Description

The Venture Fellows Program is a four-year leadership and venture development experience designed for students who want to build, lead, and create. Through hands-on involvement in Hill Institute programs, mentorship from founders and business leaders, and the opportunity to launch a venture of their own, Venture Fellows gain the experience, relationships, and confidence to turn ideas into action.

Students begin in one of two fellowship tracks that provide hands-on experience, mentorship, and leadership development before advancing into the Venture Studio phase, where they focus on building and launching a venture. 

Program Snapshot 

• Four-year leadership and venture development experience 
• Paid student fellowship 
• Two specialized development tracks 
• Mentorship from founders, alumni, and industry leaders 
• Leadership opportunities within Hill Institute programs 
• Venture development and startup launch support 
• Open to students from all majors 

Program Breakdown

Years 1–2: Build the Foundation 

The first two years of the program focus on developing the skills, relationships, and experiences that prepare students to become future founders and leaders. Regardless of track, Fellows gain hands-on experience supporting Hill Institute initiatives while building a strong professional network of founders, alumni, investors, and community leaders. 

Years 3–4: Venture Studio 

After building a foundation of experience and relationships, Fellows transition into the Venture Studio phase of the program. Drawing on the mentorship, network, and practical experience developed during their first two years, Fellows focus on developing and launching a venture of their own.

Students work through the process of identifying opportunities, validating ideas, engaging customers, refining business models, and building sustainable ventures. Along the way, they receive guidance from founders, alumni, investors, and industry leaders who provide feedback, support, and accountability.

As part of the Venture Studio experience, Fellows have access to the Furman Innovation Lab located within Greenville’s Crescent Startup Community. This provides students with the opportunity to work alongside founders, entrepreneurs, investors, and innovation leaders while developing their ventures in a real-world startup environment.

By graduation, Fellows leave with firsthand experience building and launching a venture from the ground up, along with the relationships, mentorship, and ecosystem connections to continue growing it beyond Furman. 

Build Within Greenville’s Startup Community 

Venture Fellows have access to the Furman Innovation Lab located within Greenville’s Crescent Startup Community, providing opportunities to work alongside founders, entrepreneurs, investors, and innovation leaders while developing and launching their ventures. 

What You’ll Gain 

• Build leadership and entrepreneurial skills through real-world experience 
• Develop relationships with founders, alumni, investors, and community leaders 
• Gain exposure to a variety of industries, organizations, and career paths 
• Learn how to identify opportunities, test ideas, and solve problems 
• Develop the confidence to lead projects, teams, and initiatives 
• Build and launch a venture before graduation 
• Graduate with startup experience, leadership experience, and a strong professional network