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Pursue Your Passions Course

For Women Who Are Curious About Starting Something

Explore your values and see how they play into the possibility of starting something- a business, nonprofit, or project at your work- even if you're considering buying a business. All of these are arguably entrepreneurial pursuits, so allow yourself time to think deeply on how your passions play into possibilities. Also, the biggest impact is the statewide connections to other women who are equally as curious as you.

Course starts October 30, 2023 and ends on December 15, 2023

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Now Open for Registration!

Registration closes October 29, 2023, class begins Monday, October 30, 2023. Don't miss out, register now.

Course Benefits

  • Introductions to inspirational women role models and research.
  • Prompts to challenge your experiences and assumptions within male-engineered systems.
  • Get your feet wet in entrepreneurial frameworks applicable inside the workforce as well as for your own organizational idea.
  • Practical applications in basic design-feedback loops, market investigation, and customer validation.
  • Unique opportunity to build statewide relationships with like-minded women online and via Zoom.
  • Flexible format: Work is done on your own time, online, to meet deadlines. Optional online, live labs, small groups, and virtual networking sessions will meet one-two times per week to further online connections.
  • When you register, we prioritize your goals, your needs, and you as a whole person.

Course Details

  • Starts Monday, October 30th and ends Friday, December 15th: it will be an accelerated, 6 week delivery with one week off for Thanksgiving. 
  • Pursue Your Passions is an online course with a weekly instructor session, available for $199.
  • Thursday evening lab from 6:00-7:30 PM for questions, occasional guest speakers, and building relationships with like-minded women (can also watch recordings of live sessions on your own time).
  • Spots Available: 60 (first-come, first-served). 
  • Learn about the instructor of this course.
  • Don't let the price tag get in the way of registering: check our free and reduced payment opportunities that work for most Montana residents.

Register Now

Registration closes December 29th, 2023

$199

$199

Register

 

Register Now

Registration closes March 1, 2023 

$199

$199

Register

I'm on a budget and understand this price will primarily cover the cost of instruction.

50% discount off the full price

 

$299

$299

Register

I have a moderate income and understand this price will help cover the cost of instruction and some administrative expenses.

25% discount off the full price

 

$399

$399

Register

I have a moderate income and understand this price will help cover the cost of instruction, administrative expenses and marketing expenses to reach rural and tribal audiences.

Also I understand that $20 of my contribution will go to provide discounts for other students who cannot afford these courses right now.

Course Schedule

Week 1: October 30-November 5
Jumping In!

  1. On Your Own: Online course material 

  2. With the instructor and course peers: Virtual Discussion/Zoom Meetup 
    Thursday, November 2 from 6-7:30 PM

 

Week 2: November 6-12
Ourselves; Our Heroines

  1. On Your Own: Online course material

  2. With the instructor and course peers: Virtual Discussion/Zoom Meetup 
    Thursday, November 9 from 6-7:30 PM

 

Week 3: November 13-19
Personal Vision Statements

  1. On Your Own: Online course material

  2. With the instructor and course peers: Virtual Discussion/Zoom Meetup 
    Thursday, November 16 from 6-7:30 PM

November 20-26
Week off for Thanksgiving

Week 4: November 27-December 3
Value Proposition & Customer Experience Journey

  1. On Your Own: Online course material

  2. With the instructor and course peers: Virtual Discussion/Zoom Meetup 
    Thursday, November 30 from 6-7:30 PM

 

Week 5: December 4-10
Competitive Landscape & Financial Storytelling

  1. On Your Own: Online course material

  2. With the instructor and course peers: Virtual Discussion/Zoom Meetup 
    Thursday, December 7 from 6-7:30 PM

 

Week 6: December 11-15
Where to Go Next

  1. On Your Own: Online course material

  2. With the instructor and course peers: Virtual Discussion/Zoom Meetup 
    Thursday, December 14 from 6-7:30 PM

Pursue Your Passions Instructor, Kassi Strong

KassiStrong
Kassi Strong
Digital Marketer

Kassi is an entrepreneur and digital marketer who is passionate about helping new entrepreneurs start their own businesses to create lives they love. Kassi received her BA in Psychology from the University of Montana and has since helped market and grow a wide variety of businesses.

From copy writing for a local food company to creating long-term business and marketing strategy for venture-backed tech startups, she has a strong understanding of what it takes to create and grow a successful business. While completing her degree at UM, Kassi participated in the Pursue Your Passions program during which she started her first small business, Crepe Cuisine. She is excited to help course participants dive into their passions and explore relevant business opportunities. 

In 2020, Kassi participated in the Techstars Boulder accelerator with Charmed, a tech startup that she was connected to through the Blackstone LaunchPad. During her experience in the accelerator, she was able to explore the world of technology and startups on an even deeper level while learning a wide variety of ideation and business development techniques.

Need Help Paying? 

Funding is likely available to you from the city, state, and sometimes us at WELL WBC based on your qualifications. Don't let price get in the way of taking this course. Options include:

  • Your local Job Service usually offers programs and financial incentives (sometimes as much between $500-1500) to support workforce training, including entrepreneurial training. There is a map on their website to find the nearest job service (don't give up because the site is clunky, just scroll past their events calendar!). Call them and you should be good to go.
  • The state's Incumbent Worker Training grant has an annual application for businesses (LLCs and Solopreneurs count!) for $1000-2000 in financial support for certificate-based trainings (we will happily provide you a W.E.L.L. Certificate for this course).
  • The Women's Entrepreneurship and Leadership Lab contributes five (5) scholarships at $75. Three are already accounted for, so two left. Please email Morgan Slemberger to be considered with a two-sentence explanation as to why this would help you. First-come, first-serve, and others will be placed on a scholarship waiting list.