If you’ve been sitting on an idea, a passion project, or a side hustle with real potential or want to grow your existing business—this is your moment!
Whether you’re just getting started or already building momentum for your existing company, our programs are designed to meet you where you are.
The Fellowship is a prestigious year-long experience that accelerates top young founders and their growing companies, while the Startup Bootcamp gives emerging entrepreneurs the tools, guidance, and support to validate ideas and launch something real.
Apply by December 10, 2025 at 11:59PM CT for priority review and the strongest chance at securing a spot. The final deadline to apply is February 4, 2026.
Visit the link in our bio to learn more!
#FutureFounders #StartupBootcamp #Fellowship #YoungEntrepreneurs #StudentFounders #ApplyNow #Entrepreneurship #FutureFoundersFamily
Creativity is a business and a path forward. @juanitavillegasb (Startup Bootcamp alum and current Fellowship participant) is building her own lane through live art experiences, backed by a community that pushes her to keep growing.
Through Future Founders, she’s found mentors, guidance, and a network that shows what’s possible. And now, she’s showing other creatives that success isn’t limited to one path. It belongs to anyone willing to build it.
Last call, Chicagoland high school seniors 📣 The deadline for the Bright Minds, Bold Futures Scholarship is almost here. Supported by the Motorola Solutions Foundation, this opportunity helps students pursuing tech or engineering degrees with financial support, mentorship, and career development opportunities. 💡 $3,000 in your first year + $2,500 each following year 💡 Career workshops + access to a network of peers & professionals 💡 Recognition at an award ceremony at Motorola Solutions HQ Priority is given to first-generation college students or students with financial need. Applications close May 16, 2026. 📎 Learn more & apply through the link in our bio.
#BrightMindsBoldFutures
Future Founders Alumni are the best!
As we build the next generation of entrepreneurs, we always find opportunities to connect our top alumni with current program participants.
Huge shoutout to multi-Future Founders program alum and serial entrepreneur Taylor Elyse Morrison and Apprenticeship Cohort 2 Pitch Competition winner Kasiya Wells for visiting Apprenticeship Cohort 3 powered by the Chicago Housing Authority.
Taylor and Kasiya shared their business journeys, offered motivation, and provided direct feedback to help our current Apprenticeship cohort build their new business ventures.
We are grateful for their support and can’t wait to see our Apprentices pitch their new businesses next week!
From participant to founder to mentor. @brendanwang has been part of the Future Founders community since 2019, building with purpose and staying focused on what matters most.
Now, he’s not just solving real problems, he’s helping the next generation of founders do the same. Because the journey isn’t just about what you build. It’s about who you learn from and who you give back to along the way.
Building a culture of appreciation doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s as simple as taking a moment to recognize someone.
At Future Founders, small gestures like a handwritten note turn into meaningful connections, lasting memories, and a community that continues to support each other long after the event ends.
Sometimes the smallest things are the ones you hold onto the longest.
A weekend of ideas, energy, and execution ⚡️ From April 10–12, Techstars Chicago Startup Weekend powered by Future Founders, brought together incredible builders, culminating in seven powerful pitches and a standout win by Loop. Shoutout to mHUB for hosting this special event.
Proud to see our Future Founders community represented on stage, including Startup Bootcamp alum Kalon DeLuna and ‘26 Bootcamper Nicholas Hein, plus a full-circle moment with alum Allan Sokol helping make this weekend possible!
Keep building!
Meet @errdayfly part of Fellowship Cohort 12.
Nicole is Founder of @proofedandproven which helps thought leaders and changemakers transform complex ideas into polished, accessible, and impactful writing.
Be sure to support Nicole’s company and follow along as we continue introducing the founders of Fellowship Cohort 12.
Meet @amariahmurdock part of Fellowship Cohort 12.
Amariah is Founder of @infinitexec which provides executive support and operational systems that help leaders scale their businesses.
Be sure to support Amariah’s company and follow along as we continue introducing the founders of Fellowship Cohort 12.
Meet @haircoffeedesign part of Fellowship Cohort 12.
Candace is Founder of @kintsugicoffeeco a boutique mobile coffee experience creating elevated, story-driven moments for private and corporate events.
Be sure to support Candace’s company and follow along as we continue introducing the founders of Fellowship Cohort 12.
Big news for the next generation of founders in Chicago.
Future Founders has been named a grantee partner in the second round of funding from the Richard L. Duchossois Foundation. This grant is an investment in what’s possible when young people have the support to build. From first ideas to real traction, we’re meeting founders at the moments that matter most.
Through Be Your Own Boss, Apprenticeship, Startup Bootcamp, and Fellowship, we’re helping turn ambition into action: 50,000+ youth served $433M+ in alumni revenue $320M+ raised 2,400+ jobs created Future Founders is grateful for partners who believe access should never be the barrier.
Learn more about this exciting opportunity at the link in bio.
Meet @canaankimball part of Fellowship Cohort 12.
Canaan is Founder of @dealanddink an on-court pickleball card game that adds fun challenges and twists to make pickleball more social, engaging, and memorable.
Be sure to support Canaan’s company and follow along as we continue introducing the founders of Fellowship Cohort 12.
