This is what truly kicked off my solopreneurship
And it can do the same for you!
It was summer 2022. I had been unemployed for almost a year after leaving a job and career I was no longer happy with.
I was taking the time to learn about a new industry and figuring out whether I wanted to stay in it. It was clear that I didn’t want to return to my previous career, but I was unsure if I had what it took to be an entrepreneur.
I was looking for jobs in this industry, but nothing interesting popped up, and I still had that feeling of not wanting to get back to working on someone else’s dream.
Discovering an entrepreneurship program
During a small industry conference I attended, I learned about an entrepreneurship program that the local government was offering to women who wanted to start their own business or were in the early stages and needed guidance.
I asked around, and a friend who had a great experience with a similar program encouraged me to apply. The application form was extensive, asking many questions about my business idea, forcing me to think deeply about aspects I hadn't considered before.
After submitting my application, I was invited for an interview with the program leaders to assess our fit. I was incredibly nervous, feeling out of place, but I went for it and gave my best. And guess what? My project got selected (yay!!). It was so freaking exciting.
A transformative experience
The next three months were truly transformative. I learned so much about starting and running a solo business, met incredible women feeling like me and with fantastic business ideas. And the best part: I found the confidence to pursue my dream of becoming my own boss.
Believe me, I am not exaggerating when I say that the program's quality was comparable to a full MBA, just tailored specifically for solopreneurs. We covered everything from developing a business plan to managing finances, understanding legal aspects, marketing, personal skills, and finding funding sources. And it was all completely free!
Reflecting on what took me there
I really couldn’t believe it. How did it take me so long to get into something like this?
Probably because I was not immersing myself enough in the entrepreneurship world. I later realized that programs like this exist in many forms, initiated by governments, universities, and even private companies. Some are paid, but many are free and offer invaluable quality and support.
This was just my first step towards becoming the solopreneur I am today. After I finished it and started to move forward with my business, I continued to seek other opportunities, including mentorship programs that offered new insights and opportunities.
The idea to talk about this topic came from applying for a new program powered by Coca-Cola. The topics they cover are very similar to what I already covered in my first programe. And while I could have said, “Why bother? I won’t learn anything new,” it's always worth applying because you will always gain something, even if just refreshing concepts or seeing your business from a new angle.
This Coca-Cola program in particular offers much more: funding, connections, and visibility that the previous one didn't have. So even if the topics we cover are the same as those I covered before, I will have access to other very worthy opportunities.
Find yourself an entrepreneurship program!
Whether you had considered and were doubtful, or you never considered it and this is first news to you, here are some tips to get started:
🔍 Research Extensively: Look for programs offered by local governments, private companies, universities, and non-profits. Use online platforms, social media, and networking events to find them.
📋 Apply Widely: Don’t limit yourself to just one program and don’t stop if you don’t get selected. You will eventually, and you’ll be thankful for not giving up.
✏️ Be Prepared: Applications often require detailed information about your business idea. Use this as an opportunity to refine your plan and think deeply about your goals. And don’t worry if you are not 100% sure about it; you need to start somewhere!
🤝 Network: These programs are not just about the curriculum. The connections you make with fellow entrepreneurs and mentors can be invaluable.
🌟 Stay Open-Minded: Every program has something unique to offer. Even if it covers familiar ground, you can always learn something new or gain different perspectives.
💪 Take Action: Don’t let fear or uncertainty hold you back. These programs are designed to help you succeed, but you have to take the first step!
Entering an entrepreneurship program was the kickstarter for my dream of being my own boss, and it can be the same for you.
Until next time, keep exploring, applying, and growing!
-Sabrina
🙋♀️ Before you go!!
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⚡️About Sabrina Bonini
Sabrina Bonini is a content specialist, writer, and educator who thrives as a multi-passionate solopreneur. She’s currently creating content about Web3, new technologies, and Formula 1.
On a personal level, Sabrina writes the weekly publication ✍️ Diary of a Modern Solopreneur, bringing readers along on her solopreneur journey and sharing insights and lessons in hopes of empowering others on the same path.
When she’s not busy typing away, she’s picking up new hobbies, indulging her curiosity, or playing hide-and-seek with her fluffy cat. Discover more about her work and connect with her on LinkedIn.
This is super inspiring! Would love to learn more about the program you did!
Glad to hear that you've found opportunities like this and had a good experience! 😁🎉