2025-2026
To
Apply by October 17th
Powered by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.
Learn about Mott Foundation's support for the next gen here.
Apply by October 17th
THE FIRST-OF-A-KIND ACCELERATOR PROGRAM IN GENESEE COUNTY FOR UP TO 20 PASSIONATE 8 -12 GRADE ENTREPRENEURS
DEVELOP A BUSINESS IDEA
SCALE A BUSINESS VENTURE
CONNECT WITH ENTREPRENEUR MENTORS AND BUSINESS LEADERS
EARN $500 FOR PARTICIPATION AND A CHANCE TO WIN $2,000 IN A BUSINESS COMPETITION
GAIN PRACTICAL SKILLS IN MARKETING, BRANDING, FINANCE, POLICY, AND MINDSET
JOIN A SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY OF PASSIONATE PEERS
PROGRAM MISSION
​​​The Next Gen Youth Entrepreneurship Fellowship is a selective program designed to ignite and support Genesee County’s next generation of entrepreneurs. Fellows will gain access to entrepreneurship education, mentorship, and resources to help bring their ideas to life
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Over the course of the program, Fellows will:
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Participate in monthly workshops led by business leaders and entrepreneurs
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Gain practical advice they can apply directly to their venture
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Receive 1:1 coaching to tackle their specific needs to start or scale their business
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Have the opportunity to earn $500 towards their business for attending at least 70% of programming
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Compete in a Business Growth Challenge for a chance to win a $2,000 business stipend!
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
October 17 Application Deadline
October 31 Fellow Cohort Finalized
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November 14 Fellowship Program Launch
At the 3rd annual Next Gen Youth Entrepreneurship Summit
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December Personal & Business Branding
Lead by Rich Keller​
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January Fellows Showcase
An opportunity to display and sell your product(s)
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February Financials
Lead by Dort Financial Credit Union​
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March Marketing and Social Media
April Policy & Mindset
Lead by NextGen Chamber of Commerce & Trice Berlinski​​​​​​​
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May Business Growth Competition
Participate for a chance to win up to $2,000!
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
We are seeking up to 20 motivated students who:​
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Between 8th grade to 12th grade
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Located in Genesee County
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Have a strong commitment to developing entrepreneurial skills
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Passionate about starting or scaling a business
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Have past or current participation in a GISD Youth Entrepreneurship Program or Next Gen Summit
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Willing to participate in monthly programing (virtual & in-person) from November 2025 - May 2026
APPLY NOW
Don't miss out!
Complete your application by October 17 for a chance to become a Next Gen Fellow.