Sullivan Impact Venture Labs
Developing Ventures That Strengthen Communities
Sullivan Impact Venture Labs helps students across Sullivan partner schools develop mission-driven ventures through Collaborative Changemaking: working with others to understand community needs, diagnose problems, design practical solutions, and move ideas into action.
Guidance, mentorship, peer learning, and funding opportunities support the work. The skills students gain remain useful throughout their lives, whatever career they pursue.
Sullivan Impact Prize
Developing Ventures Through Collaborative Changemaking
Sullivan Impact Venture Labs helps students develop mission-driven ventures through Collaborative Changemaking: working with others to understand community needs, design practical solutions, and move ideas into action.
Students can begin with virtual workshops, a campus Sullivan Impact Prize opportunity, or direct entry into the Sullivan Impact Venture Competition.
The Sullivan Impact Venture Labs offer students the chance to turn big ideas into real-world change.
Sullivan Impact Venture Labs helps students develop mission-driven ventures through Collaborative Changemaking. Campus competitions, the Venture Competition, the Incubator, and Accelerator Bootcamps connect students with practical learning, mentorship, peer support, and opportunities to strengthen ideas and ventures. Five category winners and one Accelerator wildcard advance to the Sullivan Showcase, where six teams pitch for the $2,000 grand prize.
The Sullivan Impact Prize is your chance to turn big ideas into real-world change.
Students can begin with virtual workshops, a campus Sullivan Impact Prize opportunity, or direct entry into the Sullivan Impact Venture Competition.
Five category winners receive $500 each. They and one Accelerator wildcard advance to the Sullivan Showcase, where six teams pitch for the $2,000 grand prize. An initial funding pool of at least $10,000 supports continued venture development through proposal and budget review.
Who can Apply?
- Students at any Sullivan partner school
- No prior Sullivan award, scholarship, or program participation is required
- Early concepts and ventures already underway are welcome
- Choose the starting point that fits where you are now
Timeline
- Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 – Campus Sullivan Impact Prize competitions and virtual workshops help students develop venture concepts and prepare for the Sullivan Impact Venture Competition.
- March 10, 2027 – Deadline for Venture Competition entries addressing one of five community impact areas.
- By March 20, 2027 – Five category winners are notified and advance into the Accelerator/Showcase pathway.
- April 2027 – six ventures present at the Sullivan Showcase and compete for the $2,000 grand prize.
- Throughout the year: The Venture Incubator provides ongoing learning, mentorship, and collaboration. Selected participants with launched ventures may be invited to Accelerator Bootcamps during Sullivan Weekends.
Prizes & Opportunities
- Competition and Showcase: Five category winners receive $500 each. They and one Accelerator wildcard advance to the Sullivan Showcase, where six teams pitch for the $2,000 grand prize.
- Continued venture funding: An initial funding pool of at least $10,000 will support continued venture development. Showcase finalist teams may submit a proposal and budget outlining next steps and funding needs.
- Mentorship, visibility, and continued support: Opportunities for coaching, workshops, and connections with faculty, Sullivan alumni, community leaders, and potential supporters across the Sullivan network.
Here’s what you’ll get to experience.
Begin with a community need, an early idea, or a venture already underway. The Labs are designed to meet students where they are and help them move forward.
A five-module virtual workshop series helps students understand needs, organize a team, design solutions, and prepare a pitch. No venture idea is required to get started. Register for the Venture Labs workshops.
Timeline
- October 21, 2026 – Wednesday evening virtual workshop series begins
- March 10, 2027 – Sullivan Impact Venture Competition entries due
- By March 20, 2027 – Category winners notified
- March 2027 – Accelerator experiences begin
- April 2027 – Sullivan Showcase
Prizes & Opportunities
- $500 category awards for five category winners
- $2,000 grand prize at the Sullivan Showcase
- An initial funding pool of at least $10,000 for continued venture development through proposal and budget review
