Summit City Business Academy: Blueprint powered by SEED
BUILD has helped aspiring entrepreneurs develop business plans, connect with mentors and industry professionals, and build a network of support that continues long after graduation. We are incredibly grateful for the partnership with BUILD Institute and proud of every entrepreneur who has completed the program. Our BUILD graduates are an important part of Fort Wayne’s entrepreneurial community.
One of the most important lessons BUILD teaches is that a business plan is not static, it evolves. As businesses evolve, pivot, and scale, their plans must adapt to reflect new opportunities and challenges. The same is true for strong programs. Great programs know when it is time to refine, mature, and take the next step.
With that spirit in mind, SEED is excited to introduce the Summit City Business Academy: Blueprint.
The Blueprint builds on the strong foundation established through BUILD while taking the next step in entrepreneurship education. This new curriculum has been reimagined and thoughtfully curated to help entrepreneurs move beyond the basics of business planning and into the deeper work of building strong, sustainable businesses.
Participants in the Blueprint will explore:
- Industry-specific insights and expert guidance
- Digital marketing strategies and brand differentiation
- Financial planning and operational strategy
- Leadership development for business owners
- Discovering and defining the deeper “why” behind their business
- Develop a complete, finance-ready business plan prepared for funding applications and successful business execution.
The Blueprint was co-created by SEED and Brightpoint and will launch as a pilot program featuring industry-specific cohorts. The program will offer a fresh perspective on business plan development while helping entrepreneurs become the kind of leaders their businesses need to grow and succeed.
We are excited to enter this next phase of entrepreneurship education and to continue supporting the incredible entrepreneurs building businesses in our community.
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Interested participants may fill out a Registration Application for the Cohort that best suits their schedule. Applicants are encouraged to submit their registration form one week prior to the start of class.
Note: An account must be created before you can complete your intake form and move to the next step.
The Summit City Business Academy: Blueprint for Small-Scale Developers & Builders is a 12-week comprehensive course that provides a strong foundation in real estate development, focusing on single-family and multi-family housing on infill lots. Through interactive lectures, group activities and hands on experience, participants will explore key stages of development, including financial modeling, zoning, permitting, and construction management. By the end of the course, participants will have a completed business plan and be equipped to manage budgets, financial plans, and the complexities of real estate financing and marketing.
Congratulations on joining the Summit City Business Academy: Blueprint for Small Developers & Builders!
Please respond to the following questions to help us provide the necessary support to transform your business idea into a reality and advance to the next stage.
Summit City Business Academy: Blueprint Commitment: Participants will receive all course materials. Program participants and graduates are required to partake in all follow-up surveys. These surveys are critical for our reporting to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), which supports funding for this program. Furthermore, they enable SEED to offer valuable information and additional resources to the entrepreneurial community.
Successful completion of the Small-Scale Developer Program includes:
- Submission of the pre-, mid-, and post-class surveys, along with any additional follow-up surveys.
- Attendance all 12 classes, encompassing a total of 36 education hours.
- Completion and submission of your Business Plan for evaluation on subsequent steps.
Commitment from all parties involved: The success of participants hinges on community building, inclusion, and connection building. Therefore, interactions with SEED facilitators, participants, guest speakers, and staff must be conducted with respect, understanding, and appreciation. This approach ensures that everyone has the maximum opportunity to build a robust community and forge lasting connections for future success. For the safety of all parties, interactions between the class, facilitators, staff, and Build participants must occur virtually or in a public setting.
Program Incentives:
Successful completion of the Summit City Business Academy: Blueprint for Small-Scale Developer and Builders, you may become eligible to receive the benefit of free/ lower rate City-owned property designated for infill housing. These lots could have preapproved variances and setback, completed soil testing, and utility connection assistance. Additionally, financing assistance may be available for construction loans.
Please note that these incentives are contingent upon participant eligibility and are not guaranteed.
For further information, please contact us at SEEDfw@cityoffortwayne.org with any questions.
Welcome to the Summit City Business Academy: Blueprint!
We’re excited to support you as you grow your childcare business idea into reality. To help us best serve you, please complete the intake questions in this registration application.
Your Commitment: As a participant, you’ll receive all course materials. To successfully complete the program, you must:
- All 8 classes (16 hours total) and complete all homework assignments
- Submit the pre-, mid-, post-, and follow-up surveys
- Complete and submit your business plan for review
These surveys help us secure funding from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and provide better resources to entrepreneurs like you.
Our Commitment: We’re building a respectful, inclusive, and connected learning environment. Please engage with facilitators, staff, and fellow participants professionally. For everyone’s safety, all program interactions must happen virtually or in public spaces.
Questions? Visit our Website or contact us at SEEDfw@CityofFortWayne.org | (260) 422-2304.
Note: Be sure to create an account before completing your intake form.
Welcome to the Summit City Business Academy: Blueprint!
We’re excited to support you as you grow your business idea into reality. To help us best serve you, please complete the intake questions in this registration application.
Your Commitment: As a participant, you’ll receive all course materials. To successfully complete the program, you must:
- All 8 classes (16 hours total) and complete all homework assignments
- Submit the pre-, mid-, post-, and follow-up surveys
- Complete and submit your business plan for review
These surveys help us secure funding from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and provide better resources to entrepreneurs like you.
Our Commitment: We’re building a respectful, inclusive, and connected learning environment. Please engage with facilitators, staff, and fellow participants professionally. For everyone’s safety, all program interactions must happen virtually or in public spaces.
Questions? Visit our Website or contact us at SEEDfw@CityofFortWayne.org | (260) 422-2304.
Note: Be sure to create an account before completing your intake form.