JumpStart 2026 Application

JumpStart is a 13-week, entrepreneurial bootcamp for product-based startups. This inclusive and engaging program offers a specialized group coaching experience that will guide budding product-based business owners step-by-step from prototype to launch.

JumpStart is a combination of live taught curriculum, group learning, and personalized 1:1 support that provides participants with adaptable and easily customizable strategies to confidently launch life-changing products.

JumpStart participants each receive membership at Generator’s 12,000+ square foot coworking/fabrication space in the heart of Burlington, Vermont’s South End Arts District. This includes access to Generator’s community of engineers, designers, makers, and fabrication experts. Participants will also receive tool trainings to learn skills that can be used to enhance or continue development of prototypes.

JumpStart ‘26 participants will receive the following:

A comprehensive 13-week business development program
Four months of free membership to Generator valued at $105/month
$300 Generator tool training credit
Access to fully-equipped metal, wood, jewelry, sewing, electronics and rapid-prototyping facilities, 7 days a week, 6am - 10pm
Access to Generator’s community of enganuaryineers, developers, crafts professionals and entrepreneurs

As a JumpStart ‘26 participant will be expected to:

Attend Generator's Orientation and Welcome on December 10, 2025
Attend and participate in 13 weekly in-person business classes, January 14 to April 8, 2026
Present your pitch at JumpStart’s Expo Night
Participate in our community by sharing your story in our marketing materials, social media posts, development/fundraising initiatives, etc.

Application Timeline & Selection Process:

Applications accepted September 19, 2025 until November 3, 2025
Applications are evaluated for their:
- Viability - A usable prototype ready for feedback and future development
- Impact - Potential for positive social and/or environmental impact
- Feasibility - Capable of coming to fruition with support of the JumpStart business program and Generator’s facilities
Applicants will receive notification of selection by early-February via email
Selected applicants will have up to five days to confirm their spot in this program

Program Timeline: Wednesdays, January 14 to April 8, 2025, 2:30pm-5pm, in-person at Generator

JumpStart cohort will meet in-person at Generator every Wednesday, 2:30pm-5pm.
Wednesday, December 10, 2025: Welcome JS Cohort ‘26: Generator Tour and Orientation
Wednesday, April 8, 2026: JumpStart Expo! Community Event, 5pm-8pm.

For more information about JumpStart go to https://generatorvt.com/jumpstart. For questions about the JumpStart Program and application process contact Veronica Newton at veronica@generatorvt.com.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Name*

First NameLast Name

Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Email*

example@example.com

Phone Number*

Please enter a valid phone number.

Business Name*

Business Website (if available)

ABOUT YOU

This information will never be shared, and is for internal use only. The following questions are intended to help hold our organization accountable and ensure we are continually attracting and serving a representative cross section of our community. All questions in this section have the option to opt out.

Preferred Pronouns?*

Do you identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community?*

YesNoPrefer not to specify

Do you identify as a person of color?*

YesNoPrefer not to specify

Age Range*

Current Generator Member Status*

Non-memberMemberVolunteer MemberProgram Member (A-I-R, BIPOC Scholar, etc.)

ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS

In one sentence tell us what your product is.*

What does your product do or how is it used? *

What problem(s) does your product solve? How does your product provide value? Why do you want to create and sell this product? *

What stage is your product in?*

It's still just an ideaIt's just a prototype and needs workIt has been developed and tested - ready to go to market

What do you think you need the most support in to enhance your product?*

Are you currently generating any revenue?*

YesNo

If yes, how much revenue did you generate in the last year?

Has your company received any funding or loans?*

YesNo

If yes, how much?

ABOUT YOU AS AN ENTREPRENEUR

What skills and experience do you have that will help you run your business?*

Why do you want to participate in JUMPSTART?*

On average JumpStart members spend about 3-5 hours a week completing business coursework outside of class. Can you dedicate 3-5 hours a week to working on the homework? *

Generator is a makerspace that provides access to engineering tools and education. How will our shops and access to our community help you launch or expand your business?*

What Generator equipment do you hope to use? (select all that apply)*

Please upload a photo of your product or design. *

Please provide a brief bio (written in third person) that will be used for a press release and marketing materials if accepted to the program.*

If you have any additional information or questions, please add them here.

GENERATOR JUMPSTART APPLICATION

APPLICATIONS DUE NOVEMBER 3, 2025