Our Review of Beta Bowl - Should You Apply?

If you’re a high schooler interested in entrepreneurship, summer is a solid time to start working on a business idea of your own! 

While you could pick a business idea and work on it solo, you may want to consider joining a program that mentors young entrepreneurs and helps turn your idea into a profitable business. 

There are many startup incubators that you can check out (such as Young Founders Lab, LaunchX, LeanGap, etc.). We’ve covered several such programs in our blogs, and today’s post covers a similar program  – Beta Bowl.

What is Beta Bowl?

Beta Bowl is an online entrepreneurship program for high schoolers with multiple offerings ranging from 4-week to 12-week programs. The program guides participants through the process of building a business from ideation to execution. The curriculum includes live group calls, recorded video lessons, real-world case studies, and practical business-building tasks. Additionally, you will receive one-on-one mentorship from industry experts. In spite of its virtual, Beta Bowl tries its best to provide hands-on engagement by incorporating activities such as customer research, idea validation, and prototyping.

Beta Bowl’s structure, timeline, fees, and admission process

Beta Bowl offers different program lengths to accommodate various levels of commitment:

• 4-Week Group Program

• 6-Week 1-on-1 Platinum Program

• 12-Week 1-on-1 Platinum Program

Program Dates

• June Session: June 3 – June 28 

• July Session: July 5 – July 29 

• August Session: August 2 – August 26 

Cost Breakdown

Each program provides a monthly installment payment option:

• 4-Week Program: $797 or 3 monthly payments of $279

• 6-Week Platinum Program: $1,997 or 3 monthly payments of $797

• 12-Week Platinum Program: $3,997 or 5 monthly payments of $897

Time Commitment

• Weekly live group calls ranging from 90 to 120 minutes

• 4 to 5 hours per week dedicated to business development tasks and coursework

Who should apply to Beta Bowl?

If you’re a beginner seeking exposure to entrepreneurship without an overwhelming investment of time or financial commitment, Beta Bowl offers a good balance of affordability and flexibility. It is open to any and all high schoolers, regardless of grades and prior experience.

However, the program isn’t as intensive or prestigious as other competitors in the space, and is ideal for someone who isn’t looking for much peer-peer interaction as part of their experience. 

Pros & Cons to Consider

Pros:

1. The program is flexible: The online format allows you to work at your own pace, while weekly mentor check-ins and assignments provide accountability. The multiple program lengths also let you choose your level of commitment.

2. You will receive mentorship: Beta Bowl offers 24/7 text and email support from mentors, as well as weekly one-on-one mentorship calls for Platinum participants. This ensures you receive guidance even in an entirely virtual setting.

3. There is tiered pricing: Compared to other entrepreneurship programs, Beta Bowl is relatively affordable. The four-week program is priced at $797. You also gain lifetime access to the program’s curriculum, making it a cost-effective learning experience.

Cons:

1. The premium features require higher payment tiers: The most valuable benefits—individual mentorship, advanced case studies, and personalized recommendation letters—are only available in the Platinum programs, which cost significantly more than the introductory 4-week course.

2. It has a lower intensity compared to competitor programs: With a 4-5 hour per week time commitment, Beta Bowl is less rigorous than other programs like B-BAY, Leangap, or LaunchX. You must take the initiative to make the most of your time in the program.

3. You will have limited peer interaction: Unlike in-person programs where students work in teams, Beta Bowl’s virtual nature limits interaction to weekly group calls. This lack of collaboration can be a drawback if you seek a team-based entrepreneurial experience. It also takes away from mentorship exposure since you cannot interact with mentors in person.

4. The program is not prestigious: Since Beta Bowl launched relatively recently—gaining traction during the pandemic—it has not yet achieved the prestige of well-established entrepreneurship programs. While it has been covered in the media, adding it to a resume may not carry the same weight as older, more recognized programs.

Our review – should you apply?

Beta Bowl is a solid option if you are interested in entrepreneurship and want a flexible, low-cost introduction. Its affordability, structured mentorship, and online format make it accessible to many students. Additionally, the lifetime access to course materials ensures you can continue learning after the program ends.

However, if you are deeply committed to launching a startup or competing in entrepreneurship competitions, Beta Bowl does not provide the level of rigor, hands-on experience, or networking opportunities found in other programs. Those serious about entrepreneurship should consider alternatives like the Young Founders Lab or B-BAY.

Ultimately, if you’re looking for a beginner-friendly way to explore business concepts and gain foundational skills, Beta Bowl is worth considering—but if your goal is to challenge yourself and push towards launching a startup, you may find greater value in more demanding programs!

If you’re looking for a competitive incubator program that helps you establish a developed startup in high school, consider the Young Founders Lab! 

The Young Founders Lab is a real-world start-up boot camp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs. In this program, you will work towards building a revenue-generating start-up that addresses a real-world problem. You will also have the opportunity to be mentored by established entrepreneurs and professionals from Google, Microsoft, and X. 

You can access the application link here!