The Startup Southwest Dallas Region, entrepreneurial development program is based on the relationship between new startups and their mentors, whose role is to server as a friendly guide throughout the development of your company. Your Business 101 mentor will work with you to identify your areas of interest and development needs. You and your mentor will meet periodically to review your progress along the career path. Based on your discussions, he or she may help you identify opportunities to advance your knowledge and build your skills. Opportunities may include specific projects or practices likely to offer particularly valuable learning experiences. A series of courses has been developed for each step of legitimizing your business with the emphasis gradually becoming a business that is fully prepared to receive funding from both private and governmental sources. Throughout the stages of the program, the individual entrepreneur is responsible for his or her professional development. Those who are motivated will find that Business 101 offers all the resources that one will need to advance at a rapid rate. The mentoring process is flexible and the length of the program is tailored to each company’s individual needs and goals. Throughout the program, a company’s progress is assessed through panel presentations and feedback. To complete the program, the company must “pass” several essential milestones: marketing, finance, and potential investors. At the final stage, it is determined whether the company “graduates” and is ready for investment or needs additional coaching in Business 101.