OakNorth Young Entrepreneurs

UChicago’s OakNorth Young Entrepreneurs is a one-year immersive program focused on fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs. All students of the incoming Class of 2029 are eligible to apply for OakNorth Young Entrepreneurs before they begin their studies at UChicago.

The program prepares students who are passionate about entrepreneurship with the skills, frameworks, and connections needed to fast track their potential ventures into concrete ideas. Students will engage in a year-long startup development project, culminating in a pitch competition. The cohort will also participate in regular workshops and events to learn the foundations of entrepreneurship and develop their founder’s toolkit.

This cohort experience also includes a life-cycle mentoring program, enabling students to learn from experienced entrepreneurs while also providing guidance to high school-age emerging founders.

All OakNorth Young Entrepreneurs will also benefit from summer funding to support working on their own startup or interning with a startup.

OakNorth Young Entrepreneurs will be well-positioned to fully engage in UChicago’s robust entrepreneurship ecosystem including participation in marquee programs such as the Polsky Center’s New Venture Challenge and engagement in startup-focused RSOs.

What Students Can Expect

  • A life cycle mentorship experience:

    • Students will be matched with an experienced entrepreneur and participate in quarterly mentorship conversations.

    • Cohort members will serve as mentors to high school students who have participated in UChicago’s Business and Entrepreneurship Summer Session and provide insights on venture development and the collegiate experience.

  • Workshops teaching the foundations of entrepreneurship. Through this series students will learn frameworks and practical applications to help them turn their ideas into businesses.

  • Speaker series and alumni panels where students will hear from experienced founders and gain insights to support their venture development.

  • Summer funding to support continued work on your venture or an internship with a startup.

  • A cohort-based experience rooting students in a community of innovative, entrepreneurial peers.

OakNorth Student Picture

Commitment to the Program

It takes significant time and commitment to build the skills and network needed to become a successful entrepreneur. To get the most out of the program, it’s critical for all participants to stay highly engaged throughout the year. Full participation in program activities, events, and mentorship meetings is expected for all cohort members.

How to Apply

All members of the incoming Class of 2029 are eligible to apply. Interested students can apply using this form. Applications are due June 20.

Questions?

For more information about the program, please contact Brittany Wisniewski at bwisniewski@uchicago.edu.

Employer Partnerships

We are always looking to build or deepen partnerships with start ups or founders looking for UChicago entrepreneurial talent. Email Brittany Wisniewski, bwisniewski@uchicago.edu, to learn more about how you can work with UChicago students on meaningful internships both during the academic year or the summer.

Thank You to Our Partner!

University of Chicago is appreciative of the partnership with OakNorth - the digital bank for entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs – for its support of this program. Supporting lower mid-market businesses ($1m-$100m turnover) across the UK and US, OakNorth provides bespoke credit and banking services to empower entrepreneurs and support businesses in achieving their growth ambitions.