FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Fast Track Cohort
What will I get from participating in the Fast Track Cohort?
The Fast Track Cohort is similar to the Butler Launch Pad methodology in that you access resources as you move your business forward and achieve milestones. The Fast Track Cohort takes this a step further and offers you greater structure, community, and accountability.
Being in the Fast Track Cohort program will also get you priority access to resources such as dedicated workspace, investor sessions, Entrepreneur in Residence office hours, and even seed funding.
If I am in the Fast Track Cohort, do I also get access to Butler Launch Pad resources?
Absolutely! We encourage you to take advantage of all that the Butler Launch Pad has to offer, from weekly workshops to expert advising, seed funding, and more.
What is the Fast Track Cohort commitment?
If you are selected to participate in the Fast Track Cohort, you are committing to actively participating in the weekly business mastermind group sessions through the fall and spring semesters. You commit to presenting your progress in January at the cohort report out session which will determine if you will be invited to continue for the spring. You also commit to participating in the Fast Track Showcase in April.
Who can apply?
Babson undergraduate and graduate students and alumni, as well as current Wellesley and Olin College students, are eligible to apply. We welcome entrepreneurs from any industry and any geography. The Fast Track Cohort is best suited for entrepreneurs who are working on an idea and plan to launch a business by the following summer. If you are not already a member of the Butler Launch Pad, you will need to complete a launch pad intake form prior to applying for the Fast Track Cohort.
When is the deadline to apply?
Applications open twice a year.
- September for the fall cohort
- December for the spring cohort
What is the application process?
You will submit a written application. Based on that application, we will decide whether to invite you to the final step of the interview process, a two-week due diligence period. In this final phase, you will be asked to demonstrate your ability to take action to move your venture forward and to submit specific deliverables. Deliverables include an opportunity storyboard, customer discovery tracking materials, and action plan.
What are the evaluation criteria?
The selection criteria consist of four key aspects:
1. Team – entrepreneurial potential, complementary skills, and commitment to the venture
2. Business – big market/opportunity, broad impact, differentiated product/service
3. Stage – venture ideally has a clearly defined concept with some initial market feasibility completed and the ability and commitment to launching the business by summer
4. Fit – ability to learn, eager to make the best use of Fast Track resources and contribute to the community