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StartSmart Business Retreat

Stop waiting, Start winning
Turn your plans into profit.

About Our Retreat

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About the Retreat

The StartSmart Retreat equips people of color with knowledge and professional support to launch creative enterprises. Join us for an immersive experience in the serene surroundings of SweetWater Stay in Orange, MA.

Key Benefits:

  • Professional business strategy.

  • Professional marketing strategy.

  • Financial organization.

  • Business operation strategy.

  • One-on-one sessions are available with a licensed attorney.

  • IP and trademark lawyer 

  • A focus on self-care to maintain long-term success as a business owner.

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Pricing

Start Smart Business Retreat Package:

  • 4-night stay at Sweetwater Stay Cabin (1 room, up to 2 people).

  • Breakfast and lunch included.

  • Morning wellness sessions.

  • Access to indoor and outdoor activities.

  • Coaching with experts:

    • IP and trademark Lawyer

    • Business Entity Advisor

    • Marketing Coach

    • Business Strategy Coach

    • Bookkeeper setup and CPA guidance

  • A $250 non-refundable deposit secures your spot.
     

Flexible Payment Plan:

  • $250 Down Payment

  • Additional payments spread across six intervals.
     

Pricing Deadlines:

  • Early Bird (Sign up by 1/24): $2,000

  • Standard (Sign up 1/24–2/13): $2,250

  • Late Registration (Sign up 2/14–2/31): $2,400

  • Final Registration (Sign up 3/1–3/5): $2,550
     

Before the retreat you will receive a questionnaire so that we are on the same wavelength with you for your business.  Once submitted please be sure to bring with you to the retreat. To maximize the retreat effectively and efficiently, we strongly recommend that you work diligently on the questionnaire so that you are ready when you touch down in Orange. We have a short amount of time to accomplish a plethora of content and exercises

Retreat Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome & Onboarding

Guest check-in, introductory lunch, group activity, and leisure time.

Days 2–4

StartSmart Intensive Program

  • Morning:
    Breakfast, wellness sessions.

     

  • Afternoon:
    Workshops (Accounting 101, Operations 101, Self-Care), coaching sessions with OakLane and TCGT, group activities.

     

  • Evening:
    Free time with indoor/outdoor options.

Day 5

Check Out day

StartSmart Goodbye Breakfast

"Dreams stay dreams until you start—your future is built by the actions you take today."

Accomodations

Sweetwater Stay Cabins are located in Orange, Massachusetts, where our retreat will occur. Sweetwater Stay Cabins offer a comfortable cabin experience by Tully Pond. Our accommodations include four amazing cabin experiences:

Located on the shore of Tully Pond, The Writers Retreat is a newly designed 325 sqft lakeside cottage with breathtaking views of Tully Mountain. This 4-season cottage is built with salvaged barn wood, up-cycled maple floors, and custom-built furniture and lighting. This Cabin accommodates 1-2 people.

 

Ameneties Include:

  • One queen bed

  • Fully equipped Kitchen

  • Full bathroom

  • Living room (TV, Wifi, and working space)

  • Lakeside view

The Photographer's Cabin is the twin to the Writers Retreat. It is fitted with two porches, space for four guests, and is decorated with photography memorabilia and antique cameras. It is a beautiful spot ideal for daydreaming and looking out onto the serenity of the pond. You'll find this intimate home has everything you need to relax, write the next Great American Novel, connect with a lover, or just plain chill.  This Cabin accommodates 1-2 people.

 

Amenities Include:

  • One queen bed (No door)

  • Fully equipped Kitchen

  • Full bathroom

  • Living room (TV, Wifi, and working space)

  • Lakeside view

Located on the shore of Tully Pond, The Fishing Cottage is a designed vacation home with breathtaking views of Tully Mountain. This 4-season Cottage has real salvaged barn wood walls, up-cycled maple floors, and one-of-a-kind scratch-built furniture and lighting fixtures. The deconstructed architecture leaves exposed the electrical conduit and copper plumbing pipes, making the cottage feel alive and organic. This cabin accommodates 2-3 people.

 

Amenities Include:

  • One queen Bed

  • One double bed

  • Fully equipped Kitchen

  • Full bathroom

  • Living room (TV, Wifi, and working space)

  • Lakeside view

Located on the shore of Tully Pond, The Film Shack is a newly designed waterfront vacation home with breathtaking views of Tully Mountain. This 4-season home features four bedrooms, a screening room, a video game nook, and a bonus guest cottage. Maple floors, aviation and cargo style furniture, stainless steel bathroom, and kitchen with a wood stove for those chilly fall mornings. This cabin accommodates six people.

Amenities Include:

  • One King bed (with private bathrooms)

  • One queen bed

  • Two full beds (shared room) 

  • two twin beds (shared room) 

  • Fully equipped Kitchen

  • Full bathroom

  • Living room (TV, Wifi, and working space)

  • Lakeside view

Meet the Team

Hunting Season

Activities & Amenities

Escape the city and enjoy the peace of nature with:

  • Gun range (valid license required).

  • Outdoor bonfire and stage.

  • Yoga and meditation classes.

  • Networking lounge.

  • Movie theatre access.

Candle Store Owner

Ready to Start Your Creative Business?

Secure your spot today!

Early registration starts 12/7

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