CO.STARTERS bootcamp

Breakfast Lab

Every Thursday at 20Fathoms

Weekly startup workshops, coaching, expert guidance, and community

Whether you’re just starting out with an idea or ready to start up, Breakfast Lab takes your business model to the next level. Think of it as a pre-accelerator—but one that fits with your most pressing startup needs with access to the right tools and the right people at the right time.

You’ll find a community of support at each Breakfast Lab. Meet other entrepreneurs and build lasting peer connections as you build your businesses together.

Breakfast Lab is held in-person weekly, and they are free to attend. Walk-ins are welcome. Coffee and light breakfast snacks available.

Attend the Kick-off event: Jan. 9

Learn to flex like a startup with a strong Lean Business Model Canvas.

In this session, we’ll:
– Learn the tenets of the Lean Business Model Canvas and outline the key elements of your model
– Identify the strengths and weaknesses in your model and gain clarity on how to solve your critical gaps
– Lay the groundwork for future Breakfast Lab sessions that focus on key components of your model – from customer discovery and marketing to financial modeling and funding

Who should attend?

Whether you’ve launched your startup or you are still refining your idea, Breakfast Lab is for you. It’s a relaxed, no-pressure space to brainstorm, ask questions, and gain direction. You’ll leave with actionable insights, new connections, and the clarity to keep moving forward.

Breakfast Lab was designed specifically to support:

  • Idea and early-stage startup founders with scalable innovations and technologies
  • Entrepreneurs navigating strategic growth or a pivot in their business model

With the exception of Startup Business Model Kick-off, you should have a completed Lean Business Model Canvas prior to attending Breakfast Lab. If you don’t have one yet, here are some options to help you get started:

Breakfast Lab Breakdown: EVERY THURSDAY

See our calendar for upcoming dates, topics, and experts.

Brittany teaching Design Thinking at 20Fathoms
Startup Workshop (9 – 10:30 am)

Workshops to meet you where you are in developing your business model.

Note: You need to have your business model canvas outlined to benefit from these workshops. Don’t have a canvas yet? No sweat – join a Business Model Kick-off or Startup Bootcamp to get started.

Startup Coaching (10:30 am – noon)

Stick around after the workshop for 1:1 coaching with the 20Fathoms Startup Services team and other experts. Coaching is open to everyone—you don’t need to attend the workshop. We can help review your business model, solve your most pressing problems, and get clear on your next steps.

Topics

Each week we’ll focus on one particular topic. Attend only the ones most relevant to you, or attend them all — it’s up to you. Each topic will be offered on a rotational basis, and you’re welcome to attend as often as you’d like to continue to refine your work.

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Customer Discovery

Learn how to identify and deeply understand your target customers. This session focuses on gathering insights, testing assumptions, and ensuring your business idea addresses real customer needs. Presenter: Erin Srebinski.

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Marketing & Sales

Craft compelling marketing strategies and messaging that resonate with your audience. Discover channels and tools to effectively reach and engage your target market. Presenter: Kristina Schnepf.

MVP / Product-Market Fit

Define your Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and develop a plan to test and refine it. Focus on prototyping, gathering feedback, and iterating toward product-market fit. Presenter: Brittany VanderBeek.

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Cost, Revenue & Financial Modeling

Break down your startup’s costs, revenue streams, and key financial metrics. Learn how to build a simple financial model to guide decisions and attract investors. Presenter: Beth Melcher.

Fundraising

Explore funding options for your startup, from bootstrapping to venture capital. Gain insights on creating a funding plan and what you need to pitch your business to potential investors. Presenter: Cameron Young.

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Storytelling & Pitching

Master the art of storytelling to pitch your business effectively. Practice building a clear, engaging narrative that connects with investors, partners, and customers. Presenter: Delaney Keating.

Meet the Facilitators

Delaney Keating

Delaney Keating

Director of Entrepreneurship & Commercialization, 20Fathoms

Beth Melcher

CEO, MoneyFit

Kristina Schnepf

Owner, Peace Love & Little Donuts of Traverse City; Founder, Green Door Folk School; Principal, Leap Consulting
Erin Srebinski

Erin Srebinski

Manager of Startup Education, 20Fathoms

Brittany VanderBeek

Founder, Illuminate Opportunity
Cameron Young

Cameron Young

Manager of Startup Capital