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 two interactive 4-hour in-person sessions (spaced two weeks apart), 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.
Program Benefits:
- Free to participants thanks to support from the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation (CACF)
- Expert facilitation by Dr. Tamara Wilkerson Dias and Kate Zuckerman
- Connection to Charlottesville’s social impact ecosystem
- Eligibility to apply for Community Impact Microgrants (up to $2,500 per initiative) supporting proof-of-concept work, capacity building, or launch costs
Time Commitment:
- Two, 4-hour in-person sessions at CIC in March 2026
- 2-4 hours of preparatory work before Session 1
- 4-6 hours of guided reflection and planning between sessions
Timeline:
- Applications open: January 5, 2026
- Early application deadline: January 19, 2026 (Help shape session dates and content!)
- Final deadline: February 2, 2026
- Program dates: March 2026
Space is limited. Take the next step in creating your solution to today’s problem(s).
For questions or more information, please email Teira.