Female Founders: Tools and Resources
A collection of our top articles, videos, podcasts, worksheets, and other tools to help our network of Female Founders.
Future Founders Announces 2020 Alumni Accelerator
Meet the 36 entrepreneurs who are part of the 2020 Future Founders National Fellowship Alumni Accelerator.
Future Founders Featured on Comcast Newsmakers
Watch as President & CEO Scott Issen explains our work empowering youth to create their own opportunity
Customer Discovery: Tools and Resources
A collection of our top articles, videos, podcasts, worksheets, and other tools to help get you started with Customer Discovery
Ask a Founder: Customer Discovery
Improve your customer discovery process with these helpful tips from our network of entrepreneurs.
Future Founders Announces 2020 National Fellowship Cohort
Check out the 20 founders joining our 2020 Fellowship Cohort.
Future Founders Announces Fall 2019 Residency Cohort
Meet the 19 ambitious young entrepreneurs joining our Fall 2019 Residency Cohort
Mi Terro Takes First Place at U.Pitch 2019
Check out the full list of winners from the 2019 U.Pitch National Collegiate Elevator Pitch Competition & Showcase
Future Founders Announces Semifinalists for U.Pitch 2019
See the list of 18 startups that will be competing in this year’s U.Pitch National Collegiate Elevator Pitch Competition
ChicagoNEXT Recognizes Future Founders
Future Founders awarded ChicagoNEXT Award by Mayor Lightfoot and other Chicago business leaders
Future Founders Empowers Its 35,000th Young Entrepreneur!
Future Founders crosses major milestone empowering its 35,000th student
Future Founders Helping Students Become Business Leaders of Tomorrow
Read the feature article on Future Founders from the Chicago Sun-Times
Future Founders Awarded Record Grant to Empower More Chicago Youth
Future Founders selected to receive prestigious Invest for Kids Grant to expand our work empowering Chicago youth
Future Founders & Ford Motor Company Award $15,000 in College Scholarships to Chicago Teens
Scholarships given to participants in Future Founders’ annual Summer Entrepreneurship Internship Program
Future Founders Chairman Named EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year
Brad Keywell, Board Chairman of Future Founders, was named the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year for 2019.
Volunteer for Demo Day on May 30 & Meet Our 2019 School Partners
Join us on May 30 when selected students show off their apps and seek feedback from the startup community.
Future Founders Announces Spring 2019 Residency Cohort
Meet the 23 entrepreneurs from 19 companies who were selected to participate in its Spring 2019 Residency Cohort.
Future Founders Appoints EY Executive to Board of Directors
Future Founders welcomes the appointment of Ram Ramanan to its Board of Directors.
Economic Impact Report: Future Founders Fellows Achieve New Milestones
Learn about the tremendous economic impact achieved by our Fellowship cohorts of millennial entrepreneurs.
You’re Invited: Girls Camp Showcase @ Google on 4/19
Future Founders teamed up with Google to offer Startup Spring Break, a free week-long bootcamp for middle school girls.
Making Moves In March: Meet our first Director of Development, Emily Summers
March (Madness) is full of big moves here at Future Founders, including the addition of our first Director of Development.
Mingle with Chicago Entrepreneurs & VCs at Smart Bet Poker
Future Founders is honored to be a beneficiary of Smart Bet and their Charity Poker Tournament on March 28.
Future Founders Introduces New Format for Spring 2019 Residency
The Residency Bootcamp is an experiential workshop series that exposes participants to the lean startup methodology.
Thank You for Your Support!
Future Founders celebrates our victory as one of 10 organizations to win the Google.org Impact Challenge Illinois.
Future Founders Announces 2019 Alumni Accelerator
Meet the 30 entrepreneurs who are part of the 2019 Future Founders National Fellowship Alumni Accelerator.
Vote Now to Help Future Founders Win $250,000!
Future Founders was one of 10 organizations selected (nearly 170 applied) for the Google.org Impact Challenge Illinois.
Future Founders Announces 2019 National Fellowship Cohort
Meet the 18 entrepreneurs who were selected to participate in the 2019 Fellowship program.
Quevos Takes First Place at U.Pitch 2018
The shelf-stable egg-white chips were delicious enough to win over the entire panel of judges.
Future Founders to Receive Chicagoness Award Presented by 1871
Future Founders to receive the 2018 Chicagoness Award presented by 1871 and the CEC on November 15.
Future Founders Announces Semifinalists for U.Pitch 2018
Future Founders announces the 18 semifinalists for its 5th Annual U.Pitch National College Elevator Pitch Competition & Showcase.
Future Founders hosted our annual “Be Your Own Boss” Summer Entrepreneurship Camp for CPS high school students.
"Be Your Own Boss" Summer Camp Blog
Future Founders hosts annual two-week long “Be Your Own Boss” Summer Entrepreneurship Camp!
Future Founders Receives $400k Grant to Expand Residency Program
Future Founders was selected to receive continued support from the Blackstone Inclusive Entrepreneurship Challenge.
Future Founders Recognizes Winners of 2nd Annual EntrepreneurshipU Awards
Future Founders recognized Illinois colleges and universities at the 2nd Annual EntrepreneurshipU Awards!
Capital One Highlights Future Founders Alum in "My Future Self" Video Series
Future Founders alum Jasmine Leatherwood is one of six people nationwide featured in Capital One’s “My Future Self” campaign.
Future Founders Adds Talent to Support Millennial Entrepreneurs
Future Founders announces the addition of one Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) and six Growth Coaches to its talented cohort.
Future Founders Appoints Motorola Solutions Executive to Board of Directors
Future Founders announces the appointment of Heidi Hattendorf of the Motorola Solutions Foundation to its Board of Directors.
Data Release: Future Founders Fellows Achieve Significant Economic Impact
Future Founders shares its 2nd Annual Fellowship Impact Report detailing the economic impact achieved in 2016 and 2017.
Future Founders & Google Announce 2019 Spring Break Camp for Middle School Girls
Future Founders is teaming up with Google to bring back Startup Spring Break, a free week-long bootcamp for middle school girls.
Future Founders Launches National Accelerator for Fellowship Alumni
The Alumni Accelerator is a program designed to engage those Fellowship alumni who have demonstrated significant traction.
Meet the 17 Founders Named to 2018 National Fellowship
Meet the 17 entrepreneurs who were selected to participate in our 2018 Fellowship program.
Future Founders Launches Residency Program & Announces 2018 Cohort Members
Meet the 18 entrepreneurs who were selected to participate in our inaugural Residency program.
Future Founders Announces Semifinalists for 2017 U.Pitch National College Elevator Pitch Competition
Future Founders announces the 18 semifinalists for its 4th Annual U.Pitch National Competition presented by Capital One.
Big Names Confirmed for U.Pitch 2017
Future Founders is thrilled to announce the six judges for the U.Pitch Finals at the 2017 competition.
Future Founders Appoints Two New Board Members
Future Founders announces the appointment of two new board members to its organization: Karl Darin and William Ridgway.
Future Founders Seeks New Role: Partnerships Coordinator
Future Founders is excited to announce a new role to support its youth entrepreneurship programming: Partnerships Coordinator.
Future Founders Launches New Program for Minority and Millennial Entrepreneurs
Future Founders will launch a new program, branded the Chicago Cohort, designed for ages 18-30 from underrepresented groups.
Creating a Strong Sales Funnel: Shane Smith, Salefish
Answering the question, “How do I establish good sales funnel to get a strong sales process running?” with Shane Smith of Salefish
Nailing Your Customer Acquisition Strategy: Jody Haneke, Haneke Design
Answering the question, “What can we do to build our customer acquisition strategy?” with Jody Haneke of Haneke Design.
Navigating Bureaucratic Sales Structures to Reach the Right People: Joy Randels, Citizinvestor
Answering, “How do you navigate bureaucratic structures to reach the right people?” with Joy Randels of Citizinvestor.
Finding the Right Problem to Solve With Your Business: Joy Randels, Citizinvestor
Answering, “How do I find a problem I’m passionate about to solve for my next business?” with Joy Randels of Citizinvestor.
Maintaining Strategic Partnerships While Scaling: John Moorhead, Nelnet
Answering, “How do I manage strategic partnerships and hiring to scale business development?” with John Moorhead of Nelnet.
Using Financial Forecasting in Scaling Your Business: Michael Araten, K’NEX Brands
Answering, “How do I manage finances to know how to scale in different channels?” with Michael Araten of K’NEX Brands.
How to Manage Cash Flow During Product Development: Mike Delazzer, Founder of RedBox
Answering, “How can I manage cash flow during the product development phase?” with RedBox CEO, Mike Delazzer.
Improving Repeatable Sales While Setting A Company Up for Scale: Kevin Harrington (As Seen on TV and ABC’s Shark Tank)
Answering, “How do I improve repeat sales while setting my company up to scale?” with Kevin Harrington of As Seen on TV.
Where Should I Begin With International Manufacturing and Distribution? With RedBox Founder Mike DeLazzer
Answering the question, “”How do you approach international manufacturing?” with RedBox Founder and CEO, Mike Delazzer.
Future Founders hosted their “Be Your Own Boss” Summer Entrepreneurship Camp Student Showcase.
2016 Future Founders Fellowship Spotlight: Jackie Wu, Corvus Robotics
We spoke with Jackie Wu of the 2016 Future Founders Fellowship to hear about his learning experience with Future Founders.
Future Founders Selected for Blackstone Inclusive Entrepreneurship Grant
Future Founders selected to join a cohort and receive funding from the Blackstone Inclusive Entrepreneurship Challenge.
Video: Using The Experience Model Matrix to Delight Customers
Vinesh Kannan, founder of Omnipointment and 2017 Fellow, gives an overview of the Experience Model Matrix.
Taking Advantage of Failure: How to Make the Most of Startup Setbacks
At the end of the day, failure of any scale or magnitude becomes a metric and driver for your own personal leadership.
Data Reveals Future Founders Collegiate Entrepreneurs Create Real Economic Impact
Future Founders announces the economic impact achieved by its first two Fellowship cohorts of collegiate entrepreneurs.
What is Customer Discovery? A 4-Step Guide to Building the Right Product for the Right Customers
Learn the proven 4-step process for identifying exactly who will be interested in your product or service.
Future Founders Recognizes Winners of Inaugural EntrepreneurshipU Awards
Future Founders recognized colleges and universities for their contributions to the entrepreneurial community.
Future Founders Welcomes Top Collegiate Entrepreneurs to Chicago for Founders Weekend
Future Founders flew their 2017 Fellows to Chicago for the first of two Founders Weekends.
Do I Need to Register My Business?
One of the most important but confusing parts of launching a company is officially registering as a business.
How Do I Come Up With A Business Idea?
Coming up with the right idea can take quite some time, but startups have a name for it: ideation.
Do I Need a Co-Founder?
You have a business idea. Do you really need a co-founder to make it successful?
Future Founders Teams Up With Google to Launch Startup Spring Break Camp for Middle School Girls
Future Founders and Google to launch Startup Spring Break, a free week-long bootcamp for middle school girls.
Future Founders Adds Talent to Support Collegiate Entrepreneurs
Future Founders announces the addition of two Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIRs) and a staff promotion.
Do I Really Need a Patent? 3 Cautionary Things to Know About Intellectual Property
Patents can be confusing, yet they offer one of the only methods of formal protection for an idea.
2015 Future Founders Fellowship Spotlight: Tom Iwema, IKG Property Maintenance
We sat down with different members of the 2015 Fellowship to hear about their Future Founders experience.
Future Founders Announces Entrepreneurship Awards Event for Chicagoland Universities
Future Founders announces awards to highlight the work of the entrepreneurial universities in Chicagoland.
How to Build a Product that People Will Actually Buy
The journey of an entrepreneur is plagued with self doubt. Am I making the right decision? Do I have the right team?
Future Founders Names 2017 Fellows: 17 Entrepreneurs You Should Know
Future Founders announced the 17 entrepreneurs who were selected to participate in the 2017 Fellowship.
Get Unique, Entrepreneur-Made Holiday Gifts with Our 2016 Fellowship Holiday Gift Guide
Give your loved ones something exciting this holiday season, and support our entrepreneurs at the same time!
2015 Future Founders Fellowship Spotlight: Ryan Hesslau, foreverU
Future Founders Announces Distinguished Panel of Finals Judges for U.Pitch 2016
Future Founders is thrilled to announce the six judges for the U.Pitch 2016 Finals.
Future Founders Announces 18 Semifinalists for U.Pitch National College Elevator Pitch Competition
Future Founders announces the 18 semifinalists for its 3rd Annual U.Pitch College Competition
Future Founders Introduces New Team to Inspire Elementary and High School Students & Welcomes 2016 School Partners
Future Founders is excited to announce the promotions of two staff members and school partnerships.
Get Your Tickets Now to the Third Annual U.Pitch National Elevator Pitch Competition and Showcase on Nov. 10
Join Future Founders for the 3rd Annual U.Pitch Competition & Showcase, an initiative of Future Founders Startup.
Future Founders Fellowship Spotlight: Kevin Roemer (Brandless Group)
Future Founders Adds Entrepreneurs in Residence to National Collegiate Fellowship, Opens Applications for 2017 Cohort
Future Founders announces the addition of three Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIRs) to its team.
The 5 Traits of a Future Founders Fellow
One of the most common questions we receive is: “What makes a good candidate for the Fellowship?”
Future Founders Fellowship Spotlight: Liliana Leon (Winefolded)
Future Founders Spotlight: Josh Doering, U.Pitch 2015 Winner
We sat down with Josh Doering, the co-founder of Seed Slide and the winner of U.Pitch 2015.
2015 U.Pitch Finalist Seals Major Deal with Competition Judge’s Company
Sam Lukach announced that his company has partnered with ContextMedia:Health, reaching over 25,000 locations.
Future Founders Recognizes Top College Entrepreneurs During National U.Pitch Competition Featuring Shark Tank’s Daymond John
Future Founders hosted their 2nd Annual U.Pitch College Elevator Pitch Competition & Showcase.
Future Founders Invites Community to Annual Fundraiser on September 22
You’re invited to celebrate with Future Founders at our Innovation and Impact event at 1871!
3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Launching a Crowdfunding Campaign
Crowdfunding has become the norm for startups seeking to introduce a product to a market without much prior startup capital.
The Next Generation of Social Entrepreneurs on the Rise in Chicago
Three high school entrepreneurship programs in Chicagoland that are building the next generation of social entrepreneurs.
Future Founders Fellowship Spotlight: Kaeya Majmundar (KAEYOS, Inc.)
2016 Fellow Matthew Sarli Talks Benefits of Future Founders, University of Tampa for Entrepreneurs
Watch 2016 Fellow Matthew Sarli discuss how he’ll be taking his business to the next level with Future Founders.
Future Founders Launches "Be Your Own Boss" Summer Entrepreneurship Camp
Future Founders has teamed up with After School Matters to launch an extended summer camp high school entrepreneurs.
Top 6 Sites to Learn to Code for Free
With the help of FEMcoders, we listed our top 6 sites where you learn any number of programming languages.
Future Founders Announces Successful Pilot of Collegiate Scholars Program
Future Founders is excited to announce the successful conclusion of the pilot for its new collegiate Scholars Program.
Future Founders Announces Finalists for New Culminating Expo
Future Founders hosted competitions for student business plans created during the school year.
Future Founders and 1871 Announce Partnership
Future Founders Moves Headquarters to 1871 with help of Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center.
Future Founders to Introduce New AdVENTURE Expo – An Initiative of Future Founders Ignite
Join us for an inside look at the next generation of entrepreneurs in Chicago on May 11th!
How to Write a Professional Email
Your emails are a virtual representation of you. Sometimes, they can be the first impression someone has of you.
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