HoCo Higher Fast Track: Build, Test, and Grow Your Business in 10 Weeks
About this Event
Turn Your Business Idea Into a Real, Revenue-Ready Company — in 10 Weeks
If you're an early-stage founder, you've felt the pressure:
You have the idea.
You have the motivation.
You may even have early traction…
But turning that into a structured, revenue-generating business still feels overwhelming.
HoCo Higher Fast Track was built to change that. This 10-week cohort supports idea-stage and early-stage founders earning $0–$150K in annual revenue. Through expert-led workshops, hands-on activities, and weekly progress-building, you'll lay the foundation for a business that can actually grow. Every session features a different instructor bringing real-world expertise in marketing, sales, finance, legal, tax, funding, customer discovery, and more — and yes, dinner is provided every session.
THIS IS FOR YOU IF:
- You're sitting on a business idea but don't have a structured plan to move it forward
- You've got early traction but aren't sure how to turn it into consistent revenue
- You're responsible for every part of your business right now and need real frameworks, not theory
- You want direct access to experts in marketing, finance, legal, and funding — not just generic advice
WHAT YOU'LL WALK AWAY WITH:
- A clear understanding of each building block of a business
- Weekly instruction from subject-matter experts across marketing, sales, finance, legal, and funding
- Templates, tools, and systems you can implement immediately
- A community of founders growing alongside you
- A pitch opportunity during graduation
- Access to local business resources for continued support
DETAILS:
📅 Tuesdays, September 15 – November 17, 2026 · 5:30 – 8:00 PM ET
📍 In-person — Maryland Innovation Center, 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, MD 21046
⏱️ 10 weekly sessions, 2.5 hours each
🎟️ Dinner provided every session · pitch opportunity at graduation
💵 Very Early Bird: $35 (through August 1) · Early Bird: $45 (through August 24) · General Admission: $65
Save $30 off General Admission by registering before August 1.
The 10-Week Experience
Week 1 — Welcome & Orientation — September 15
Meet your cohort, present a 1-minute pitch of your business, understand the program structure, and explore the Howard County business ecosystem.
Week 2 — Customer Discovery & Market Research — September 22
Identify your target audience, analyze competitors, and determine what makes your solution unique.
Week 3 — Business Models & Pricing — September 29
Explore different business models, decide which fits your company, and understand the fundamentals of pricing your offer.
Week 4 — Legal & Tax Formation — October 6
Learn entity types, IP protection basics, and how to stay compliant with state, local, and federal tax requirements.
Week 5 — Business Finances — October 13
Understand how to read a Profit & Loss statement, cash flow statement, and balance sheet — and what they reveal about your business.
Week 6 — Raising Capital — October 20
Learn how funding works, what lenders and partners look for, and what it takes to prepare for capital.
Week 7 — Marketing Foundations — October 27
Understand the essentials of attracting, engaging, nurturing, and converting leads with a strong marketing foundation.
Week 8 — Sales Systems & Closing — November 3
Learn how to find customers, manage sales activity, and close deals consistently through a repeatable process.
Week 9 — Pitching 101 — November 10
Develop your pitch, craft your storyline, and strengthen your delivery ahead of graduation.
Week 10 — Graduation — November 17
Present your business, celebrate your progress, and learn about next steps to continue growing your company.
Disclaimer:
By registering for this event, you agree that your contact information may be shared with the event sponsor(s) for follow-up communications related to the event or their services. If you prefer not to have your information shared, please contact the event organizer directly.
Please note: Photos, videos and recordings may be taken during the event and used for marketing or promotional purposes by the organizers and sponsors. By attending, you consent to the use of your image and likeness in these materials.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 35.00 to USD 65.00
