Biz Girls CEO Accelerator™
FAQ
General
What are the benefits of this program?
Biz Girls CEO Accelerator™ teaches the fundamentals of business in a concrete, hands-on environment that gives girls knowledge of how business works, confidence that comes from actually creating something, and fun that comes from a feeling of accomplishment and group interaction.
What ages are accepted?
Students must have completed 8th grade prior to beginning the program and may also participate in the program the summer immediately following high school graduation, regardless of age.
How does this differ from other programs?
Most other business programs for this age group are theoretical, or game based. With Biz Girls CEO Accelerator™ the outcome is that a real, profit-making business is created.
Will this be like school?
We cover a lot of ground and it is intense and fast paced, therefore the girls need to be actively engaged. It doesn’t seem like school because it is hands-on and focused on each girls’ interests and experience.
What experience does my daughter need to be in this program?
There are no prerequisites to attending the program. There is quite a bit of computer work, so familiarity with computers and ability to type are a strong plus.
Is a home computer needed?
Computers will not be supplied during the week and the girls are encouraged to bring their own laptop computers if they have one. Our venue in 2017 does not have computers available.
Venue:
Where will the program be held?
Denver Session 2017 at Thrive Workplace, Ballpark Location: 1415 Park Ave. Denver, CO 80205
Can I drop off my daughter early/pick up late?
Yes, we allow a 30 minute window for early drop off and late pick-ups. This time can be used for socializing or for working with the instructors on the girls’ businesses. Some students may choose to use public transportation, and can meet with one of our staff at Union Station 45 minutes prior to class start to walk to Thrive (about 1 mile). Students will be walked back to Union Station following the program each day.
What are the hours for the program?
The timetable is slightly different for each location. In Denver Biz Girls CEO Accelerator™ begins promptly at 9:00AM and runs until 4:00PM each of the five program days (Demo Day is from 4 to 6pm on Friday).
Will food be served?
A snack and lunches will be served daily.
What are the benefits of this program?
Biz Girls CEO Accelerator™ teaches the fundamentals of business in a concrete, hands-on environment that gives girls knowledge of how business works, confidence that comes from actually creating something, and fun that comes from a feeling of accomplishment and group interaction.
What ages are accepted?
Students must have completed 8th grade prior to beginning the program and may also participate in the program the summer immediately following high school graduation, regardless of age.
How does this differ from other programs?
Most other business programs for this age group are theoretical, or game based. With Biz Girls CEO Accelerator™ the outcome is that a real, profit-making business is created.
Will this be like school?
We cover a lot of ground and it is intense and fast paced, therefore the girls need to be actively engaged. It doesn’t seem like school because it is hands-on and focused on each girls’ interests and experience.
What experience does my daughter need to be in this program?
There are no prerequisites to attending the program. There is quite a bit of computer work, so familiarity with computers and ability to type are a strong plus.
Is a home computer needed?
Computers will not be supplied during the week and the girls are encouraged to bring their own laptop computers if they have one. Our venue in 2017 does not have computers available.
Venue:
Where will the program be held?
Denver Session 2017 at Thrive Workplace, Ballpark Location: 1415 Park Ave. Denver, CO 80205
Can I drop off my daughter early/pick up late?
Yes, we allow a 30 minute window for early drop off and late pick-ups. This time can be used for socializing or for working with the instructors on the girls’ businesses. Some students may choose to use public transportation, and can meet with one of our staff at Union Station 45 minutes prior to class start to walk to Thrive (about 1 mile). Students will be walked back to Union Station following the program each day.
What are the hours for the program?
The timetable is slightly different for each location. In Denver Biz Girls CEO Accelerator™ begins promptly at 9:00AM and runs until 4:00PM each of the five program days (Demo Day is from 4 to 6pm on Friday).
Will food be served?
A snack and lunches will be served daily.
Instructors and Staff:
Who will the instructors be?
The primary instructor is Peter Adams and starting 2017, Kaleigh Solley. Learn more about them, here.
What are their qualifications?
Peter has over twenty five years of business experience, including twelve years as President of a multi-site computer manufacturing company. He founded a multi-million dollar company providing IT equipment to government clients. He has served as Economics Director and as Chief Information Officer of an international professional services firm, and has also worked in venture capital. His areas of expertise include information technology, marketing and brand development, strategic planning, performance metrics, leadership, project management, organizational development and finance.
He is a professional facilitator, trained in group dynamics and achieves positive outcomes. He is co-author of the Venture Capital for Dummies book. His clients describe him as a deep thinker who is dynamic, visionary and engaging. Peter is currently an e-commer Executive Director of Rockies Venture Club, a venture capital oriented organization with events, education and investor forums to help fund early stage entrepreneurs.
Will there be any additional staff or guest speakers?
There will be guest speakers to convey stories of successful women entrepreneurs and workshop facilitators to help the girls with setting up their businesses.
Who would I contact for questions?
Contact: Kaleigh Solley at 317-410-5828 or kaleigh@bizgirlsceos.org
Curriculum:
What happens every day?
An outline of our week long curriculum can be found on this page. Each day is fast paced and includes lots of hands-on interaction and group work. The first days are spent understanding marketing and developing a product that reflects the unique interests and skills of each girl. Several days are spent on the computer, setting up the e-commerce sites and payment systems. The last day is focused on the fundamentals of finance and includes a "Demo Day" where friends, family and guests can listen to the girls' pitch.
Is there any “homework”?
Not technically however girls may want to think about their company and its products before the program starts, and during the first couple days.
Can I contact my daughter during the sessions?
Use of cell phones and texting is discouraged during the sessions, however exceptions are made in case of an emergency.
Can parents observe the sessions?
We have found it most conducive if parents wait to attend Demo Day to see the culmination of what their daughter created.
An outline of our week long curriculum can be found on this page. Each day is fast paced and includes lots of hands-on interaction and group work. The first days are spent understanding marketing and developing a product that reflects the unique interests and skills of each girl. Several days are spent on the computer, setting up the e-commerce sites and payment systems. The last day is focused on the fundamentals of finance and includes a "Demo Day" where friends, family and guests can listen to the girls' pitch.
Is there any “homework”?
Not technically however girls may want to think about their company and its products before the program starts, and during the first couple days.
Can I contact my daughter during the sessions?
Use of cell phones and texting is discouraged during the sessions, however exceptions are made in case of an emergency.
Can parents observe the sessions?
We have found it most conducive if parents wait to attend Demo Day to see the culmination of what their daughter created.
Possible Risks?
What are the risks to doing on-line business?
We talk about how to protect your identity and how to deal with difficult situations. The methods that are discussed are cost-effective and do not represent any required cash outlay beyond the investment in the program itself.
What if my daughter’s business fails?
The success or failure of your daughters’ business will rest primarily in her interest in continuing with it. Instructions are provided for shutting down an e-commerce site.
Should I seek advice from my attorney/accountant?
Some of the girls will excel in their businesses and there are many examples of teen-run businesses that generate $1 million or more in annual revenues. While most teen business remain quite modest, if your daughters’ business exceeds “lemonade stand” levels, you would be advised to consider tax and legal implications including the possibility of forming a corporation for the business and to seek expert counsel in that area.
Does my daughter have to include personal email and home address on her business cards?
No, we will teach each girl how to set up a business email address.
We talk about how to protect your identity and how to deal with difficult situations. The methods that are discussed are cost-effective and do not represent any required cash outlay beyond the investment in the program itself.
What if my daughter’s business fails?
The success or failure of your daughters’ business will rest primarily in her interest in continuing with it. Instructions are provided for shutting down an e-commerce site.
Should I seek advice from my attorney/accountant?
Some of the girls will excel in their businesses and there are many examples of teen-run businesses that generate $1 million or more in annual revenues. While most teen business remain quite modest, if your daughters’ business exceeds “lemonade stand” levels, you would be advised to consider tax and legal implications including the possibility of forming a corporation for the business and to seek expert counsel in that area.
Does my daughter have to include personal email and home address on her business cards?
No, we will teach each girl how to set up a business email address.
Finance:
My daughter does not have a checking account, what should I do?
We teach about Square to process credit card payments from customers. You need a checking or savings account in order to open an account, so that there is a place for your daughter to withdraw her profits. You may choose to have profits deposited into your account if your daughter does not have one, or you may decide that this is a good time to set one up for her.
I don’t want my daughter to process credit cards, is that ok?
Yes, Square accounts are absolutely OPTIONAL and not required. If you are uncomfortable with this part of the business, we can set up the business to accept cash and checks only.
Program Costs and Payments:
How much does the program cost?
The cost for a one week session is $395 per girl.
A second girl from the same family receives a 10% discount.
How do I pay for the program?
You may pay on-line via the registration process on this website, or you may mail a check to Payable to Biz Girls™, addressed to Biz Girls™:
Biz Girls
c/o Kaleigh Solley
1415 Park Ave.
Denver, CO 80205
Click here to pay online.
Is there a discount for multiple girls from the same family?
Yes, there is a 10% discount for the second child from the same family.
When is payment due?
A deposit is due when the application is submitted. The deposit is refundable if the program is cancelled or if your child is not accepted to the program. The balance is due before the program begins.
What is your cancellation policy?
You may cancel up to June 30 with a 100% refund. After June 30 only a 50% refund is available.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, financial aid is available for a small number of underprivileged girls or in needs-based situations. You can find the application form here.
What does the payment include and what will we need to pay additional (if anything?)
The tuition includes everything needed including:
We teach about Square to process credit card payments from customers. You need a checking or savings account in order to open an account, so that there is a place for your daughter to withdraw her profits. You may choose to have profits deposited into your account if your daughter does not have one, or you may decide that this is a good time to set one up for her.
I don’t want my daughter to process credit cards, is that ok?
Yes, Square accounts are absolutely OPTIONAL and not required. If you are uncomfortable with this part of the business, we can set up the business to accept cash and checks only.
Program Costs and Payments:
How much does the program cost?
The cost for a one week session is $395 per girl.
A second girl from the same family receives a 10% discount.
How do I pay for the program?
You may pay on-line via the registration process on this website, or you may mail a check to Payable to Biz Girls™, addressed to Biz Girls™:
Biz Girls
c/o Kaleigh Solley
1415 Park Ave.
Denver, CO 80205
Click here to pay online.
Is there a discount for multiple girls from the same family?
Yes, there is a 10% discount for the second child from the same family.
When is payment due?
A deposit is due when the application is submitted. The deposit is refundable if the program is cancelled or if your child is not accepted to the program. The balance is due before the program begins.
What is your cancellation policy?
You may cancel up to June 30 with a 100% refund. After June 30 only a 50% refund is available.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, financial aid is available for a small number of underprivileged girls or in needs-based situations. You can find the application form here.
What does the payment include and what will we need to pay additional (if anything?)
The tuition includes everything needed including:
- Domain Name registration
- e-commerce site setup
- Square account setup
- Use of internet and classroom space
- Business cards
- Expert instruction
- T-shirt
