Registration for Charleston now open here!
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have your own business?
Do you have an idea for a new product or business?
Earlier this year I had the opportunity to spend a few days in a room filled with people working to start their own businesses. It was thrilling to be around their energy, passion, desire, and optimism.
The program I attended was put on by a group called PopUp Business School, and was lead by Alan Donegan. Alan created a unique two-week program that teaches people how to start their own business, get it launched, and all with no debt!
I met Alan in Greece last year at an event called Chautauqua. He is full of life, overflowing with ideas, and possess a unique ability to tap into what’s important to you and encourage you in the best way to go for your dreams.
After spending some time with Alan and his wife Katie in Greece, I was so intrigued by his PopUp Business School program that I asked if I could attend one of his sessions and potentially host one in my hometown of Charleston, SC.
As the schedule worked out, I was able to attend PopUp’s Houston event at Memorial City Mall.
The People
There’s something special about being around people who are actively working to make their lives better, who are building something new for themselves and their family.
The group had a wide range of business ideas: online businesses and blogs, custom bicycles, handmade jewelry, and an array of catering and food businesses.
The PopUp Program is designed to help people regardless of how early stage their idea is.
The Program
The program runs for two weeks: usually 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. And thanks to local businesses and agency sponsors, it’s free for students. In Houston, Bluehost (the web hosting service provider), the Houston Housing Authority, and several economic and career assistance services stepped up to the plate and made this valuable opportunity available to the public.
The course covers many crucial topics, like determining your purpose, naming your business, launching a website, marketing, sales, networking and scaling. For a full list of courses, take a look at the PopUp Business School website.
The group in Houston had an opportunity to launch their businesses and make their first sale at the end of the two week session. Pop Up organized tables in the middle of the mall and helped each person stage their products and services, form their pitch, and win some business!
While many were launching their business at physical tables in the mall, others were launching new online businesses in the retail store turned startup classroom. Regardless of business idea, everyone had the opportunity to “go live” by the end of the event.
It was thrilling to be a part of that moment and watch the faces of new entrepreneurs as their creations entered the market.
PopUp Business School Coming to Charleston, SC
We are in the planning stages of hosting a PopUp here in Charleston. I have begun to talk to a few folks at the cities of Charleston and North Charleston and a few potential venues, with a target date of February 2020. I’m also starting to speak with a few potential sponsors (reach out to me on our Contact page if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor).
I’m so convinced of the value of the program, and have seen the power of starting a business myself, that I’ve agreed to be one of the sponsors. One of the ways I test my own enthusiasm for new ideas is to ask myself if I will spend money on the idea. After attending the Houston event, I know this opportunity will benefit Charleston—the city and its residents.
If you’re interested in attending PopUp Business School Charleston, keep an eye out for future blog posts, sign up for our newsletter, or check out the Pop Up calendar here. And make sure to watch this fantastic segment PBS Newshour shot at PopUp Houston to see the stories of the attendees and see how Donegan and his school is changing lives.
