Early Founders Program
The Early Founders Program (EFP) is an intensive program for student businesses offered over the academic breaks. EFP is an opportunity for students to explore foundations of their business through running experiments, working with mentors and collaborating with other participants in the program. During the program, students learn concepts and gain skills necessary to test, launch and scale their business. Upon completion of the program, students will be put on a priority list for student business incubation space in addition to other benefits listed below.
Check back soon to learn more about the Winter 2022 cohort.
For questions, please contact us using the button below.
Early Founders Program
Summer
Early Founders.
Explore your business this summer with an 8-week, intensive program at the JPEC. Students participate in a program to test market-fit and risk in the early stages of their company. In addition to daily sessions, students attend Iowa EntreFest, the Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute, and start-up tours in various Iowa cities.
Students have the opportunity to earn up to $4,000 for completion of the program and also qualify for a space in the R.J McElroy Student Business Incubator program.
Application coming soon!
Winter
Early Founders.
The Winter Early Founders Program is a 4-week virtual program designed to engage students over the winter break. Students participate in weekly group meetings, mentoring sessions, and virtual activities to validate, test, and grow their business. The Winter EFP closes with an in-person workshop at the beginning of the spring semester where students recap the program and present their progress in a group setting.
Summer
Early Founders.
Explore your business this summer with an 8-week, intensive program at the JPEC. Students participate in a program to test market-fit and risk in the early stages of their company. In addition to daily sessions, students attend Iowa EntreFest, the Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute, and start-up tours in various Iowa cities.
Students have the opportunity to earn up to $4,000 for completion of the program and also qualify for a space in the R.J McElroy Student Business Incubator program.
Application coming soon!
Winter
Early Founders.
The Winter Early Founders Program is a 4-week virtual program designed to engage students over the winter break. Students participate in weekly group meetings, mentoring sessions, and virtual activities to validate, test, and grow their business. The Winter EFP closes with an in-person workshop at the beginning of the spring semester where students recap the program and present their progress in a group setting.