Deadline: 22 June 2025
Submissions are now open for the Environmental Sustainability Entrepreneurship Program, which empowers impact-driven entrepreneurs building ventures to solve critical environmental challenges in underserved communities.
Through this fully-funded initiative, they support both nonprofit and for-profit leaders whose businesses address pressing climate action, clean energy, and sustainable resource management needs in the Denver metro area.
The comprehensive program provides award-winning training, dedicated mentorship, and sustained support to entrepreneurs whose ventures create lasting environmental and social impact where it’s needed most.
Through the fully-funded Environmental Sustainability Entrepreneurship Program, supported by JPMorganChase Foundation and powered by Watson Institute, you’ll gain the tools, mentorship, and network needed to scale your venture’s impact. The program is specifically optimized for environmental sustainability ventures, with carefully selected facilitators, mentors, and speakers who bring deep expertise in climate action, clean energy, and sustainable resource management.
Benefits
- Professional Pitch Development
- Refine how you communicate your venture’s impact and vision to stakeholders.
- Create a professionally recorded pitch video you can use beyond the program.
- Master the art of engaging and persuading key audiences.
- Leadership & Business Skills
- Develop essential skills through hands-on workshops focused on strategic planning, venture development, and problem-solving.
- Build resilience and adaptability for the entrepreneurial journey.
- Learn to effectively lead and scale an impact-driven organization.
- Personalized Mentorship
- Receive one-on-one guidance from experienced mentors and industry professionals.
- Participate in group mentorship circles for collaborative learning.
- Work directly with an Entrepreneur in Residence who supports your venture’s growth.
- Network & Community
- Join a dynamic community of impact-driven entrepreneurs and changemakers.
- Connect with Fellows, Alumni, and experts who share your commitment to social impact.
- Build lasting relationships that extend beyond the program.
- Visibility & Recognition
- Share your work through Watson Institute summits and events.
- Connect with mission-aligned leaders, funders, and industry influencers.
- Position yourself as a thought leader in social impact.
- Community Impact Experience
- Design and lead a Basecamp community event with provided training and resources.
- Put your leadership skills into action through hands-on experience.
- Receive a stipend to support your community initiative.
Eligibility Criteria
- Entrepreneur Profile
- You are an entrepreneur or community leader with experience addressing environmental challenges. Your venture focuses on environmental sustainability solutions, and preference will be given to those working on climate solutions.
- Venture Stage
- Your nonprofit or for-profit organization has demonstrated traction, with an established business model addressing environmental sustainability challenges including climate action, clean energy, or sustainable resource management. You’re actively serving communities across the Denver Metro area, and you’re ready to scale your impact with dedicated mentorship and resources.
- Location & Eligibility
- Applicants must be creating measurable impact in communities across the Denver Metro area. You must be able to commit to the full program designed to help advance your environmental sustainability enterprise.
For more information, visit Watson Institute.
