HBCU CARES Innovators Fellowship & Legacy Launchpad

HBCU CARES Innovators Fellowship & Legacy Launchpad is sponsored by HBCU CARES. A 10-week entrepreneurship and innovation program designed to equip HBCU students with the mindset, skills, and tools needed to become entrepreneurs, tech leaders, and changemakers.

Each fellow selected for the program receives real support to help bring their vision to life: for your commitment and participation your digital toolkit for learning and building connect with peers and mentors who share your drive win up to $10,000 in seed funding to launch your venture Behind every great innovator is someone who believed in their vision first.

Our mentors are entrepreneurs, business leaders, and changemakers who bring real-world experience and a commitment to lifting up the next generation of HBCU founders. These are the people who will challenge you, support you, and open doors to help your ideas grow. This Program Is For You If...

You’re Ready To Build, Lead, and Launch Something That Matters. Turn Your Ideas Into Action This fellowship helps you take that idea off the notes app and turn it into something real, with mentors and tools to guide you every step of the way. Gain Access to Mentorship & Opportunity You’ll get access to leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts who’ve been where you’re headed and who actually want to see you win.

Build a Brand with Purpose Learn how to turn your skills, culture, and creativity into a brand that reflects who you are and what you stand for. Join a Community That Inspires Connect with other innovators from HBCUs. Share ideas, grow together, and create lasting impact that reaches beyond your campus.

Each week builds your mindset, skills, and confidence taking you from idea to impact. Understand what it means to think like an entrepreneur and identify real opportunities. Develop your model, define your audience, and plan for sustainable growth.

Craft your message, shape your identity, and make your idea stand out. Learn how to price, pitch, and secure the resources you need to grow. Pitch your idea and step confidently into leadership.

The HBCU CARES Innovators Fellowship & Legacy Launchpad is a 10-week entrepreneurship and innovation program designed to equip HBCU students with the mindset, skills, and tools needed to become bold entrepreneurs, tech leaders, and changemakers.

Over the course of 10 weeks, fellows will participate in weekly virtual sessions focused on entrepreneurial mindset, business development, financial literacy, branding, technology, and innovation. Through hands-on training, practical learning, and one-on-one advising, students will accelerate their ideas into viable ventures — culminating in a statewide pitch competition where they will compete for seed funding and launch support.

Sorry, but this form is now closed. Section 1: Applicant Information If applying as a group, each member must complete this section. Expected Graduation Year * Is this a solo venture or a group venture?

* Section 2: Team Information (Complete only if applying as a group) You can have up to 5 participants. Section 3: Business/Idea Overview Title of Venture/Business Idea * Short Description of Idea (150–200 words) * What problem are you trying to solve? * Who is your target audience?

* Why is your idea important to you and your community? * Section 4: Experience & Commitment Have you participated in entrepreneurship, business, or innovation programs before? (Yes/No; if Yes, please list) * In 300–500 words, describe a time when you identified a problem or opportunity and took initiative to create a solution.

This could be a leadership role, a project, a business idea, or an initiative inside or outside the classroom. Explain how you approached the challenge, who you collaborated with, obstacles you encountered, and measurable impact you achieved. Finally, describe how this experience prepares you to confidently engage in innovation, entrepreneurship training, and venture development during this Fellowship.

Can you commit to weekly 2-hour virtual sessions for the full duration of the program? * Please upload one (1) letter of recommendation from a faculty member, staff member, or mentor who can speak to your character, leadership, and potential as an innovator.

* Section 6: Required & Optional Attachments Optional: Pitch deck, concept paper, or other supporting documents Certification & Agreement I certify that the information provided is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.

* I understand the failure to complete the Innovators Fellowship & Legacy program requirements, including attendance, participation, and submission of assignments, may result in forfeiture of my stipend, ipad and/or eligibility for the pitch competition. * Signature * Drawing mode selected. Drawing requires a mouse or touchpad.

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