Overview
Silicon Slopes, a Utah-based nonprofit, has launched Start School, a free entrepreneurship program designed to remove financial and structural barriers to starting a business. The program carries no tuition, requires no equity, and sets no prerequisites for entry. It is now backed by a partnership with Amplēo, a provider of fractional executive and operational services, and Mountain America Credit Union.
What Start School Offers
Start School is open to anyone willing to participate, regardless of background or funding. The program centers on practical execution, real-world support, and community-driven growth. Its two core principles are: show up consistently, and give more than you take.
Amplēo brings seasoned fractional executives and embedded operators to the program, giving early-stage founders access to leadership and mentorship they could not otherwise afford. This includes expertise in finance, HR, marketing, sales tax compliance, and business valuation.
Silicon Slopes CEO Clint Betts stated that Amplēo was intentionally sought out as a major partner due to its long history in Utah, community-first orientation, and deep operational expertise. Amplēo Chief Growth Officer Joe Grover noted that the program aligns with Amplēo's mission to help more startups and small businesses survive and thrive, citing unacceptably high failure rates for small businesses.
Who It's For
Start School is part of Silicon Slopes' broader "Entrepreneurship for the 99%" vision — the belief that the tools, mentorship, and community needed to build a business should be available to everyone. The program is built for a new era of entrepreneurship, one where AI enables solo founders to build what once required large teams and significant capital.
How to Apply
Applications are available at the Silicon Slopes website. The program is free and open to anyone willing to show up and build.
Bottom Line
Start School offers a practical, no-cost entry point for aspiring founders who lack access to traditional startup resources. The partnership with Amplēo provides operational expertise that would otherwise be out of reach for early-stage companies.