15 Business Incubators for High School Students
If you're curious about starting a business or exploring a future in finance or entrepreneurship, business incubators can give you a head start.
What do business incubators cover?
A typical business incubator allows you to work on hands-on projects such as developing a startup concept, creating a minimum viable product (MVP), conducting market research, or solving community problems through a business lens. These programs take you beyond classroom theory and into real-world experiences, where you test ideas, build prototypes, pitch to mentors, and even launch your own small ventures.
Why participate in business incubators as a high schooler?
Many programs pair you with mentors such as university faculty, successful alumni, or industry professionals, giving you valuable guidance and networking opportunities. You may also take part in visits, guest lectures, and pitch competitions that bring your learning to life. Along the way, you'll learn what it takes to run a business, from identifying customer needs and validating ideas to handling marketing, finance, and team collaboration, thus helping you decide if entrepreneurship is the right path for you.
For related opportunities, consider entrepreneurship programs and business programs.
Here are 15 accessible business incubators and similar entrepreneurship programs.
15 Business Incubators for High School Students
1. Kelley Women’s Leadership Institute – Indiana University Kelley School of Business
Cost: Free
Dates: Virtual April 22 & 29, In person June 12 & 26, July 10 & 24
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Current sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Notable Features: You get to work on a real-world business case while learning directly from Kelley faculty and interacting with alumni and current students.
The Young Women’s Institute (YWI) is a selective pre-college program that introduces you to business careers, while giving you a glimpse of the college experience at Indiana University. You'll build your communication and analytical skills through faculty-led workshops, business case discussions, and leadership activities. You'll also get to connect with like-minded peers and explore different areas of business to understand your future career path. Offered in both in-person (1 day) and virtual (multi-day) formats, the program provides a short but engaging exposure to business education.
2. Young Founders Lab
Cost: $2,900 for the team-based program and $3,500 for the individual program | Financial aid is available
Dates: June 9-29 (Summer Session 1); August 4024 (Summer Session 2) | The individual program follows a flexible schedule!
Application Deadline: Varies according to the cohort. Applications close on May 11 for the upcoming summer cohort
Eligibility: High school students
Young Founders Lab is a startup incubator that allows you to work individually or in a team to launch a real, revenue-generating business. At the Young Founders Lab, you will spend four weeks developing a startup, either on your own or as part of a team. You will take your idea through every stage of development, from initial brainstorming to creating a minimum viable product (MVP). Throughout the process, you will learn key concepts and develop essential skills in entrepreneurship, product development, marketing, and pitching, under the guidance of startup founders and industry mentors. The program ends with a Demo Day, where you will pitch your business to investors and professionals. You will fully own the business you create, with the option to continue growing it even beyond the program.
3. Harvard Summer Venture in Management Program (SVMP)
Cost: Free
Dates: June 14-17
Application Deadline: March 27
Eligibility: High-potential high school juniors and seniors with demonstrated leadership and community impact
Notable Features: Residential format with direct exposure to Harvard’s resources; focus on leadership and making a difference; guest interactions that build your professional network
This is a short but impactful residential program that introduces you to leadership in business and the value of advanced management education at Harvard Business School. Through case studies and discussions on real-world business challenges, you'll explore how leaders make decisions and navigate complex situations. You'll also have the opportunity to network with Harvard faculty and peers while considering how an MBA or entrepreneurial path could shape your future. You also develop critical thinking and decision-making skills through collaborative activities, and gain exposure to diverse perspectives from a global cohort.
4. Caminos al Futuro at George Washington University
Cost: Free
Dates: June 22 - July 10
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors demonstrating commitment to service and leadership in the Hispanic/Latino community
Notable Features: Site visits to key Washington, D.C. institutions; project-based work with mentorship; emphasis on community impact and networking with professionals
You'll spend three weeks in a fully funded residential program bringing your own projects to life, while learning from leaders across multiple fields. Hosted by the Congressional Hispanic Institute, the experience blends entrepreneurship with service and leadership in the Hispanic / Latino community context. You'll explore policymaking through site visits to the Congress, government agencies, and nonprofits, thus gaining a deeper understanding of how public policy and community impact intersect. Along the way, you'll collaborate with peers on community-focused initiatives, strengthening your teamwork and problem-solving skills. The program also emphasizes leadership development through workshops and mentorship, helping you refine your vision for creating meaningful social impact.
5. University of Kansas Summer Venture in Business (SVB)
Cost: $50 participation fee
Dates: July 19 - 24
Application Deadline: February 13
Eligibility: Rising 11th- and 12th-grade students, 3.4+ high school GPA Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend University of Kansas-sponsored events
Notable Features: On-campus housing and meals included; direct interaction with KU School of Business faculty and resources; focus on both academic and social aspects of business education
You'll dive into a five-day residential program on campus, attending workshops on marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship, while experiencing college life firsthand. Alongside campus tours, you'll collaborate on projects that introduce you to the hows of launching ventures and building a strong foundation in business. You'll also take part in interactive sessions with faculty and industry professionals, gaining insights into real-world business practices. The program helps you strengthen your communication and teamwork skills while exploring potential career paths in business.
6. UC Berkeley Haas Business Academy for Youth – High School Founder Bootcamp
Cost: Solo $7,950, Teams $7,450 / person
Dates: June 14 - 27
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th-grade students
Notable Features: Focus on teams or individuals with traction; residential format; direct pathway to investor exposure and further resources at Haas
As a solo founder or part of a team with a validated idea, you'll join a residential accelerator designed to refine your concept, build traction, and move your startup further. Through intensive workshops and mentorship, you'll work closely with experienced founders and industry experts to improve your product, business model, and go-to-market strategy. Throughout the program, you test your idea with real users and incorporate feedback to strengthen your venture. You'll also develop investor-ready material, including pitch decks and financial projections, in preparation for a final demo day, where you present your startup to investors and professionals.
7. MIT Solve – Youth Innovation Track
Cost: Free
Dates: March 16, applications open
Application Deadline: May 21
Eligibility: This Challenge is for tech-based social impact solutions that are already growing or operating at scale
Notable Features: Backed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and focuses on social entrepreneurship
This challenge gives you an opportunity to submit innovative solutions to global challenges and receive support to develop them further. With guidance from mentors, experts, and industry leaders, you'll refine your idea and make it impactful. Along the way, you'll strengthen your problem-solving, research, and strategic thinking skills. You'll also gain visibility by presenting your solution to a global audience and potential partners. Many programs connect you with funding opportunities and networks that can help bring your idea to life and scale its impact.
8. HEX High Accelerator
Cost: $1,190
Dates: May 4 - June 11, July 28 - September 10
Application Deadline: Currently rolling
Eligibility: Grades 10–12 (high school students globally)
Notable Features: 100% online & flexible (learn from anywhere), project-based learning (no exams, only practical work)
The HEX High Accelerator is a 6-week online program that brings together students from around the world in an online, collaborative environment. You'll work on solving real-world problems through technology and innovation, while building a startup from the ground up. Along the way, you'll learn key skills such as market research, product development, branding, and pitch creation. The program ends with a virtual pitch event where you showcase your startup to a global audience that may include potential investors and industry experts.
9. Entrepreneurship at Georgetown University
Cost: $1,895.00
Dates: March 29 - April 26, April 12 - 26, May 3 - May 31
Application Deadline: March 22, April 5, April 26
Eligibility: Age 13 and above
Notable Features: A key highlight is the final capstone project, where you develop and present your own business idea, including its value proposition and launch plan.
This program at Georgetown University introduces you to entrepreneurship through a combination of theory and practical experience. You'll participate in workshops, lectures, and group projects that help you understand both the challenges and rewards of building a business. A key part of the program is the opportunity to develop and refine a business idea, culminating in a pitch competition where you'll present your project to real entrepreneurs and venture capitalists. During the process, mentors will guide you through shaping and strengthening your business idea.
10. Allsup Entrepreneurship Academy at Saint Louis University
Cost: $695
Dates: July 20 - 24
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students
Notable Features: A standout feature is the final pitch competition, where students present their developed business ideas to judges after a week of mentorship, workshops, and real entrepreneur interaction
Saint Louis University's Allsup Entrepreneurship Academy introduces you to the fundamentals of starting and running a business. During the program, you'll learn about entrepreneurship through interactive workshops, lectures from SLU faculty and local business leaders, and collaborative group projects. A key highlight of the program is a business plan competition, wherein you apply your learning to develop your own business idea.
11. INCubatoredu (Offered through Partner High Schools)
Cost: Free if your school offers it (school licensing applies)
Dates: Full academic year
Application Deadline: Through your school
Eligibility: Grades 9-12 (recommended 10 –12 for Year 1)
Notable Features: Full-year authentic experience embedded in your high school curriculum; focus on launching actual businesses with mentor support
This is a year-long course offered at your school, where you work in teams to develop and launch a real product or service startup that solves real problems. You'll take on key roles such as marketing, finance, and operations, gaining hands-on experience in running a business. As your idea develops, you'll test it with real customers and refine it based on feedback. The experience culminates in a final pitch presentation, where you showcase your venture to judges, investors, or the school community.
12. Athena Summer Innovation Institute @ Barnard College
Cost: Residential: $10,771, Commuter: $8,160
Dates: June 29 - July 17
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, seniors
Notable Features: An intensive, hands-on program where students build and pitch a real startup or social venture in teams by the end of the course
The Athena Summer Innovation Institute at Barnard College is a three-week incubator where you collaborate with peers to design ventures that drive meaningful social change. Through hands-on learning, you'll explore key areas of entrepreneurship, including ideation, market research, branding, startup finance, and pitching. The program culminates in an event called Pitchfest, where you will pitch your ventures to peers and mentors. Along the way, you'll receive guidance from experienced instructors and industry professionals, helping you refine your ideas and strengthen your presentation skills.
13. Get Girls Going Summer Incubator
Stipend: Compensation of $15/hour
Dates: October 27 - May 1
Application Deadline: Rolling until cohorts are full
Eligibility: Black high school girls who are upcoming sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Notable Features: A 6-week, college-campus entrepreneurship incubator where teen girls build and pitch their own business ideas with mentorship and real-world milestones
Get Girls Going runs a six-week summer incubator designed for Black high school girls interested in developing and launching social enterprises that address real-world challenges. You'll work closely with mentors and advisors throughout the program to ideate, build, and refine your startup. You'll also take part in workshops on entrepreneurship, leadership, wellness, and professional development, helping you build both business skills and personal confidence. The experience culminates in a final pitch night, where you get to present your ventures to an audience. Beyond the summer, you'll receive ongoing support throughout the academic year to help you grow your business. This program is a strong fit if you want to develop your leadership skills, build an entrepreneurial mindset, and create social impact.
14. Exploring Entrepreneurship @ Fordham University
Cost: $1,950
Dates: June 22 - 26
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
Notable Features: A fast-paced, one-week program where students develop a startup idea and pitch it to a panel of entrepreneurs after hands-on incubation and real startup exposure
The Exploring Entrepreneurship program at Fordham University's Gabelli School of Business offers high school juniors and seniors a startup incubator experience over the course of a week. You will collaborate in teams to ideate, design, and build business concepts, guided by entrepreneurs-in-residence and innovation professionals. You will develop a business model canvas, create an MVP, learn about startup financing, and pitch your venture to a panel of industry experts.
15. McCombs Future Executive Academy – UT Austin
Cost: Free
Dates: May 31 - June 5
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors
Notable Features: You'll network with industry professionals, live on campus, and get a genuine preview of what attending a top business school looks and feels like
MFEA is a fully funded, one-week residential summer experience at the University of Texas at Austin that lets you dive into the world of business. During your time on campus, you'll participate in hands-on workshops across key fields of business, ranging from finance and marketing to management and entrepreneurship. You'll also take part in case competitions that challenge you to think on your feet, work in a team, and present strategic recommendations to a panel of professionals. Mentorship is built into the experience, with current UT student leaders offering near-peer guidance alongside expert faculty instructions.