RIoT Foundations Program assists small business owners, startup founders, or prospective entrepreneurs interested in exploring their business idea more, interested in starting a business, and/or who are looking to grow and scale their business.
This program is open to any business industry! RIoT specializes in helping technology sector businesses and those wanting to incorporate technology into their business start, grow, and scale in – the 21st Century Technology Revolution is here!
What To Expect In Foundations
Who’s It For?
RIoT Foundations is for anyone who is a small business owners, startup founders, or prospective entrepreneurs that are new and idea stage companies who are looking to grow and scale their new business or idea.
This program primarily focuses on technology and innovation-driven startups but can also benefit those who are looking to integrate technology into their business or may be a main street business.
What Will I Learn?
Core Business Truths & Best Practices – What are all the ingredients you need to operate a successful business? What are the habits you must build as a business owner to establish and grow your business?
Lean Canvas – Lean Canvas is a 1-page business plan template created by Ash Maurya that helps you deconstruct your idea into its key assumptions. It is adapted from Alex Osterwalder’s Business Model Canvas and optimized for Lean Startups. It replaces elaborate business plans with a single page business model.
Validations – How do you continually engage with your customers (or potential customers) and understand if you’re solving a real problem with the right solution?
Operations 101 – How do you manage your finances, your team, and your customer relationships?
What’s The Cost?
There’s no cost to you! RIoT strives to provide FREE and accessible programming to help start and grow businesses to help better and grow communities.
Upcoming Sessions
Winter 2026 – Pittsboro, NC
Registration Deadline: January 9, 2026
In-Person: This cohort will be held in person in Pittsboro, NC. You must be able to attend the in-person workshops.
Note: Virtual office hours and mentor meetings are available, but all workshops are held in person.
Workshop Dates & Times
5:30–7:30 PM ET
- Wednesday, January 21, 2026
- Wednesday, February 4, 2026
- Wednesday, February 18, 2026
- Wednesday, March 4, 2026
1:1 Mentoring Sessions
Every participant receives three personalized 30-minute mentoring sessions, scheduled individually after acceptance. These sessions offer focused support aligned with your specific business goals.
What Happens After I Register?
Confirmation Email: You’ll receive a confirmation email with key program details and next steps.
Virtual Interview Invitation: In early January, we’ll send an invitation to schedule a 15–20 minute virtual interview (held Jan 12-16). This helps us learn about your goals and tailor the program to you.
Program Kickoff Details: As we get closer to launch, we’ll share the full schedule, access links, and any materials you’ll need to get started.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain the skills and support needed to grow your business. Registration closes January 9!
Have questions? Reach out to Greg Dunko (greg@riot.org).