Entrepreneurship
We exist for students that innovate. Whether you have an idea, a new venture, or a business you want to grow, we can provide you with the people, resources, and support you need to make your startup a success.
Founders is the UIUC entrepreneurship community
Education
We believe the campus needs more entrepreneurs. Founders is the place for students to start their entrepreneurial journey; you’ll learn how startups work, turn ideas into businesses, and connect with UIUC’s most outside-the-box thinkers.
Networking
Founders is where you meet people. We understand entrepreneurship is about the relationships you make, and we’re the link between student founders and the people they need. Whether you partner with us or join the team, you’ll meet innovators and professionals from UIUC, Chicago, and around the country!
Startup Curriculum
Founders helps students create businesses from the ground up. The Founders Startup Curriculum is a series of events that drives startup innovation by turning your ideas into a reality. Events range from several days to several weeks, but they all foster the creativity and entrepreneurship that you need to start your very own venture.
54 is a 3-day event where students from different backgrounds come together to form teams and launch a successful startup. No experience required. Just bring yourself, some friends and good ideas.
Forge is a 2-day conference to bring together the entrepreneurship communities across the Midwest. Over a weekend in Chicago, you'll meet other student entrepreneurs from all of the top schools in the region.
Startup Bootcamp is an 8-week workshop series designed to lay the groundwork for student entrepreneurial success. Lectures will be delivered by leading university faculty and successful members of the entrepreneurship community alongside supplemental office hours and assignments.
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