Option C provides structured, real-world support to help adults facing employment barriers move from a business idea to an operating small business — at no cost to qualified participants.
The Option C program is a structured entrepreneurship support program designed specifically for adults who face barriers that make traditional employment difficult or inaccessible.
Accepted participants receive free, personalized support across six core areas — from validating a business idea to building an online presence and launching with accountability. The program is delivered remotely and built around each participant's individual goals, schedule, and circumstances.
This is not a general business course. It is a structured, hands-on program where participants work through a real plan for a real business, with real support along the way.
Option C is designed for adults who face real barriers to traditional employment and are serious about pursuing small business ownership as a path forward.
Every accepted participant works through these six areas with guidance, structure, and accountability provided at each stage.
Many people come to Option C with an idea — or with no idea at all. In this first phase, we work with participants to identify, evaluate, and validate a business concept that is realistic, legal, and aligned with their actual skills, circumstances, and goals.
A business plan is not just a document — it's a thinking tool that forces clarity on what the business is, how it will make money, who it serves, and what it actually takes to operate. We guide participants through creating a practical plan they can understand and use.
Participants are connected with experienced mentors who provide guidance, accountability, and real-world perspective throughout the program. Mentors bring practical business experience and a genuine commitment to helping participants succeed.
Getting a business properly set up is one of the most confusing early steps for new entrepreneurs. We guide participants through the key decisions and actions required to get their business operating legally and professionally.
In today's market, a basic online presence is often the difference between a business that looks credible and one that doesn't. We help participants understand what they need online and guide them through building it — without requiring technical expertise.
The early days of a new business are the most vulnerable — this is when most people give up. Participants receive structured check-ins and ongoing support during the launch phase to help them push through early obstacles and maintain momentum.
Here's exactly what happens from the moment you submit your interest form to when you launch your business.
Complete the interest form on our website. This takes about 5 minutes. You'll share basic information about your background, employment situation, and any business ideas you have. There is no cost and no commitment to submit.
Our team reviews every submission individually. We look at your background, your situation, your goals, and the potential fit with our program. We aim to respond to all submissions within a few business days.
If your application looks like a potential fit, we'll reach out to schedule a short virtual discovery call. This call helps us better understand your goals, your specific situation, and whether the program is the right match for where you are right now.
Accepted participants receive a welcome packet and are matched with a mentor. You'll receive an orientation on how the program works, what's expected, and how to make the most of the support you're receiving.
This is the core of the program. Working with your mentor and our team, you'll move through idea validation, business planning, legal setup, and digital presence — building a real plan for a real business over the course of the program.
Once your business is set up and your plan is in place, you enter the launch phase — where regular check-ins and accountability support help you push through the early obstacles and start generating real momentum.
We believe in being straightforward about what participants can expect from Option C. Entrepreneurship is not easy, and we don't pretend otherwise.
This program provides structure, education, mentorship, and accountability. It does not provide guaranteed income, business funding, or a shortcut to success. What it does provide is a real framework and real support for people who are willing to do the work.
No. Some participants come in with a fully formed idea, some have a general direction, and some have no idea at all. We work with you to identify and validate a business concept that makes sense for your skills, situation, and goals. Not having an idea yet is not a barrier to applying.
The timeline varies depending on the participant, the complexity of the business, and how quickly they're able to move through each phase. The program is designed to be realistic for people with health limitations, complicated schedules, or other life constraints. We work with each participant's actual situation rather than a rigid timeline.
Yes. Qualified participants pay nothing to participate in the program. Option C Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded by donations and grants. The cost of running the program is covered by donors and supporters who believe in expanding access to entrepreneurship for people facing barriers.
We support a wide range of lawful small businesses — from service-based businesses (cleaning, landscaping, pet care, consulting, tutoring) to product-based businesses to online businesses. We evaluate each idea individually. We do not support illegal businesses, MLM structures, or passive income schemes.
No. A prior felony conviction is one of the specific circumstances Option C was built to address. We evaluate each applicant individually, and prior conviction history does not automatically disqualify anyone. What we do look for is genuine readiness to build something legitimate and a commitment to participating actively in the program.
We review every application and respond to everyone who applies. If the program isn't the right fit right now, we'll let you know. In some cases, we may provide alternative resources or suggest a better time to reapply. We understand that many people come to Option C in difficult situations, and we treat every applicant with respect.
No. Option C does not provide loans, grants, startup capital, or any form of financial investment. Our program focuses on education, mentorship, planning, and support — not funding. We help participants build businesses that are realistic given their actual resources, and we help them understand options for accessing capital independently when appropriate.
If you meet the basic eligibility criteria and are serious about building a business, submit the interest form and our team will review your application.