Do you have a start-up idea that you would like to seriously pursue and turn into an actual business? Have you already launched a startup and are looking for help to propel your venture to the next level? Startup Contest Have you joined or sought further guidance from a startup focused on social and community issues and working on innovative startup business solutions?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, Pirate LaunchPad may be right for you. The Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship is inviting all Seton Hall University students to apply to participate in the 5th Annual Pirate Launchpad Summer Accelerator Program and earn up to $2,000 in seed funding to invest in your venture.
Pirates LaunchPad employs Lean Startup methodology to help student entrepreneurs advance their startup business models during an eight-week summer program. Students will meet every Friday morning from the end of May through July for virtual group meetings with entrepreneurship faculty and guest speakers. Participants will also receive additional individual coaching sessions with successful alumni entrepreneurs.
Participation is free for students, but space is limited.
Target audience: Open to all Seton Hall students who are already working on a startup business model or have launched a startup and are willing to set business goals and work toward achieving them during the program. Students can apply as individual entrepreneurs or as a team of up to four students. Student entrepreneurs who successfully complete the program will be awarded a Seed Funding Scholarship of up to $2,000 per venture.
when: Friday, May 31, 2024 to Friday, July 26, 2024 (excluding Friday, July 5)
How to apply: Eight student startup teams will be accepted into the 2024 cohort. The application process includes an interview with the Director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and filling out an application form. Application form.
Deadline to express interest: Students should contact Susan Shereich, founding director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, at the latest. Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in [email protected].
Student teams participating in the Venture Accelerator will receive:
- Successful completion of Pirates LaunchPad will result in a seed funding grant of up to $2,000.
- Ongoing advice from venture mentors.
- Access to workshops, prototyping tools, and other helpful resources to build your entrepreneurship.
- Access to the Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship’s network of successful alumni entrepreneurs.
Pirates LaunchPad Accelerator alumni have this to say about the program:
“Pirate Accelerator provided me with the tools and support to launch Pesto Joe LLC, which was little more than an idea when I first signed up. After the program, I started working with local I was able to complete a proof of concept at a farmers market and quickly gained a following. That’s when I knew I had a viable business and spent the next few months learning more about the food industry. I learned, networked, and earned my food handler certification.
It’s crazy to look back and remember where I was two years ago. I just came up with an idea and I’m already leaps and bounds ahead of where I was when I started stepping on the gas. I’m currently preparing for a busy farmers’ market season and have recently started selling my products online. You can’t stop a pirate on a mission. Thank you Axel for pointing me in the right direction!” – Karina Castagna, ’21/MPA ’22, Founder and CEO of Pest His Joe.
“Pirates Launchpad provides a great network and formula to make your ideas a reality. The program embarked on a major expansion last summer, opening a one-stop EcoShop retail store in Toms River. This store complements our idea.” Founder of the online consumer products business – One Stop Eco Shop and a junior studying nursing. Brooke and Madison Rosa.
“When I joined Pirates LaunchPad, my goal was to grow our existing online business, including a website revamp. We were able to accomplish these goals and more.” – Jerry Ford, Stillman junior pursuing entrepreneurship and marketing concentrations and founder of Streetwear Authenticity.
Category: Business
