The Science and Business Founders’ Circle Program
This program aims to connect Science and Business students and alumni who are founders of their own businesses (e.g., start-ups, pro-bono consulting) to other Science and Business students who are interested in this space.
This program will serve as a mentorship program for Science and Business students who are specifically looking to learn more about founding their own start-up or joining a team early in the business life cycle.
In addition to the one-on-one mentorship, mentees will meet with each other through bi-weekly workshops and bi-weekly events. We are looking for students who will commit to full participation in all program activities.
Accepted mentees of this program will learn together through workshops, networking events, socials and pitch their ideas to established founders. Additionally, they will tour various start-ups, directly interacting with founders and more!
Week-by-week break down:
*Please note that this schedule may be subject to change. Additionally, please note that bi-weekly workshops will be 2 hours long, with the first hour focused on workshop activities and the second hour for working on your final mock-pitch.
| Timeline | |
| Week 1 - Intro and Social Jan 20-24 |
Meeting #1: Introductory Meeting + Social Between Mentees |
| Discuss expectations | |
| Share timeline | |
| Opportunity for those who have ideas but are looking to build a team | |
| Conducted a Brainstorming workshop | |
| Mentor introduction | |
| Week 2 - What's your problem? Jan 27-31 |
Meeting #2: What is your problem? |
| A guided brainstorming session on identifying ‘problems’ | |
| Week 3 - Nitty Gritty Stuff Feb 3-7 |
Meeting #3: The Nitty-Gritty Stuff |
| How to determine a company evaluation? | |
| How to budget your initial costs | |
| Week 4 - Downtown Velocity Tour and Speaker Panel Feb 10-14 |
Velocity Tour and Speaker Panel Event |
| Reading Week | |
| Week 5 - Pitching Homeruns Feb 24-28 |
Meeting #4: Pitching Homeruns |
| How to craft the perfect pitch | |
| Week 6 - Speak with Founders' Circle Alumn Mar 3-7 |
Meeting #5: Speak with Founders' Circle Alumni |
| Speak with Founders' Circle Alumni and get feedback on your idea and pitch | |
| Ask for advice on entrepreneurial and other student related topics | |
| Week 7 - Getting off the Ground Mar 10-14 |
Meeting #6: Getting off the ground |
| How to get funding? | |
| Where to look for grants, angel investors, incubators | |
| Leverage your resources as a university student! | |
| Week 8 - Tour Mar 17-21 |
Tour |
| Week 9 - Pitch Mar 24-28 |
Meeting #7: Mock Pitch |
| Mentees have the opportunity to ‘pitch’ ideas they have | |
| Week 10 - Social Mar 31 - Apr 4 |
Meeting #8: Social between Mentees |
| Reflection | |