We work with startups, entrepreneurial support organizations, corporate innovation teams, and venture capital firms in our cities to hire Fellows as full-time, salaried employees in, typically, entry-level roles. Fellows receive access to a private job portal called Connect, which exists to help them access job opportunities across industries and role types such as project management, marketing, operations, and business development. We also support Fellows through the job search process, from resume revisions to interview coaching.
We’re looking for tomorrow’s startup leaders and entrepreneurs to shape the future.
An Update from VFAOur two-year Fellowship is carefully designed to help you accelerate your knowledge, skills, and career as an entrepreneurial leader. We offer a like-minded community, and programming and networking opportunities to help refine your own entrepreneurial mindset and ideas.
We also provide access to a network of startups and entrepreneurship support organizations looking to hire our Fellows as full-time, salaried employees.
Help build a business. Grow your leadership. Make an impact.
“I would not be where I am today if I hadn't started my career with a Venture For America fellowship.”
Why should I consider Venture For America?
Five key reasons why our Fellows choose to apply:
1
Growth
Access programs, networks, and resources you need to realize your full potential as a startup leader or founder, while learning how to identify ideas, test solutions, and solve problems.
2
Meaningful Work
When working full-time with one of our Company Partners, you’re often given the opportunity to work on a variety of assignments where you’ll learn new skills, solve business challenges, and have the autonomy to own projects. You see the impact of your work and the influence you’re having on the company.
3
Support
Working at a startup or launching your own business can be unpredictable and comes with inherent risks. But when you join our Fellowship, you’ll have support with navigating the journey – whether it’s finding a job, identifying a business idea, or growing your business.
4
Community
You get to be a part of a community of like-minded, entrepreneurial individuals who can help you learn and access resources. It’s a life-changing experience that gives you the opportunity to develop important local and national connections.
5
Lifelong Network
More than 1,600 strong, our Alumni are startup leaders and founders who have started more than 370 businesses. This Alumni network can help you secure funding for your own venture, connect you to influential leaders, find leadership opportunities, and pave the future you want for yourself.
What can I expect from the Fellowship?
Our two-year Fellowship is designed to help you:
Access to full-time job opportunities
Develop new skills and build an entrepreneurial mindset
A hallmark of the Fellowship is Training Camp, where you can learn new skills, work with other Fellows, and understand what it means to have an entrepreneurial mindset. Fellows apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems, accompanied by a supplemental series of lectures and workshops. As you continue through the Fellowship, you’ll continue to refine your abilities to identify and solve problems, test and iterate solutions, and communicate and collaborate in group settings.
Become part of a meaningful community
Community is one of the biggest reasons why Fellows chose to join our Fellowship. Our supportive community is filled with creators, doers, and aspiring entrepreneurs who’ll become your lifelong friends or future co-founder.
Accelerate your entrepreneurial career
VFA’s programs, resources, and networks will provide you with formative experiences and connections that enable you to become a capable startup leader or founder. From building a business plan and pitching to investors, we’ll be able to help you grow.
Unlock financial support and success
In addition to skills, startup leaders also need access to financial resources to help them succeed. We require our Company Partners to provide a competitive salary and health insurance or health stipend. VFA will also occasionally offer stipends to help cover the cost of travel and relocation to new cities. If you launch a company, we’ll connect you to capital – we’ve even invested more than $2.3 million in Fellow-Founded Companies since 2013.
Do I have what it takes?
You have the potential to be an incredible Venture For America Fellow if you:
Graduated from a university
within three years of the application for the current cohort and a U.S. citizen, Permanent Resident, or DACA recipient
Believe in the power of entrepreneurship
to build strong communities and create economic opportunity
Have an entrepreneurial spirit
by being proactive, a self-starter, and always wanting to learn and grow
Have demonstrated leadership and impact
in previous projects or work you have taken on
Demonstrate commitment
and an ability to adapt and face challenges with optimism
Are team and community oriented
and enjoy solving problems in fast-paced environments
How do I apply?
If you’re ready to be part of the next generation of startup leaders and entrepreneurs who create economic opportunity and strengthen communities, we can’t wait to meet you!
You can apply on our website anytime from July 17, 2023 to March 11, 2024.
Our Selection process involves three key steps:
1
An online application
It takes about 45 minutes to complete. We ask you to upload a resume, respond to an open-response question, and share about your professional, extracurricular, and/or creative experiences.
2
A video interview
A 45-minute conversation with a Team member, Fellow or Alumni. During this interview, you get to share about your experiences and accomplishments and why you want to become a Fellow.
3
Selection Day
A full day of group activities and individual interviews designed to help us determine if Venture For America is a good fit for you, as well as give you an opportunity to get to know us better.
How can I learn more?
If you’re interested in Venture For America but not yet ready to apply, that’s okay! There are plenty of ways in which you can get to know us better before making a decision: