being solved? Why will someone pay for it? What evidence exists? What risks need to be tested first? What would make the business sustainable, not just exciting?
His style is direct, thoughtful, and practical. He values honest discussion, clear assumptions, and forward motion. Participants can expect him to bring both encouragement and realism, helping founders move from possibility toward concrete next steps.
Outside of Caf2Code, Benjamin is involved in the local business and economic development community in Harrisonburg. He brings to CO.STARTERS a strong belief that entrepreneurship is one of the ways people create opportunity for themselves, for their families, for their employees, and for the communities around them.
Ten Weeks From Idea To Launch
Each week you develop and fine-tune your idea, examining every part of it through real-time feedback from people in the community.
Knowing Yourself
Assumptions, working styles, team building, obstacles.
Knowing Your Customer
Problem, solution, benefit, competition, advantage, customer.
Finding The Right Solution
Benefit, advantage, starting small, branding.
Getting The Relationship Right
Marketing and messaging; getting, keeping, and growing customers.
Building Blocks
Starting small, distribution, revenue, typical sale, price.
Structures And Systems
Legal and accounting.
Discovering The Bottom Line
Startup needs, fixed and variable costs, break-even point.
Financial Modeling
Break-even point, sales projections, cash flow.
Planning For Growth
Growth plans, goal setting, celebration prep.
Celebration Night!
Present how far your idea has come.
Everything You Need To Know
In General
A 10-week course meeting one night per week, led by two proven entrepreneurs, with guest speakers on marketing, accounting, incorporating, and more.
Program Days & Time
Mondays, 6:00 to 9:00pm
Location
Harrisonburg Innovation Hub
25 N. Liberty Street, Harrisonburg, VA
Pricing & Application
Includes all course materials. A payment plan is available.
Application Guidelines
Whether you just have an idea, have been working on a business concept for a while, or are the owner of an existing business, we encourage you to apply. Residents and businesses inside and outside of Harrisonburg are welcome. You will need a well-articulated description of the product or service you offer (or plan to offer) and a description of your consumer, client, or target audience. We are looking for entrepreneurs that represent a diverse range of sectors and backgrounds. Participants must be at least 18 years old. This is a competitive application process, as space in the cohort is limited.
Deposit & Registration
Payment of the course fee is required before the first session. A payment plan is available. Once the cohort begins, payment is non-refundable.
