GSIPM

Aspiring entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply for the Venture for America Fellowship. The Fellowship consists of the following components:

• Training – Venture Fellow Training Camp held at Brown University in Summer 2012
• Company Placement – 2 years of work at a start-up or early stage company
• Programming and Capstone –  Regular assignments, readings, and meetings, including a $100k prize at the conclusion of the program

Venture for America will recruit the best and brightest college grads to work for two years at start-ups and early stage companies in lower-cost cities (e.g., Detroit, Providence, New Orleans). The first class of Venture Fellows will be selected in Spring 2012, and the first Venture Fellow Training Camp will be held at Brown University in June 2012.

The Venture Fellow Training Camp will consist of readings and discussions as well as lectures and meetings with seasoned investors and entrepreneurs. Venture Fellows will be given real businesses to assist during the Training Camp, and will gain practical skills in order to be able to contribute immediately. The goals of the Venture Fellow Training Camp are as follows:

1. Provide each Venture Fellow job-related skills to enable them to quickly be productive for an early stage company
2. Train each Venture Fellow in the ethos of entrepreneurship and job creation
3. Engender relationships and collective identity among the Venture Fellows

Fellows will receive training in the following broadly applicable skills:

• Financial Analysis/Modeling (Excel)
• Project Management
• Sales
• Use of Social Media (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, Foursquare, etc.)
• Search Engine Optimization/Marketing

Company assignments are confirmed at the conclusion of the Training Camp. Fellows will be recommended group housing in each city. Venture for America provides a 2-year curriculum so that each Venture Fellow may continue to deepen his or her understanding of how to build a business even as he or she works. Venture Fellows will meet bi-weekly to discuss work experiences as well as supplementary readings and assignments. After the conclusion of the 1st year of their assignment, Venture Fellows will gather for an ‘Intermission’ where they will debrief about their individual experiences with their class members. At the conclusion of the 2nd year of their assignment, Venture Fellows will attend a capstone at which Venture for America will award $100k in seed investment to the Fellow who is determined to have performed at the highest level throughout his or her Fellowship. This seed investment may either go to support the Fellow’s current company or to a new enterprise that the Fellow wishes to found or co-found immediately or at a later date, at his or her discretion.

Whether you are many years out of college or just starting your career, the management, communication, and problem-solving skills you’ve developed will help you as a Venture for America Fellow. We welcome professional and graduates applicants to the fellowship program. All applicants will follow the same selection and interview process.

You will receive a full salary plus comprehensive health benefits. Fellows are fully employed by their host company and receive health benefits through their employer. Salaries are estimated at $32,000 – $38,000. All Fellowship programs and benefits are provided at no charge to each Venture Fellow.

View eligibility and application requirements here!