NextStage Fellowship

Nextstagelogo

YEI's NextStage Fellowship is an 8-week accelerator created to help young entrepreneurs move beyond selling products to thinking and operating like business owners.

Through a mix of self-guided learning, mentorship, and live strategy sessions, students gain the tools to clarify their business model, strengthen their brand, and design a plan for growth.

Each participant develops a business plan that positions them to scale to their NextStage, and presents it at the program’s conclusion and for the opportunity to secure up to $500 in funding. 

Applications for the 2026 Winter Cohort are now closed. To be notified when applications open for the next cohort sign up below. 

Interest List 

Student Outcomes

  • Clarify their vision and define their goals as a Young Entrepreneur
  • Create an action plan for their next stage of business growth
  • Work with an adult mentor for real-world guidance
  • Pitch for up to $500 in funding to grow their business

Eligibility

  • Must be a current K–12 student
  • Operate a product or service-based business that is actively generating revenue

Program Requirements

  • Attend at least 2 virtual learning sessions hosted by YEI
  • Meet with your mentor at least 3 times
  • Attend or register for at least one YEI-approved selling event 
  • Work with your mentor to prepare an action plan and funding proposal and present it live to members of the YEI team for funding approval

Program Schedule

  • Week 1 - Program Kickoff & Mentor Introductions
  • Week 2 - Webinar 1: Mindset & Goal Setting for Young Entrepreneurs
  • Week 3 - Mentor Meetings
  • Week 4 - Webinar 2: Your Business by the Numbers
  • Week 5 - Mentor Meetings
  • Week 6 - Webinar 3: Building a Repeatable Sales Process
  • Week 7 - Mentor Meetings
  • Week 8 - Webinar 4: Presenting Your Business Story with Confidence