So you are thinking about joining the Idea to First Dollar Incubator, but you are wondering what it will actually look like on your calendar.

Good question.

This 8 week cohort is built for real life. That means clear structure, repeatable weekly rhythms, and a realistic time commitment, not endless homework or vague expectations.

Below is a peek inside a typical week, so you can decide if this is the right season for you.

Your Weekly Commitment at a Glance

Most participants can expect:

• 2 hour live cohort session each week

• 1 to 2 hours of open office hours or coaching time

• 1 to 3 hours of independent work on your business

Total: about 4 to 7 hours per week, with flexibility for your work and family schedule.

A Week In The Life of a Cohort Member

Think of each week as a simple rhythm: learn, apply, get feedback, adjust.

Below is an example of how that can look. Exact times may shift by cohort, but the flow stays the same.

Early Week: Live Session and Learning Lab

Mandatory Main Information Live Session (Tuesdays over the lunch hour, in-person or virtually)

This is your anchor each week. During the live session you will:

• Learn a focused topic that matches your stage

  • Idea and validation

  • Legal and financial foundations

  • Building your first offer

  • Branding and digital presence

  • Sales, pricing, and growth, depending on the week

• See real examples from other businesses

• Work through guided exercises in real time

• Connect with other founders in the cohort

You leave with a clear assignment that is tied directly to your business. No busywork, just the next right step.

Midweek: Doing the Work on Your Business

Independent work (1 to 3 hours, on your schedule)

After the live session, you set aside time to work through that week’s action steps. This might look like:

• Interviewing potential customers

• Registering your business or applying for an EIN

• Setting up your bookkeeping and bank account

• Drafting your first offer and pricing

• Building or updating your simple website

• Reaching out to potential clients or partners

You are not doing theory. You are doing real tasks that move your idea closer to first dollar or your existing business closer to consistent revenue.

Late Week: Office Hours and Support

Mandatory Weekly Check In's (30 minutes, on Thursdays)

You get live time with instructors or mentors so you are not stuck on YouTube or random blogs trying to figure things out. Office hours are a chance to:

• Ask specific questions about your business

• Get feedback on forms, contracts, or messaging

• Talk through decisions about pricing or structure

• Check in on your progress if you are feeling behind

You can drop in when you need help or stay the whole time for extra support.

Coworking and Community Time

Coworking block (often later in the week, at the Janesville Innovation Center)

Many participants appreciate having focused time to work alongside others, even if everyone is doing their own thing.

During coworking sessions you can:

• Work quietly on your weekly task with accountability

• Share quick wins with the group

• Ask for a fast gut check from peers

• Meet people who might become partners, customers, or friends

You will not be alone trying to build a business in the margins. You will be surrounded by others who are in the same season and just as committed.

End of Week: Recap and Look Ahead

As the week wraps up, you will:

• Mark off the tasks you completed

• Note what you tested and what you learned

• Capture any numbers that matter, like sales calls, leads, or first dollars earned

• Preview what is coming in next week’s focus

This rhythm keeps you from feeling scattered. You always know what you are working on, what is done, and what is coming next.

How This Weekly Rhythm Supports The Bigger Goals

Across the 8 weeks, this simple weekly pattern helps you:

• Sharpen your operations and simple growth plan
  By steadily building your systems, financial setup, and workflows week by week.

• Build and practice your pitch
  Each session and office hour gives you language and confidence. By the end, you can clearly explain who you serve, what you offer, and why it matters.

• Present at a live pitch night with community, mentors, and partners
  The weekly rhythm is designed to get you ready. Your business model, branding, and numbers are not perfect, but they are real and tested enough to share proudly.

Is This Schedule Realistic For You?

You might be a great fit if:

• You can commit roughly one evening plus a few flexible hours each week

• You are ready to trade a little screen scrolling for real progress

• You want structure, accountability, and community while you build

You do not need a perfect calendar, only a clear “yes” that you are ready to prioritize your business for 8 focused weeks.

Ready To Step Into A Week Like This?

If this weekly rhythm feels doable and exciting, the Idea to First Dollar Incubator is likely a strong fit.

Your next step is simple:

Apply for the Incubator and tell us about your idea or existing business.

From there, we will follow up, answer questions about timing and workload, and help you decide if this is the right season for you to go from idea to first dollar or more.