Community Economic Development Fund Shares My Business Jumpstart 2026 Program

Program Structure

• Study the essentials of starting and tending a new business through online readings at your own pace using your computer, tablet or cell phone.
• Engage with others via Zoom in our six-part webinar series to address your questions and share experiences.
• Earn a certificate of program completion from the My Own Business Institute and CEDF by completing the final exam with a score of 80% or higher.
• Compete in the Wells Fargo Bank $10,000 Business Encouragement Award Competition. Success on the exam qualifies you to apply for to compete in the three-minute pitch competition. Winner judged by the bank’s small business experts.
• Grow your business with free on-going assistance thru the Jump Start Mentoring resources.

Schedule

January 5 to February 27, 2026— Take the course and complete your exam to qualify for competition. Login provided after registration.

January and February
Connect with your peers and business experts in your community during the Zoom remote Review Sessions.

Tuesday, Jan.20, Noon -- Deciding on a Business  *  Home Based Business
Tuesday, Jan. 27, Noon -- The Business Plan  *  Financing the Business
Tuesday Feb. 3, Noon -- Business Organization  *   Licenses and Permits
Tuesday, Feb. 10, Noon --   Business Insurance  *  Location and Leasing
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 5 pm -- Accounting and Cash Flow   *   Managing Employees
Tuesday, Feb. 24, 6 pm   -- E-Commerce   *  Marketing

Feb. 27, 2026 — Deadline for passing the My Own Business Institute final exam.  
Mar. 6, 2026 — Noon deadline for competition qualifiers to submit their written pitch entries.
Mar. 13, 2026 — Pitch finalists announced.
Mar 20, 2026 — Pitch finals online. Wells Fargo judges announce winners of the competition. 

Full information page. | Enrollment beings Jan. 5. Free but registration required.