The Garage operates a variety of impactful programs focused on startup incubation, student development, and funding opportunities.
All programs at The Garage are designed to allow students to explore entrepreneurship and gain a community. Programs at The Garage are open to all full-time, degree-seeking Northwestern students (undergraduate, graduate, or PhD) from any school, with the exception of the Little Joe Ventures Fellowship. Check out our programs & apply below!
Looking to get involved at The Garage? Start here! The Tinker program is an entry-level, self-paced program with no commitment for students who want to explore entrepreneurship.
A quarterly event where teams incubating at The Garage recruit new team members. Looking to join an existing student startup? This is your chance!
The Garage's core program for startups beyond the idea stage, featuring mentorship, weekly family dinners, and 24/7 access.
Jumpstart is a 10-week summer accelerator program for the most commited student teams - providing mentorship, $10,000, and 10-weeks of programming to accelerate your startup.
Propel is a quarterly program for women students with an entrepreneurial project.
Luminate is an entry level program for first-generation or low-income (FGLI) students with a startup idea.
X-Factor is a leadership development program that helps student founders develop heightened self-awareness so they can become better leaders.
The Opportunity Fund provides up to $1,000 in funding for SES-eligible current Residents or Tinkerers with a startup idea.
This highly competitive program offers financial awards, mentors, and transformational experiences for Sophomore students studying at the university.