Early Bird

RoadFounders Incubator to grow student businesses

Innovative coursework, mentorship and financial support available to students who apply for new program.

By Matt Watson

September 25, 2019

The RoadFounders Incubator is a new initiative within the Classroom to Career Hub at Metropolitan State University of Denver designed to incubate promising student businesses through innovative coursework, mentorship and financial support and more.

The semesterly program kicks off this fall with four workshops with RoadFounders Director Travis Luther and four pitch labs that include a lecture, feedback from MSU Denver alumni and outside entrepreneurs and Q&A sessions. All of these build toward participation in the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards pitch competition, which formally begins with a Colorado competition held on campus in November with more than $5,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs.

MSU Denver students enrolled in at least six credit hours are eligible to apply regardless of major or minor. Students should have or be taking steps toward creating a self-sustaining enterprise with the potential to create jobs. Luther said he’s looking for 15-20 students with promising businesses.

“It doesn’t have to be a tech startup or the next Facebook. It can be a service, a product, an educational initiative, etc. We want a wide swath of business ideas represented,” Luther said.

Those accepted into the program must attend at least two workshops (dates TBD) in addition to the pitch labs to be eligible for funding, with grants of at least $1,000 available to each accepted student. The incubator will also provide a collective public workspace and internship and employment opportunities.

To apply, students can visit gsea.org/apply. Email Luther at tluther1@msudenver.edu for application assistance or for more information about the program.

PITCH LABS

Sept. 30 | 5-6:30 p.m. 
Creating Mission, Vision, & Values

Oct. 7 | 5-6:30 p.m. 
Problems & Solutions

Oct. 14 | 5-6:30 p.m. 
Opportunity & Competitive Advantage

Oct. 28 | 5-6:30 p.m. 
Business Models & Financial Predictions

Nov. 17 | 6-9 p.m.
Entrepreneurs Organization GSEA Pitch Competition

Pitch Lab locations TBD.