1MOne MillionSmall Startups

How OMS2 grows

One program, then a path that keeps going.

OMS2 starts with a single, focused program and earns each step that follows. These phases are deliberately not date-specific: each one depends on evidence, funding and partnerships from the phase before it.

The five phases

  1. Phase 1

    In development

    Founder Builder Program

    Teach aspiring entrepreneurs modern startup-building skills and help them develop working businesses.

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    • Deliver a free, beginner-friendly founder program
    • Teach AI, software and modern startup methods
    • Support customer validation, MVP development and go-to-market work
    • Close with a founder showcase and published pilot learnings

  2. Phase 2

    Future

    Startup Accelerator

    Provide deeper support to promising startups and validated founders.

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    • Structured support beyond the introductory program
    • Admission criteria for validated founders and businesses
    • Cross-industry scope, not software only
    • Longer-term mentorship and launch support

  3. Phase 3

    Future

    Chicagoland Startup Ecosystem

    Develop partnerships across the region that founders can rely on.

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    • Mentors, companies and universities
    • Funders, investors and philanthropic partners
    • Community organizations and workforce partners
    • Startup service providers

  4. Phase 4

    Future

    National Remote Program

    Expand successful programming beyond Chicagoland through remote participation.

    • Remote delivery of proven programming
    • Access for founders outside the pilot region
    • Support systems that work without a local venue

  5. Phase 5

    Long-term

    Regional and National Expansion

    Replicate the model in additional cities and regions in pursuit of the long-term One Million Small Startups mission.

    • Replicate what the evidence shows works
    • Add regions where partnerships and funding support it
    • Build toward the long-term one million small startups mission

The long horizon

Why “one million”?

The mission is ultimately to help create the conditions for one million small startups.

That is a long-term ambition, not a current operating target, projection or counter. OMS2 has not launched a startup yet. The honest near-term goal is one well-run Founder Builder cohort with results worth publishing.

Internal launch milestones

What has to be true before Phase 1 runs.

These are operational readiness items rather than public program phases. They are published so supporters can see what their contributions unlock.

  • Approve the pilot budget and operating plan
  • Complete essential governance and operating documents
  • Finalize the Founder Builder curriculum and materials
  • Establish volunteer, mentor and instructor processes with participant safeguards
  • Secure appropriate insurance and operating systems
  • Secure donated, sponsored or affordable program space
  • Raise the funding required to deliver the pilot
  • Confirm measurement and evaluation procedures

Phase 1 starts with funding and people.

Support the pilot, or join the founder interest list to hear when applications open.

Support the PilotJoin the Founder Interest List