Founded in 2020, The Start Squad Academy in Gainesville, Florida, is dedicated to helping startup entrepreneurs plot their pathway to success. We provide tailored training, starting with the Entrepreneurial Type Indicator (ETI), which offers Business Readiness Insights upon completion. Those looking for more hands-on guidance can turn to our Success Training in Entrepreneurship Program (STEP), which is currently being offered as a 5-day bootcamp. Whether you're just starting or a seasoned professional, our programs are designed to equip you with the tools necessary to thrive in today's competitive business landscape.
The Start Squad Academy was founded upon four solid principles for lasting entrepreneurial success.
Understanding how they shape your entrepreneurial mindset is the first step in that journey.
There’s nothing wrong with “side hustling,” but it is wrong to think you can put in less than 100% and get more than 100% in results.
Keep in mind, entrepreneurship is like jumping off a cliff without a parachute — you’ll definitely get somewhere, but you won’t enjoy the trip.
Thinking a startup will save you from financial woes, dead-end jobs, or depression is sure to lead to financial ruin, burnout, and deeper heartache.
Think about it, licenses are required for electricians due to potential harm to others, but the only person an entrepreneur can harm is themselves.
Having read those four principles, you've already taken your first STEP toward securing your entrepreneurial future. And the ETI is actually part of Step 2. Here's a complete breakdown of STEP for your reference.
STEP 1 – SHIFT
Achieve a mental shift away from hype and toward the hard realities of entrepreneurship.
STEP 2 – UNFOLD
Critically assess your industry knowledge, required resources, and personal readiness.
STEP 3 – CONCEIVE
Craft a clear vision—your pitch and business model—grounded in the problem you’re solving.
STEP 4 – CRITIQUE
Obtain outside feedback, refining your business model and go-to-market strategy.
STEP 5 – EXECUTE
Launch and zero in on sales processes to put your solution in customers’ hands.
STEP 6 – EVALUATE
Analyze performance via successes and failures, using hard data to guide next moves.
STEP 7 – DEVELOP
Devise robust plans and ramp up your team so you can consistently deliver at scale.
STEP 8 – ESTABLISH
Solidify best practices and governance to ensure continuous, reliable execution.
STEP 9 – DISCIPLINE
Strengthen your organization by reverse-engineering market leadership and embedding excellence.
Concise Insights
Free
Comprehensive Insights
$24.99
Success Training in Entrepreneurship Program (STEP)
Contact for Pricing
The Start Squad Academy completely changed my perspective on entrepreneurship. The training equipped me with the tools I needed to succeed! Highly recommended! - John D. 
I never thought entrepreneurship could be this structured. The STEP program provided practical insights and a clear path to success. - Sarah L. 
Being a part of this academy made me feel supported. The trainers really know their stuff and are invested in your success. - Marcus W. 
The ETI is a psychometric tool that helps you understand your entrepreneurial identity.
You can purchase the Comprehensive Insights for $24.99, with a $5 discount for students.
STEP is a 5-day bootcamp offering practical training on essential entrepreneurship principles.
Currently, the STEP program is offered exclusively to U.S. Veterans.
The next cohort is from September 22nd to 26th at Blount Hall.
Local business owners can contact Damian Niolet at founder@startsquadacademy.org for partnership opportunities.