Hang Out
Your Shingle.
Your skills. Your vision. Your business. Project 1860 is a movement helping everyday people turn what they know how to do into something they own.
"I'm going to give this a try."
A Turning Point
Why Project 1860?
The year 1860 marked a significant turning point in American history. The nation stood on the edge of tremendous change — and the years that followed brought hardship, uncertainty, opportunity, innovation, and growth.
Yet throughout that era, entrepreneurship remained alive and well. Blacksmiths, farriers, carpenters, merchants, craftsmen, teachers, printers, traders, and countless others simply hung a sign outside their shop and began serving their communities.
They didn't wait for permission.
The horseshoe in our logo honors those hardworking entrepreneurs who built their livelihoods through skill, determination, and service. Project 1860 exists to help modern entrepreneurs do the same.
Already Inside You
The Hidden Wealth You Already Carry
Many people never realize they already possess marketable skills. Someone, somewhere, is willing to pay for the solution you can provide.
The question isn't whether your skills have value. The question is whether you're willing to explore that value.
The Rewards
Why Become an Entrepreneur?
Starting a business takes effort, learning, persistence, and courage. The rewards can be extraordinary.
Freedom
Create your own path rather than relying on an employer's decisions.
Income Potential
Grow earnings by increasing value, improving systems, and expanding.
Flexibility
Build a business around the life you want — not the other way around.
Legacy
Create opportunities for family, employees, and future generations.
Personal Growth
Few things accelerate learning the way building a business does.
Impact
Solve real problems, create jobs, and strengthen your community.
You Don't Need a Perfect Plan
One of the biggest myths about entrepreneurship is that you must have everything figured out before you begin. You don't. Many successful companies began as a side hustle, a garage operation, a single customer, or a rough idea.
The important thing is taking the first step.
Don't Go It Alone
The Power of the Right Partner
Many entrepreneurs assume they must do everything alone. In reality, strategic partnerships can dramatically accelerate growth.
Owning 100% of a small company is not always better than owning 90% of a much larger and more successful one.
The goal is not simply ownership. The goal is building something valuable.
Capital
Launch operations, buy equipment, hire staff, and grow faster than self-funding alone.
Experience
Investors who've built companies help you avoid the costly, common mistakes.
Connections
The right partner opens doors to customers, suppliers, and advisors.
Credibility
Investor involvement builds confidence with customers, lenders, and partners.
Mentors
Guidance From Those Who've Built
Behind nearly every successful entrepreneur stands someone who provided guidance. A mentor can shorten years of trial and error into a few valuable conversations.
- ◆Avoid costly mistakes
- ◆Gain perspective
- ◆Improve decision-making
- ◆Build confidence
- ◆Expand your network
Accountability
Dreams Are Easy. Execution Is Hard.
Many great ideas never become businesses because nobody is asking the next question. Accountability creates momentum.
- "Did you make the calls?"
- "Did you complete the proposal?"
- "Did you meet the customer?"
- "Did you launch the website?"
Take The First Step
Submit Your Business Idea
You don't need a polished presentation. You don't need a formal business plan. You simply need an idea worth exploring. All submissions are treated as confidential.
Most wonder what might have happened if they had tried.
Entrepreneurs discover what happens when they do.