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Startups Accelerators

Applications Are Open for FINNOVATION Institute Fellowship Program

Feel like you’ve been doing nothing but filling out applications lately? Let’s keep the app train moving! Applications for FINNOVATION Institute’s Fellowship program are officially open.

Now in its fifth cohort, FINNOVATION Institute’s Fellowship program is a nine-month program (September 2022 – June 2023) that provides education on leadership, business strategy, and creating a financially sustainable model. FINNOVATION Institute (the non-profit branch of FINNOVATION Lab) focuses on accelerating entrepreneurs with a social impact mission. Each of the up to nine fellows will receive a $50,000 living stipend, a $3,000 healthcare stipend, workspace in the FINNOVATION Lab, and access to advisors and mentors.

“This is an opportunity for early-stage entrepreneurs to refine their business concept and leadership skills to grow mission-driven businesses for the greatest impact,” FINNOVATION Lab CEO Connie Rutledge said in a release. “We are looking for candidates who are lifelong learners and problem solvers and are passionate about using the tools of business to turn their ideas into creating a lasting and scalable social or environmental impact.”

FINNOVATION Institute Fellowship program applications will be open until May 15, and the requirements are fairly open ended: have a strong tie to Minnesota, a growth mindset, and a “deep understanding of a social or environmental issue they want to solve and a way to tackle the issue through entrepreneurship.”

If you’re interested in learning more, you can check out three information sessions:

  • April 13 – 12-1 pm (Virtual)
  • April 27 – 5:30-7:30 pm (In Person)
  • May 11 – 12-1 pm (Virtual)

MINNEAPOLIS, April 1, 2022 – FINNOVATION Institute, the nonprofit arm of FINNOVATION Lab, announced today that applications are now open for their immersive Fellowship Program, which builds leadership and entrepreneurial skills in early-stage entrepreneurs as they develop innovative social business models.

Up to nine individuals will be chosen for the nine-month program which includes tailored curriculum that focuses on leadership development, business strategy and creating financially sustainable business models that have a clear social impact. Each Fellow will receive a $50,000 living stipend, $3,000 health care stipend, access to an ecosystem of advisors and mentors, and dedicated workspace in the FINNOVATION Lab.  

“This is an opportunity for early-stage entrepreneurs to refine their business concept and leadership skills to grow mission-driven businesses for the greatest impact,” said Connie Rutledge, CEO at FINNOVATION Lab. “We are looking for candidates who are lifelong learners and problem solvers and are passionate about using the tools of business to turn their ideas into creating a lasting and scalable social or environmental impact.”

Applications will be accepted from April 1 through May 15 and the program runs September 2022 through June 2023. Applicants should have a strong tie to Minnesota, a growth mindset, a deep understanding of a social or environmental issue they want to solve and a way to tackle the issue through entrepreneurship. All areas of impact are welcome. The Fellowship Program is designed to provide entrepreneurs the opportunity to work on their business in community with like-minded, mission-driven peers and experienced mentors.

Since launching in 2018, the Fellowship Program has fostered the next generation of social impact leaders, guiding 30 fellows to create sustainable social enterprise models. Alumni of the program have amassed great accomplishments both during and following their time in the Fellowship Program. A few highlights include:

Nick Alm (Cohort 1 Fellow): Co-Founder and CEO of Mossier, which works to provide employment equity for everyone LGBTQ. The company offers DEI training and education, a jobs platform, and a series of meetups and events to connect LGBTQ talent to allied companies.

Alysha Price (Cohort 2 Fellow): Founder of The Price Dynamic, a coaching and consulting firm that supports single parents in building and sustaining collaborative co-parenting relationships which help their children thrive.

Monica Jones (Cohort 4 Fellow): Founder of Melanated Mamas, empowers BIPOC mothers to take charge of pregnancy and post-partum health to reduce disparities.  

“Now, more than ever, is the time to make a positive impact on our communities and the world, and for social entrepreneurs it can become challenging when life gets interrupted and resources are limited,” said Jacquie Berglund, founder of FINNEGANS Brew Co. and FINNOVATION Lab. “Our FINNOVATION Fellowship Program allows Fellows to focus and harness their passions, while learning the practical skills and logistics to turn those ideas into functioning businesses without worrying about how to cover their basic living needs. We have seen so many social-entrepreneurs succeed and build sustainable businesses – I am looking forward to working with our next group of social-impact leaders.” 

The fifth cohort will be selected by a group of community leaders and alumni of the Fellowship Program. The program is operated by the FINNOVATION Institute, a 501c3 funded by a grant from the Bush Foundation, which is known for its commitment to innovation and creative problem solving.

Interested applicants are encouraged to attend one of the following information sessions to learn more and ask questions:

April 13 – 12-1 p.m. | Virtual

April 27 – 5:30-7:30 p.m | In Person

May 11 – 12-1 p.m. | Virtual

More details about FINNOVATION Lab and the Institute’s Fellowship Program, including application information, eligibility requirements and frequently asked questions, is available at Finn-Lab.com.

About FINNOVATION Lab

FINNOVATION Lab is an inclusive workspace and community inspiring social change, growth, innovation, and experimentation. From educational programs to unique events, FINN Lab empowers social entrepreneurs to make a positive change in the world through the power of business. For more information, visit Finn-Lab.com.

 

Alex Skjong
Alex oversees the content produced for BETA, Twin Cities Startup Week, and tech.mn. When he’s not writing or editing, there’s a good chance he’s enjoying a refreshing brew and explaining the merits of heavy metal (of which there are many).