The Regional Economic Development Partnership and Wheeling Heritage are now accepting applications for the Fall 2025 CO.STARTERS cohort, a 10-week program designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners transform their ideas into actionable business plans. The program will begin Oct. 9, and run Thursday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Wheeling Artisan Center, 1400 Main St., in downtown Wheeling.

CO.STARTERS is tailored for both aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs looking to launch new products or services. Over the 10 weeks, participants will refine their business ideas through real-time community feedback, covering essential topics such as self-assessment, customer discovery, solution development, marketing strategies, distribution, business structures, financial modeling, growth planning, and storytelling. The program culminates in a community celebration where participants present their refined business plans.

The program costs $200, which includes all materials, with payment plans available upon request. Applications are open until Oct. 9, or until the cohort reaches its limit of 12 participants.

“Over 100 local entrepreneurs have navigated how to start their business or how to grow their existing business through the CO.STARTERS Wheeling program,” said Valerie Piko, program development manager at RED. “It’s these small businesses that create job opportunities, enhance our culture, and add to Wheeling’s growth. With a proven track record of success, we look forward to seeing this program produce the future of Wheeling small businesses.”

“We’re looking forward to working with business owners and creative entrepreneurs who are eager to learn how business works or explore the ideas living in their heads,” Wheeling Heritage Director of Programming Riley Carpenter said. “CO.STARTERS provides the support and structure to help them take those ideas and turn them into a reality, building confidence and community along the way.”

This cohort is ideal for creative, community-minded individuals with an idea they are ready to pursue and a willingness to refine it in a collaborative setting. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how to create a sustainable business and the tools to repeat the process for future ventures.

For more information or to apply, visit redp.org/costarters. For questions, contact Valerie Piko at vpiko@redp.org. Confirmed participants will be contacted by the RED team for payment information.