

Some join larger teams, and see what it’s like once a startup has “figured it out.” This type of growth is an incomparable opportunity to learn about hiring, expectation management, and internal communication. Some VFA fellows begin their fellowship as their company’s first hire and end having seen over 50 positions filled under them. Also, whenever you decide to make the jump and start something on your own, as a VFA fellow, you have access to the VFA Innovation fund, which funds side-projects, and the VFA Seed Fund, which funds fellow-founded companies from a pool of over $100K.Īs an entrepreneur, you’re not just growing your business – you’re growing other people’s careers. More often than not, entrepreneurs and activists need to raise finances to fuel and support their endeavors.īy working at a startup, you get first-hand exposure to the fundraising process: from developing relationships with potential investors, to creating and presenting pitch-decks, to setting and hitting proof points for follow-up fundraising rounds.

Because interactions are insistently changing, you’re continually pushed to keep your words relevant, digestible, and compelling, and this process accelerates your growth as a communicator. You’ll pick-up communication skills in any job, but startups are unique in that they’re constantly evolving and force you to engage with a wide range of people with vastly different stakes and agendas. Whether you’re pitching to a potential customer or investor, or discussing with family and friends, clear communication is everything when it comes to helping others understand your concept. VFA also provides special support for helping you start your own business: its network of growing entrepreneurs represents a host of potential co-founders and business partners, and fellows have access to the VFA Accelerator, which is a four-month program where fellows live together and work on their businesses under the guidance of mentors.
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VFA Fellows are constantly exposed to great examples of how to successfully launch a business, such as the mentors you work under on a daily basis, the fellows who go on to start their own ventures, and the successful entrepreneurs who speak at VFA training camp. This is what it’s all about! Going from an idea to a living, breathing business. Here are 7 of the skills that I see as especially valuable. If you dive in head-first, the VFA fellowship can without a doubt equip you with the skills to one day start your own venture. It pulls together a network of the nation’s brightest aspiring entrepreneurs, and pairs them with promising startups and accomplished mentors. Venture for America is designed to empower recent college grads with the distinctive skills and experiences needed to one day start their own ventures. As someone who would love to start his own thing – and hopefully many things, someday – I was lucky to find a starting point by becoming a Venture for America Fellow. Others – like raising money or growing a team – are very difficult to attain within the boundaries of most entry-level jobs.

Some of these skills, you can master through an online course or teaching yourself. Being your own boss.Ĭreating and growing something that has a real impact on the world is no easy task and often requires developing an extensive set of skills.
