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Tribe Ventures Accelerator
Tribe Ventures is a highly competitive program that comes with:
- $1,000 award
- Hot desk workspace
- Startup support from experienced entrepreneurs and mentors
Benefits and Outcomes
Tribe Ventures isn’t just a space to work on your side hustle, it’s a structured pathway to growth and impact.
Program Benefits
- One-on-one conversations with experts in entrepreneurship, public speaking, marketing, franchising, product development, and more
- Space to work alongside other Tribe Ventures and Launchpad companies
- Access to a network and programming that helps you reach customers and scale
Expected Outcomes
- Application of entrepreneurial thinking and innovation skills
- Competitive applications to funding opportunities
- Creation of new products, processes, or services that benefit society
- Development of student-owned companies and inventions
How does it work?
Participation begins with an application. Ventures will be selected based on:
- Evidence of prior progress or traction (Tribe Ventures is not for idea-stage ventures, Rocket Pitch or Pitch Practice are better fits for those)
- A clear and compelling business model
- Strength and commitment of the team
Participant Expectations
Tribe Ventures participants dedicate approximately 10 hours per week to entrepreneurial activities such as:
- Mentor Office Hours – meetings with experts to refine strategy and business model
- Customer Discovery – gathering feedback to validate and improve the venture
- Team Work Sessions – focused time on building and advancing the venture
- Cohort Meetings – peer discussions with other entrepreneurs in the program
- Venture Showcase – presenting at the Hub’s semesertly showcase of entrepreneurs
New Focus Areas:
AI for Healthcare
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries and healthcare is no exception. Thanks to funding from William & Mary’s Office of the Provost, Tribe Ventures is piloting AI4HEALTH, an initiative designed to support ventures that apply AI to critical healthcare challenges.
What’s available:
- $1,000 in total funding to support one or two Tribe Ventures proposals integrating AI into healthcare solutions.
- Proposals with potential impact in the local Williamsburg retirement community will be prioritized.
Clean Energy Innovation Opportunity
Are you passionate about solving clean energy challenges? Through the Will Payne Clean Energy Initiative, Tribe Ventures supports William & Mary student ventures developing sustainable solutions for a cleaner future.
What’s available:
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$500 award to advance a venture focused on clean energy, renewables, or sustainability-driven innovation
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Priority consideration for ventures exploring energy efficiency, solar innovation, or climate-positive business models
Ready to join the next cohort?
Click the link below to submit your Tribe Ventures application:
Apply Now
Applications Are Due by 11/1/2025.
Getting Paid Through Tribe Ventures
Participants selected for financial support will receive funding based on their current student status:
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Enrolled students are paid through Department Awards.
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Graduating seniors or students between semesters will be set up as vendors through Procurement.