The Startup Leadership Program (SLP) is a 501c6 nonprofit organization that helps entrepreneurs in 21 local chapters across the globe organize a six-month, peer-led, mentor-facilitated curriculum of biweekly classes on topics central to the startup journey. Founded in Boston in 2006, SLP has graduated 470 Fellows from 300 startups who have collectively raised over $230MM.
SLP does not take any equity stake in its Fellows’ companies and is a nice complement to traditional startup accelerators (in which many Fellows have also participated). The program provides a framework for entrepreneurs and mentors to make connections, support each other, and share valuable insights.
Last year was the inaugural year for the Chicago chapter, and we graudated 15 fellows from local startups such as Foodie Registry, Furnishly, GiveForward, Human Practice, Kurfuffl & PreScouter. The program accepts outstanding people either currently running their own startups or planning to start their own venture in the future. Instead of grooming startups, the program distinguishes itself by helping grow the next generation of great people.
We are accepting applications now (https://bit.ly/slp-apply-2013) for the Chicago 2013 class, which starts in September at 1871. We have an amazing network of sponsors/corporate partners this year that we will be announcing very soon, so stay tuned!
Learn More at Upcoming SLP Chicago Events:
Tuesday, July 10: Startup Lessons Learned, with GiveForward co-founder and SLP Fellow 2012, Ethan Austin - registration is free and required at https://slp-chicago.eventbrite.com - see https://bit.ly/MxL0oN for more details
Late July: Josh Evnin, GrubHub Director of User Experience, more details soon
Also feel free to contact Chicago SLP co-program leaders Moses Human ([email protected]) and Brian Bauer ([email protected]).
