Top Student Entrepreneurs Win $16,000 in Seed Funding in the 2023 Pirates Pitch Startup Competition

Do you have a business startup idea that you are serious about pursuing and turning
into a real business? Have you already launched a startup and are seeking assistance
to propel your venture to the next level? Have you competed in startup contests, and
seek further guidance? Are you focused on a social or community problem and are working
on an innovative startup business solution?

If you answered “Yes” to any of those questions, Pirates LaunchPad may be right for
you. The Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship invites all Seton Hall University
students to apply to participate in the fifth annual Pirates LaunchPad Summer Accelerator
Program and earn up to $2,000 in investment seed funding for their venture.

Pirates LaunchPad employs lean startup methodology to help student entrepreneurs make
progress on their startup business models during an eight-week summer program. Students
will convene weekly on Friday mornings from the end of May through July for virtual
group meetings with entrepreneurship faculty and guest speakers. Participants will
also receive additional individualized coaching sessions with successful alumni entrepreneurs.

There is no cost for students to attend, but space is limited.

Who is Eligible: Open to all Seton Hall students who are already working on a startup business model,
or have launched a startup, and are willing to set business goals and work to meet
them during the program. Students can apply as solopreneurs, or in teams of up to
four students. Student entrepreneurs that successfully complete the program will be
eligible for seed funding stipends of up to $2,000 for each venture.

When: Friday, May 31, 2024 to Friday, July 26, 2024 (Except Friday July 5.)

How To Apply: Eight student startup teams will be accepted for the 2024 cohort. The application
process includes an interview with the Director of the Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship,
and completing an application form.

Deadline to Express Interest: Students must contact Susan Scherreik, founding director, Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, no later than Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at [email protected].

Student teams participating in the venture accelerator will receive:

• A seed funding stipend of up to $2,000 upon successful completion of Pirates LaunchPad.
• Ongoing advising with venture mentors.
• Access to skills building entrepreneurship workshops, prototyping tools, and other
  useful resources.
• Access to the Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship’s network of successful alumni
  entrepreneurs.

What Pirates LaunchPad Accelerator graduates say about the program:

“The Pirate Accelerator gave me the tools and the support to launch Pesto Joe LLC,
which was barely an idea when I initially signed up. Following the program, I was
able to complete a proof of concept at local farmers markets and quickly gained a
following. That was when I knew I had a viable business. I took the following months
to learn about the food industry, build my network, and attain my food handler’s certificate.

It is crazy to look back and remember where I was two years ago. I simply had an idea,
and I am already leaps and bounds ahead of where I was when I started the accelerator.
I am currently preparing for a busy farmers market season and recently began to sell
my products online. Nothing can stop a Pirate when they are on a mission, and I am
grateful for the accelerator for pointing me in the right direction!” – Carina Castagna,
‘21/M.P.A. ‘22, founder & CEO, Pesto Joe.

“Pirates Launchpad provides a great network and formula to turn your ideas into reality.
The program helped to guide us as we embarked on a major business expansion last summer
and opened One-Stop Eco-Shop retail store in Toms River. The store supplements our
online consumer products businesses – Brooke and Madison Loza, founders of One-Stop
Eco-Shop and juniors studying nursing.

“My goal when I entered Pirates LaunchPad was to expand my existing online business,
including revamping my website. I was able to accomplish these goals and more.” –
Jerry Ford, Stillman junior pursuing entrepreneurship and marketing concentrations
and founder of Streetwear Authenticity.   

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