Are you interested in creating a startup venture to make a positive impact in the world?
The Illinois Impact Incubator is a co-curricular incubation program for UIUC students of all majors and levels, alumni, and community members who have a passion to develop an idea or early-stage venture focused on social or environmental impact. All types of ventures are welcome (e.g., nonprofits, social enterprises, social businesses), spanning diverse sectors such as healthcare, education, clean energy, inequalities, social services, opportunity employment, and environmental sustainability. Ventures that tackle issues related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals are especially encouraged. The incubator will amplify your impact by providing knowledge, tools, networks, and access to funding to help you launch and grow your venture.
Members participate in a 3-month Impact Bootcamp, facilitated in partnership with BonBillo social impact incubator and accelerator, including a structured startup curriculum with workshops, mentors, expert advisors, feedback on milestone deliverables, and peer support. Impact Bootcamp sessions meet weekly on Wednesdays from 6-9 pm. Members are eligible for micro-grants to support stakeholder discovery, prototyping, and pilot project implementation and have the exclusive opportunity to pitch to investors for feedback and compete for seed funding at Illinois Impact Pitch. Beyond Impact Bootcamp, active membership in the Illinois Impact Incubator includes ongoing access to educational programs, mentoring, expert advisors, curated resources, networking, and funding opportunities.
Eligibility: Individuals or small teams may apply. ALL UIUC majors and levels (undergraduate and graduate) are welcome. Community members, recent alumni, or students from another institution will also be considered. Membership requires a serious time commitment of at least 5-10 hours per week focused on venture development during Impact Bootcamp (Feb 2-April 27), including regular participation in Wednesday sessions, active use of mentoring and platform resources, demonstration of progress on venture milestones, and intentional contribution to a culture of respect, collaboration, and inclusion. For questions or to schedule an appointment to discuss your impact venture idea, contact Valeri Werpetinski at werpetin@illinois.edu.
Final Deadline is January 31, 2022. Rolling admissions. Apply early!
https://go.gies.illinois.edu/IllinoisImpactIncubatorSp22App
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