Social Entrepreneur Bootcamp

Through support from the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, CIC is excited to pilot a new hands-on program for local entrepreneurs to pursue an innovative idea that has the potential to solve a problem in our community.

Social Entrepreneur Bootcamp: Turn Your Idea into Action

Have an idea to create positive change in your community? The Community Investment Collaborative (CIC) invites you to join a hands-on program designed specifically to support under-resourced and underrepresented leaders in transforming community-driven ideas into reality.

What You’ll Gain:

Through three (3), interactive, 3-hour, in-person sessions, you’ll…

  • Clarify your social impact concept and intended outcomes
  • Navigate organizational pathway options—nonprofit, for-profit social enterprise, community project, or fiscal sponsorship
  • Develop a concrete 90-day action plan
  • Connect with fellow changemakers and local resources
  • Access ongoing support to sustain your momentum

Who Should Apply:

This program is designed for start-up or early-stage initiatives—whether nonprofit, for-profit social enterprise, or community project—aimed at creating meaningful community impact.

Applications are encouraged from changemakers living and working in the city of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Nelson, and Orange.

Program Benefits:

  • Free to participants thanks to support from the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation
  • Expert facilitation by Dr. Tamara Wilkerson Dias and Kate Zuckerman
  • Connection to Charlottesville’s social impact ecosystem
  • Eligibility to apply for a limited number of Community Impact Microgrants (up to $2,500 per initiative) supporting proof-of-concept work, capacity building, or launch costs

Time Commitment:

  • Three, 3-hour in-person sessions at CIC (300 Preston Ave; Suite 206)
  • 2-4 hours of preparatory work before Session 1
  • 4-6 hours of guided reflection and planning between sessions
  • 1-3 hours of personalized instruction through 1:1 sessions with a facilitator

Program Details:

  • Applications available: September 10, 2026
  • Early application deadline: September 24, 2026 (Help shape session dates and content!)
  • Final deadline: October 1, 2026
  • Program dates: October 22, 2026, November 5, 2026, and November 19, 2026
  • Session time: 4PM – 7PM
If you are interested in participating in the second phase of our pilot, complete your application today.
Apply NOW