Summer Startup Program

The Baylor Summer Startup Program offers a 12-week immersive experience for BU students, faculty, and recent alumni. Participants will benefit from targeted curriculum sessions, invaluable advice from local business leaders, personalized one-on-one mentorship, and focused time to develop their businesses.

What you should expect: 

• a comprehensive startup and small business curriculum
• invaluable insights from experienced local business owners
• personalized one-on-one mentorship
• tailored guidance to refine their business strategies and overcome challenges
• access to the Innovation Garage within the BRIC building
• dedicated space within the BRIC building to work throughout the program
• an opportunity to win: $1,000, $1,500, or $2,000

Requirements: 

• Business Idea
  We accept both tech-based startups (software or hardware) and small businesses (products or services).
•  Validated Customer Base
  Teams or individuals should have begun customer discovery for their business idea and validated the market interest. Applicants do NOT need to have formed an official company.
• Building Skills
  Teams or individuals who are capable of developing their business independently. If you have an app idea, for example, someone on your team should be able to develop the app, or you should be able to hire a developer. It's not necessary to have the app fully built by the end of the summer; you simply need to have the capability to develop your business.
• Coachability
  Teams and individuals will receive valuable feedback. Being open to learning from customers and mentors, and willing to pivot when necessary. 
• Commitment
  This is an in-person program requiring active participation.

Key Dates: 

April 30th: Application Deadline
May 5th: Admission Status Notification 
May 19- 21st: Bootcamp
August 8th: Pitch Competiton 

Additionally:

• Participants will engage in weekly check-in meetings to track progress and address any challenges.
• Participants are required to attend the weekly Thursday lunchtime speaker sessions.
• Participants are required to utilize their designated office space within the BRIC building for a minimum of 10 hours per week, between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
• Regular meetings with assigned mentors are mandatory to ensure consistent guidance and support.
• Participants are expected to attend two Startup Waco Meet Ups to foster connections within the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Click to Apply

Contact: Lesley_Reed@baylor.edu