Summit Founders

SUMMIT FOUNDERS

WHAT TO EXPECT

Summit Founders aims to accelerate the launch and growth of  small businesses founded by young Black men (ages 16-24) in Durham. We seek to provide funding, educational resources, and professional networks that help these young men scale their startups into profitable and sustainable organizations. Our goal is to ensure that all  Founders are on a trajectory to leading multi-million dollar enterprises with dozens of employees within 5-7 years.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

The 2023 Founders Program takes place from January 16, 2023 - July 3, 2023. 

  • 20 weekly group workshops will take place over the first 5 months of the program. Each workshop is 3 hours long, and will be led by our Success Coaches, who are experienced entrepreneurs and youth facilitators. Workshops are based on the Icehouse Student Success curriculum by ELI. 
  • Founders will participate in group discussions, wellness check-ins, and give mutual feedback and insights on their various business plans and ideas. 
  • Outside of the workshops, Founders  complete assigned readings and case studies.

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PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

1. Completing all coursework (Group Workshops, Masterclasses, Online Assignments) at an attendance rate of 90% or above.

2. Completing 12 hours of 1-on-1 business mentorship with a DSS Mentor.

3. Completing at least 2 seed funding pitches to a live audience of investors and corporate partners.

4. Designing and implementing a plan to disburse at least $5,000 in seed funding for the purposes of business growth.


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