Climb a Mountain, Launch Your Business
Mountain Start-up Incubator
Ready to Turn Your Business Idea into Reality?
Launch Your Business in the Alps
Unlock your full potential with Summit start-up retreat, your one-stop solution for launching and scaling your business, enterprise, or charity.
Your Dream Doesn't Have to Wait
We understand that launching a new venture can feel like navigating a maze. You start with a vision, but before you know it, days turn into months, or even years. Why? Because starting a business involves juggling multiple facets—from design and operations to tech and marketing—and it can be downright overwhelming, especially if you're going it alone.
A Retreat with Purpose
Although we call it a retreat, this isn't just a restful getaway. It's an exciting, creative, and intensive period dedicated to kickstarting your business or elevating it to new heights. Alongside hiking an actual mountain (with fitness-dependent and accessible options available) and enjoying the stunning nature of the French Alps, where Ben Hodson is based, we help give your idea or new business the best chance of a successful launch. We tailor the deliverables to each client, helping you research, plan, incubate, create, connect, design, and deliver core needs in the early stages of your business.
Tailored to Your Needs
Whether you need minimal support to kickstart your journey or a comprehensive package complete with a complex e-commerce site, operations plans and investor pitches we've got you covered.
Start-up Mountain Incubator
RETREAT DETAILS
Duration: 5 days (Extensions available)
Team: Minimum of 2 experts (more for larger teams/groups)
Includes:
High-end accommodation in beautiful mountain chalets and/or apartments in Montgenèvre, France, next to the Italian border
Fully catered meals prepared by private chefs
Transfers from Oulx or Turin, Italy / Briançon, France
Not Included:
Your travel to Turin, Oulx, or Briançon
Alcoholic beverages (soft drinks provided, alcohol available at additional cost; we recommend enjoying local wines in moderation to maximise productivity)
Legal or company registration services
WHAT WE DO:
Collaborate with you to quickly and effectively launch or scale your business or NGO
Provide branding, positioning, and design work
Offer market research expertise and assistance
Guide financial planning and budgeting
Develop branding and marketing strategies
Consult on technology and strategy
Build website landing pages, initial sales funnels, and link tools
Develop customer retention and loyalty programs
Provide tested frameworks, templates, and market-testing ideas
Leverage our network to bring in industry expertise
Offer great resources, training, and reading lists
Provide mentoring, coaching, and a sounding board
Introduce you to entrepreneurs at a similar stage
Support you in realising your goals
WHAT WE DON’T DO:
Provide official legal, financial, or tax advice
(we can refer you to trusted advisors)Handle the actual registration of the entity or as a sole trader
(we can refer you to trusted platforms and advisors)Register insurance or handle any licensing
(we can refer you to trusted providers)Make official introductions to investors
(we can guide you on how and where to approach potential investors)
PRICING:
Cost: €3,000 per person
(Discounts available for larger teams)
Focus on your business, while we take care of the rest.
HOW DO I BOOK THE RETREAT?
Three steps to booking your slot.
1
PAY THE DEPOSIT
Pay a €1,000 deposit per person via this website, you will be asked some some general information including ideal dates etc.
2
WE CONFIRM DATES & DEFINE DELIVERABLES
We book discovery calls, confirm availability and experts, firm up logistics, book travel, and define business requirements. You will be sent some questionnaires to collate some general information, so we can better understand your ideas and objectives.
3
YOU TRAVEL OUT TO THE MOUNTAINS
I’ll be your guide every step of the way as we launch or quickly scale your business. Say “goodbye” to being stuck, lost, overwhelmed, and unfulfilled, and hello to reaching the peak of success.
Still Have Questions?
Great! Here are some answers:
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€3,000 per person, discounts available for larger teams.
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- Individuals ready to turn their ideas into reality
- First-time and serial entrepreneurs
- Early-stage business and non-profit founders
- Freelancers and small and micro-business owners looking to scale
Ideally, bring your team, including co-founders, partners, and key personnel. Solo entrepreneurs are welcome, and if appropriate, we often encourage timing your retreat with others at a similar stage to foster a supportive community.
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Climbing a mountain is optional, but we highly recommend it. The physical act of hiking a mountain serves as a powerful metaphor for your entrepreneurial journey. It provides a momentous experience that symbolises overcoming challenges and reaching new heights in your business. Plus, it makes for an inspiring and memorable story to include in your founding narrative. We offer fitness-dependent and accessible options to ensure everyone can participate and enjoy this transformative experience.
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We run retreats throughout the year, primarily from May to July and September to December. While retreats are possible during the high summer and winter ski seasons, additional fees may apply.
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- Laptop or smartphone (a laptop is preferred)
- Seasonal clothing, including good walking/hiking shoes and layers suitable for various weather conditions
- Complete the pre-event questionnaire as fully as possible to maximise productivity
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Yes, of course. Additional fees will apply, especially if they join us for catered meals. We recommend bringing only those who will be a positive and supportive presence. Bringing children and family is encouraged, provided there is someone to care for them while you focus on the retreat activities.
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Yes, you can extend your stay for an additional fee. Extensions are often possible and relatively affordable, depending on the number of people, time of year, and requirements.
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You will stay in stunning alpine accommodations, with the exact setup depending on your group size. You will have at least a private ensuite room, but likely your own apartment, chalet, or townhouse.
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Our professional chalet chefs will work directly with you to plan wonderful multi-course meals and can accommodate all major dietary requirements.
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Absolutely. We encourage everyone to sign mutual NDAs and adhere to strict confidentiality protocols.
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Ben Hodson will always lead the retreats. Depending on your business needs and the time of year, we will bring in at least one, often two, additional experts to assist.
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Complete the questionnaires we send you to ensure all practical and logistical elements are organised. We will schedule at least one, often two, discovery calls beforehand.
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While there is downtime to think, process, and enjoy the Alps, the majority of the time will be spent in collaborative working sessions, guided workshops, creative brainstorming, and feedback meetings.
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Yes, while the retreat is intensive, we ensure it remains fun and interactive, with plenty of downtime to maintain high productivity levels.
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Brand:
- Name development and ideation
- Logo and initial branding elements
- Brand style guide
- Mood/vision boards
Purpose:
- Purpose statement
- Value proposition
- Mission statement
- Vision statement
- Core values
- Customer promise
Business:
- Business plan
- KPIs & business dashboard
- Business model and financial forecast models
- Cash flow projections
- Revenue product pricing structure
- Market research summary
Growth:
- Sales funnel
- Operations plan
- HR & professional development plan
- Target personas
- One-page marketing plan
- Competitor analysis
Tech:
- Initial website including content
- Domain registration and email setup
- Brand story & initial marketing copy
- Technology stack consultancy
- Tech integration
- Social media and digital marketing SEO strategy
- User experience design consultation
Launch:
- Post-launch review plan
- Legal framework due diligence
- Data requirements
- Accounting and licences
- Trademark
- Crisis management plan
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We use a variety of tools and methodologies to refine your ideas quickly, test concepts, and identify challenges and opportunities. These include:
- Lean principles
- Strengths and purpose identification tools
- Business model canvases
- Design thinking
- Goal-setting frameworks
- Process improvement techniques
- Performance indicators
- Market positioning strategies
- Simplified marketing plans
- Team and strategy canvases
- Customer needs frameworks
- Narrative-based branding
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Project Management:
- Flexible project management methods
- Task management software
Market Research:
- Web analytics tools
- SEO and competitor analysis tools
Financial Planning:
- Accounting and spreadsheet software
- Spreadsheet software
Customer Relationship Management:
- Comprehensive CRM platforms
- Customer service management tools
Design and Branding:
- Professional design software
- User-friendly design tools
Content Management System:
- Customisable CMS
- E-commerce focused CMS
Marketing:
- Industry-standard tools and platforms
- Email campaign tools
Collaboration and Document Sharing:
- Cloud-based office suite
- Virtual private network
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If our standard start-up retreat package doesn’t fit your unique needs, let's have a conversation to tailor a quote that's just right for you. Book a call today.
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Yes, these packages are booked and operated with Go Travel, one of Ben’s companies. Your booking is secure, with financial failure insurance by EVO through Travel Vault, an ABTA partner.
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We offer discounted memberships to our entrepreneurial communities and one-on-one coaching for ongoing practical support and guidance. You will also have access to our templates, resources, playbooks, and recommendations for excellent resources, books, and podcasts.
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Yes absolutely, If you cancel the retreat, the following costs apply:
- 95% refund for cancellations up to 61 days before the start of the retreat.
- 75% refund for cancellations between 31-60 days before the start of the retreat.
- Less than 31 days' notice, the full price of the retreat will be charged.
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Absolutely! We offer flexible payment plans to accommodate your needs. To secure your slot and guarantee your place, we require a minimum deposit of €1,000. For more information and to discuss instalment options that work best for you, please contact us directly. We're here to help make this opportunity accessible and manageable for you.
Why Book?
Elevate Your Business: Overcome the complexities of business growth, just like climbers overcoming steep ascents.
Expand Your Network: Build lasting connections with like-minded entrepreneurs dedicated to growth and success.
Achieve Your Goals: With structured guidance and continuous support, you'll have the tools and strategies needed to launch or reach new heights in your business journey.
Enjoy and Experience the Mountains: As one of the most beautiful and inspiring places in the world, there is surely no greater location to do this.
Book the Start-up Incubator retreat and take the first step towards transforming your business. Together, we’ll navigate the peaks and valleys of entrepreneurship, ensuring you reach the summit of success.
