Venture Coaching at UM LaunchPad
Whether you have an idea or a project already in motion, our Venture Coaches are here to help you gain clarity, build momentum, and grow your vision into something real.
We offer free, confidential 1:1 coaching for Ñý¼§Ö±²¥, faculty, staff, and community members at every stage, from early idea to established venture. Coaching is collaborative, tailored, and pressure-free. You don’t need a pitch deck or a plan, just your curiosity and drive.
Let’s talk through it, sketch it out, break it down, and build it up.
What You Can Work on with a Coach
- Brainstorming or refining a new idea
- Turning a personal interest or hobby into a project, product, or service
- Planning your next steps as a freelancer, creator, or founder
- Building or testing a business model (nonprofit or for-profit)
- Navigating pricing, branding, partnerships, or funding
- Integrating AI or tech tools into your workflow
- Exploring commercialization or turning research into a venture
- Reigniting stalled ideas or side hustles
Who Should Book Coaching?
You should definitely meet with a Venture Coach if you:
- Have an idea you can’t stop thinking about
- Are running a small business or side hustle and need a sounding board
- Want help translating research, creativity, or skills into real-world opportunities
- Are applying for a grant, competition, or program and want strategic support
- Need tools, connections, or clarity
You don’t need to be a “business person,” you just need to have an idea or passion.
What to Expect
- 1:1 sessions with expert, approachable coaches
- Conversations tailored to you, no rigid templates
- Next-step planning, helpful tools, and accountability if you want it
- A bridge to other resources: mentors, funding, workshops, and partners across Montana
Ready to Get Started?
Book a session and take the first step toward launching what matters to you.
Venture Coaches
Alario, Samantha
PROGRAM MANAGER
Business planning, funding,
customer discovery, Gemini
Mountain Swimwear founder
Lippy, Jennifer
VENTURE COACH
Customer Discovery, Idea/Innovation,
Business Strategy, Prototyping
specialist
SPONSORED BY:
