Starting a Business | MOSAIC BUSINESS CONSULTING
Tailored support for women, minority & LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs — Putting the Pieces Together of Your Business. Facebook LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

Unlock Your Business Potential. We’re Here to Help You Build It.

Mosaic Business Consulting provides tailored support for Women, Minority, and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs,guiding you from startup to success!
Is This You?

Built for the Founder at the Starting Line

If any of these sound familiar, you’re exactly who we help.

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The Idea-Haver

You have a great idea buzzing in your head, but you’re not sure how to turn it into something real, structured, and profitable.

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The Overwhelmed Starter

You’ve started researching and now you’re drowning in tabs, opinions, and to-do lists. You need one clear path forward.

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The Ready-to-Launch

You’re close — but you want a proven plan, expert eyes, and the confidence to finally open your doors.

Our Services: Your Roadmap to Success

We’ll Put the Pieces of Your Business Together — Correctly

Comprehensive support tailored to your specific needs, so you build on a strong foundation and grow faster. Hover over a card (or tap on mobile) to see the outcomes you can expect.

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Business Planning

A solid plan is your foundation. We define your vision, mission, and values, research your market, build financial projections, and map your path to growth.

Flip for outcomes
What you walk away with

Business Planning

  • A written, lender- and investor-ready business plan
  • A validated idea and a clearly defined target market
  • Three-year financial projections you can defend
  • Pricing and a revenue model that actually works
  • A milestone roadmap for your first year of growth
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Startup Guidance

From legal structures and licensing to operations and marketing, we guide you through the essential steps of launching successfully — and help you avoid common pitfalls.

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What you walk away with

Startup Guidance

  • The right legal structure chosen and registered
  • EIN, licenses and permits handled in the right order
  • Day-one operations, systems and record-keeping in place
  • Business and personal finances properly separated
  • The costly first-year mistakes avoided altogether
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Marketing & Branding

Standing out is essential. We help you build a strong brand identity, create effective marketing strategies, reach your audience, and tell your unique story.

Flip for outcomes
What you walk away with

Marketing & Branding

  • A brand identity that looks credible from day one
  • Messaging and a story your ideal client recognizes
  • A marketing plan matched to your real audience
  • A consistent presence across the channels that matter
  • A repeatable way to attract your first customers
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Accessing Resources

We connect you with funding, loans, investors, grants, and networking events designed to support women and minority entrepreneurs.

Flip for outcomes
What you walk away with

Accessing Resources

  • A shortlist of funding sources that fit your business
  • Loan, grant and investor materials you’re ready to submit
  • Introductions to networks and business advisors
  • Access to programs built for women and minority founders
  • A clear, realistic plan for funding your launch
Our Start-Up Programs

Choose Your Path to Launch

Three focused programs that meet you wherever you are — from your first business plan to a confident launch and the mindset that carries you through.

Plan

Business Planning Mastery

Build the fundable, follow-able business plan that turns your idea into a roadmap — market, model, money, and milestones — with a polished, investor-ready look.

  • Validate your idea & market
  • Pricing & revenue model
  • 3-year financial projections
  • Lender / investor-ready plan
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Launch

Launch with Impact

Open your doors with momentum. A guided launch plan so your business shows up strong, seen, and ready for customers from day one.

  • Step-by-step launch roadmap
  • Brand & first-customer strategy
  • Systems & operations setup
  • Go-to-market game plan
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Mindset

Mindset in Motion

The inner game of entrepreneurship. Build the confidence, habits, and resilience to push past fear and self-doubt — and actually follow through.

  • Overcome fear & self-doubt
  • Founder habits & routines
  • Focus & follow-through
  • Resilience for the hard days
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Business Planning, Your Way

Do It FOR You, or Do It WITH You

Choose the level of partnership that fits where you are and how you like to work.

Do It FOR You

The “Masterpiece Blueprint” — clarity is your competitive advantage.

Stand before an investor or lender with excited peace, knowing every “tile” of your vision is locked into a high-performance plan. We don’t just write documents — we architect legacies. Your signature plan includes:

  • Executive Summary & “Power Niche”
  • Business description & legal structure
  • Market & industry analysis
  • Marketing & branding roadmap
  • Operational strategy
  • Exacting 3-year financial projections
Learn More →

Do It WITH You

A guided, hands-on partnership as you build your plan.

A solid business plan is your foundation. We’ll work alongside you to move from that initial idea to a concrete plan of action. Together we’ll:

  • Define your vision, mission & values
  • Conduct market research
  • Develop financial projections
  • Create a roadmap for growth
Learn More →
About Mosaic Business Consulting

We understand these challenges intimately — and we’re determined to see you succeed.

At Mosaic Business Consulting, we know that starting a business can feel like standing in front of a pile of scattered tiles. Our job is to help you put every piece in the right place, so your vision becomes a real, thriving business.

We’re not just coaches and consultants — we’re partners. We provide personalized guidance, strategic planning, and practical tools to help you confidently launch and grow. Our approach is rooted in inclusiveness, equity, and a deep commitment to your success.

We’re proud to champion women and minority entrepreneurs — including Black, Indigenous, people of color, and LGBTQIA+ founders — with the tailored support they deserve.

Book Your Free Consult

By the time we’re done, you’ll have:

  • ✓A validated idea and a clear target market
  • ✓A written, fundable business plan
  • ✓Pricing, offers & a revenue model
  • ✓A step-by-step launch roadmap
  • ✓Connections to funding & resources
  • ✓The confidence & mindset to follow through
Laura Wagenknecht, MSW, CEC — Founder and CEO of Mosaic Business Consulting
Meet Your Consultant

Laura Wagenknecht, MSW, CEC

Founder & CEO, Mosaic Business Consulting

I’ve sat on every side of this table — as a clinical social worker, as a CEO, and as an assistant professor. That combination is exactly why starting a business with me feels different: I understand the numbers and the very human fear that shows up right before you commit.

Most founders don’t come to me short on ideas. They come to me with a pile of scattered tiles — research, opinions, half-finished spreadsheets, advice from six different people — and no idea which piece goes where. My work is to put those pieces in order: validate the idea, define the market, build honest financials, choose the right structure, and hand you a plan you can actually follow on a Tuesday morning.

100%Funding success rate on the business plans I’ve written or substantially assisted with

Every client whose business plan I have written in full — or worked on alongside them — has secured the funding they applied for.

The only exceptions have been situations where a business owner’s personal financial picture — a low credit score, for example — stood in the way of approval. That’s why we look at fundability early, honestly, and (without judgment!) so nothing catches you by surprise at the lender’s desk.

Whether you are still shaping the idea or you’re weeks from opening your doors, I’ll meet you where you are — and I’ll tell you the truth about what it will take. Putting the Pieces Together of Your Business.

Book a Free Consultation with Laura →
How It Works

Your Journey From Idea to Open

A simple, proven path — so you always know your next step.

01

Discover

We start with a free consult to understand your idea, goals, and where you’re stuck.

02

Plan

Together we shape your strategy, business plan, and a clear roadmap to launch.

03

Build

We put the pieces in place — offers, pricing, brand, systems, and funding.

04

Launch

You open with confidence and a plan to attract your first customers and grow.

The Mosaic Difference

We Cut Through the Noise

We provide clarity, direction, and a supportive partnership.

1

Prioritize & Focus

We help you identify the most critical steps and create a manageable plan.

2

Realistic Strategy

Grounded, practical advice — not empty promises.

3

Build Confidence

We empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to succeed.

4

Community

We help you build a support network with entrepreneurs who understand your journey.

“
Mosaic took the pile of ideas in my head and helped me put every piece in place. I stopped spinning my wheels and finally launched — with a plan I could actually follow.
— A Mosaic Start-Up Client
Good to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a business idea already, or can you help me find one?

Both. If you already have an idea, we’ll validate and shape it. If you’re still exploring, we’ll help you find a viable direction that fits your skills, market, and goals.

I’ve never run a business before. Is that a problem?

Not at all — first-time founders are exactly who our starting-a-business programs are built for. We meet you at the very beginning and guide you step by step.

Do you specialize in supporting women and minority entrepreneurs?

Yes. Our approach is rooted in inclusiveness and equity, and we connect you with funding, grants, and networking specifically designed to support women and minority founders.

Which program should I start with?

Most new founders begin with Business Planning Mastery, add Launch with Impact as they get ready to open, and use Mindset in Motion throughout. Not sure? Book a free consult and we’ll point you to the right fit.

Do I need to form an LLC before we start working together?

No. We’ll help you decide the right legal structure for your goals and walk you through registering it — including forming an LLC through the NC Secretary of State and getting your free EIN from the IRS. See the Resources section below for direct links.

How much does it cost to work with Mosaic?

Investment depends on which program and level of support fit your needs — from “Do It WITH You” guidance to a “Do It FOR You” done-for-you business plan. The best next step is a free consultation, where we’ll recommend the right option and give you clear pricing with no pressure.

How long does it take to launch a business?

It varies with the complexity of your idea, licensing, and funding needs — some founders are ready in a few weeks, others take a few months. We’ll build a realistic, step-by-step timeline so you always know what’s next.

Can you help me find funding or grants?

Yes. We connect you with funding opportunities, loans, investors, grants, and networking events — including resources designed specifically to support women and minority entrepreneurs — and help you prepare a plan that lenders and investors take seriously.

What if I’ve already started but feel stuck?

You’re very welcome here. Many clients come to us mid-journey, overwhelmed or unsure of their next move. We’ll assess where you are, untangle the chaos, and give you a clear, prioritized path forward.

Do you work virtually or in person?

We work with clients flexibly — virtually and, where possible, in person. Reach out through the contact link and we’ll find the format that works best for you.

What makes Mosaic different from other consultants?

We’re partners, not just advisors. Our approach is rooted in inclusiveness and equity, we give grounded and practical guidance (never empty promises), and we stay with you from the first idea through launch and growth. Putting the pieces together of your business starts here — and clarity is what we deliver.

Helpful Resources

Startup Resources & Links

Official, free, and trusted places to make your business real. Hover over a card (or tap on mobile) to flip it and get the link.

Not sure where to begin? Follow these steps in order:

  1. 1
    Name your business

    Choose a clear, memorable name and confirm it isn’t already taken.

  2. 2
    Register it with the state

    Form your LLC and register your business name with the NC Secretary of State.

  3. 3
    Get your EIN

    Apply for your free federal tax ID directly with the IRS.

  4. 4
    Open a business bank account

    Keep your business and personal finances separate from day one.

  5. 5
    Set up taxes, licenses & permits

    Register for state taxes and secure any licenses or permits your business needs.

  6. 6
    Build your plan & launch

    Put your strategy, pricing, and systems in place — this is where Mosaic can help most.

Use the resource cards below to complete each step.

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Register My Business Name

Flip for the link

NC Secretary of State

Reserve your business name and form your LLC online through the official NC Business Registration Division.

Go to NC SOS →
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Get My Free EIN (Tax ID)

Flip for the link

IRS — 100% Free

Apply for your Employer Identification Number directly with the IRS. It’s completely free — never pay a third-party service.

Apply at IRS.gov →
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Set Up My State Taxes

Flip for the link

NC Department of Revenue

Register your business for North Carolina state withholding and sales & use tax accounts.

Go to NCDOR →
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Get Free Business Advising

Flip for the link

NC SBTDC

Free, confidential business counseling and workshops for North Carolina entrepreneurs.

Visit the SBTDC →
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Explore Funding & Loans

Flip for the link

U.S. Small Business Administration

Explore SBA loans, funding programs, and the free Lender Match tool to fund your launch.

Explore SBA Funding →
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Check Licenses & Permits

Flip for the link

Licenses & Permits Guide

Find out exactly which federal, state, and local licenses and permits your business needs.

See the SBA Guide →
Mosaic Business Consulting clients celebrating a win with Laura Wagenknecht

Ready to Build Your Business the Right Way?

Book your free consultation and let’s turn your idea into a clear, confident plan. Putting the pieces together of your business starts here — let’s find yours.

Call for Your FREE Consultation →

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Tailored support for women, minority, and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs — guiding you from startup to success.

Putting the Pieces Together of Your Business.

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