Build to Endure Scholarship

The Build to Endure Entrepreneurship Scholarship Program is a year-long, fully-funded fellowship for aspiring young entrepreneurs with the grit and vision to build enduring businesses. Launched in partnership with the new Evergrit Foundation (the philanthropic arm of Build to Endure), this scholarship empowers selected entrepreneurs (typically in their 20s) by covering all program costs and providing an immersive mentorship experience. Scholarship recipients (“Evergrit Scholars”) will join a cohort of seasoned business leaders in our Thrive State Collective – a unique executive peer group – to learn, ideate, and launch their ventures with guidance from those who’ve built thriving companies. We remove financial barriers so that you can focus on your growth and innovation, not fees or lack of network. Scholarships for entrepreneurs play a vital role in bridging opportunity gaps by providing not only funding, but also mentorship and networking opportunities In short, this program is an investment in you – the next generation of innovators and leaders.

Why We Created This Scholarship: Build to Endure’s mission is to help businesses not only survive but thrive long-term. We recognize that many talented, hard-working would-be founders lack access to the capital, mentorship, and community needed to get their ideas off the ground. By awarding full scholarships into our Thrive State Collective program, we aim to level the playing field for those who have demonstrated hustle and resilience. This is about more than a tuition waiver; it’s about accelerating your entrepreneurial journey with a support system of mentors and peers. Scholarships for aspiring entrepreneurs are more than just financial aid – they are investments in the future of innovation. By providing funding, mentorship, and a community of support, such programs enable young innovators to pursue their business ideas without the burden of financial constraints. Our vision is to launch enduring companies by empowering the people behind them. If you’ve shown the determination to overcome challenges and chase your dreams – we want to help you go even further.

Joining the Build to Endure Scholarship Program comes with unparalleled benefits designed to jumpstart your entrepreneurial success:

• Full Program Scholarship (High $ Value): Join for free! All costs are covered by the Evergrit Foundation, so you pay nothing. This includes a full one-year membership to the Thrive State Collective (a value of several thousand dollars) plus any supplemental coaching or materials – 100% funded. We want this to be a big deal for you, and indeed it is – a comprehensive entrepreneurship accelerator at zero cost to you.
  
  

• Thrive State Collective Membership: Gain insider access to Build to Endure’s flagship executive group, the Thrive State Collective. You’ll be placed in a cohort (“Collective”) of about a dozen experienced CEOs, founders, and business leaders who meet regularly to share knowledge and drive personal and organizational growth. As a scholarship recipient, you become an active member of this group for the year – fully sponsored by the foundation. You’ll participate in monthly Collective meetings, workshops, and peer problem-solving sessions, experiencing firsthand what it’s like to be in a high-performance leadership network.
  
  

• 1:1 Executive Mentorship (Monthly Rotations): Each month, you will meet one-on-one with a different member of your Thrive State group for focused mentoring. These seasoned executives become your personal mentors, offering valuable insights on everything from refining your business model to developing leadership skills. Over the course of the year, you’ll rotate through all members of the group, building relationships and gleaning advice from a variety of industries and expertise. This rotational mentorship model ensures you receive a well-rounded perspective and support system. (Our mentors are busy leaders who want to give back – this structure makes it easy, with just one meeting per mentor per month, while you benefit from intimate guidance.)
  
  

• Hands-On Learning Lab: Think of the Thrive State Collective as your leadership laboratory. In the group’s monthly round-table meetings (what we call “Compeers Meetings”), you’ll collaborate on real business challenges. Scholars often get to put their own startup issues on the table during Business Spotlight sessions, where the entire group brainstorms solutions for you. It’s part mastermind, part mirror – you learn to tackle problems with input from people who have been in your shoes. The Collective’s proven, tech-driven curriculum (covering strategic planning, wellness & productivity, culture building, and more) will help you master key areas each quarter. You’ll also work toward creating a personalized Thrive State Guide™ – a strategic blueprint for your venture’s long-term success – alongside your mentors.
  
  

• Resources & Startup Support: The program goes beyond advice – we’ll equip you with tangible resources to launch or grow your business. Scholars receive access to Build to Endure’s toolkit of templates, software, and methodology for building resilient companies. Need help with technology, marketing, or legal setup? We’ll connect you with the right resources. The Evergrit Foundation may also provide additional funding support, such as small seed grants or sponsorship for prototyping, on a case-by-case basis. And because you’re plugged into our network, we’ll facilitate introductions to potential investors or partner organizations when you’re ready.
  
  

• Community & Network Expansion: By immersing yourself in the Thrive State Collective, you instantly grow your network by dozens of high-caliber contacts. The relationships you form – with your peer mentors in the group and with fellow scholarship entrepreneurs (if more than one in your cohort) – can open doors for years to come. Past members of Thrive State groups have credited the experience with helping them solve problems faster and feeling “like ten fractional executives on speed-dial” backing them up. As a Scholar, you’ll carry that community with you even after your formal year ends, joining our alumni network to continue exchanging ideas and opportunities.
  
  

Each of these benefits is provided at no charge to our scholars – an opportunity that we intend to be truly life-changing. We want you to feel supported from every angle: financially, intellectually, and emotionally. It’s often said that it “takes a village” to build a successful startup, and through this program you’ll have one.

One of the most unique aspects of this scholarship is how deeply integrated you will be in the Thrive State Collective experience. This isn’t a typical classroom or a short bootcamp – it’s an ongoing, transformational leadership group that you’ll be woven into as a full participant. Here’s what that looks like:

• Your Thrive State “Collective” Group: Upon selection, you’ll be strategically matched with a Thrive State Collective group that aligns with your industry interests or region. Each Collective is a tight-knit circle of ~10-15 entrepreneurs and executives who meet regularly (often virtually, sometimes in person) to share knowledge and push each other toward sustainable success. These aren’t generic networking meetups; they are structured cohorts with guided curricula and committed members. You’ll be welcomed as an equal member – the junior in experience perhaps, but bringing your own fresh perspective – and everyone is committed to helping each other grow. Think of it as having an advisory board and success team wrapped into one.
  
  

• Rotating 1-on-1 Mentoring: Every month, outside of the group session, you will have a dedicated meeting with one of the Collective’s members. For example, in Month 1 you might sit down with a tech CEO to discuss your product strategy; in Month 2, you might grab coffee with a marketing expert in the group to hash out a go-to-market plan; Month 3, you could shadow a finance executive to refine your revenue model – and so on. By Month 12, you’ll have had quality one-on-one time with each member of the group. This is by design – we want you to absorb a spectrum of insights and build one-on-one rapport with each mentor. From the mentors’ perspective, it’s a manageable commitment (just one scholar meeting per month), and by rotating, the whole group shares the joy of shaping your success. From your perspective, it’s like an intensive mentorship sprint with a different business guru every few weeks!
  
  

• Monthly Group Meetings & Business Spotlights: In addition to your personal mentor chats, you’ll attend the Collective’s monthly meeting (typically ~60-90 minutes). These sessions often have a structured theme (e.g., strategic clarity, culture building, innovation through tech) led by our Build to Endure facilitator, followed by open discussion. A highlight of many meetings is the “Business Spotlight”, where one member (or scholar) presents a current challenge or idea to get feedback from the group. As a scholar, you’ll have opportunities to put your startup in the spotlight – meaning you get a brain trust of a dozen experienced leaders actively helping solve your toughest problems. Our scholars have found this experience incredibly energizing: it’s like having a mini board of directors brainstorming for you. And when it’s not your turn in the spotlight, you’ll learn by listening and contributing to others’ sessions. Many find that helping solve others’ business challenges trains you to better tackle your own.
  
  

• Guidance + Accountability: The Collective isn’t just about high-level advice – it provides accountability and encouragement. The group might set goals with you (“By next month, finalize your MVP” or “reach out to 5 potential customers”), and they’ll check in on progress. You’ll celebrate wins together and troubleshoot setbacks in real time. This kind of accountability is pure gold for a young entrepreneur; it keeps you moving forward even when things get tough (and they will at times – that’s when having comrades to lean on matters most!).
  
  

• Lifelong Mentors & Friends: By the end of the year, you won’t just have mentors – you’ll have allies and friends. You will have earned the trust and respect of your Collective peers by engaging fully. Don’t be surprised if, years later, you’re calling one of your former mentors for advice on a tough hire, or they’re opening a door for you with an investor. The Thrive State Collective is a family, and as a scholar you’re being adopted into it. This “pay-it-forward” ethos is at the heart of the program: today’s business leaders lifting up tomorrow’s, and in turn, we expect you’ll one day do the same for others.
  
  

Simply put, mentorship is the cornerstone of this scholarship. You will experience firsthand what it’s like to be surrounded by people who have been there, done that and genuinely want to see you succeed. The confidence, knowledge, and connections you’ll gain in one year with Thrive State are equivalent to what many entrepreneurs struggle to accumulate over a decade on their own. This is the ultimate learning laboratory for an ambitious founder.

We designed this program for young, driven adults in the U.S. who are brimming with entrepreneurial potential but need that extra boost of support. You might be a great fit if you see yourself in the following:

• Age & Location: You are an adult (21 or older) and legally able to work in the United States. Our typical scholar is in their twenties (often 21–30), but there’s no strict upper age limit – the key is that you’re at an early stage in your entrepreneurial journey and hungry to grow. You might be a college senior or recent graduate, or perhaps you chose a non-traditional path and have been hustling on your own. (We do require a minimum age of 21 for legal and programmatic reasons.)
  
  

• Grit, Hustle & Resilience: You have a track record of perseverance. Maybe you started a side hustle in high school, ran a small business in college, or have been working two jobs while developing your idea on the side. Perhaps you’ve overcome personal or financial challenges – and came out stronger, with lessons to fuel your drive. We’re looking for that spark of determination. If you were “that kid” who was always selling something, fixing something, or rallying others around an idea, you’re exactly the kind of person we want to empower. Grit means you don’t give up at the first (or third) obstacle – and building a business inevitably tests that trait.
  
  

• Entrepreneurial Ambition: You are passionate about launching or growing your own business or startup. This program isn’t for folks who are simply looking for a generic résumé boost – it’s for those committed to entrepreneurship as a career path. You should have a specific business idea, project, or early-stage venture that you’re working on (or ready to start). It can be any industry or sector – tech, physical products, social enterprise, services, you name it – what matters is that you’re serious about making it real. We don’t expect you to have traction yet (you might just have a concept and a prototype), but we do expect commitment to taking action.
  
  

• Learner’s Mindset: You’re eager to soak up knowledge and learn from others. This means being open to feedback, excited about self-improvement, and curious about best practices. Our ideal scholar is humble enough to know they don’t have all the answers but confident enough to step out of their comfort zone. In the Thrive sessions, you might be the youngest or least experienced person in the room – and that’s okay, as long as you’re ready to listen, ask questions, and contribute your unique perspective. If you crave mentorship and actively seek advice to level up, you’ll thrive in this environment.
  
  

• Time Commitment: You can commit to fully participating in the program for one year. This involves attending monthly group meetings (virtually, with possible occasional in-person meetups if geographically feasible), dedicating time for monthly one-on-one mentor meetings, and doing the “homework” of applying insights to your business. On average, expect to invest around 5–10 hours per month on program activities. If you’re balancing a job or school, that’s okay – we designed this to be manageable alongside other responsibilities – but you must have the bandwidth to engage. Consistent participation is crucial for you to get value (and is a condition of remaining in the scholarship).
  
  

Bottom line: We’re looking for motivated self-starters who have big dreams and aren’t afraid of hard work. You might not have a fancy degree or any funding – that’s fine. We care more about your attitude, your story of perseverance, and your potential to grow. If you read this and thought “this sounds made for me,” then please apply! On the other hand, if you’re seeking something entirely predictable or are on the fence about pursuing entrepreneurship, this may not be the right opportunity. We want all-in, passionate individuals ready to make the most of a life-changing year.

Joining the Build to Endure Scholarship Program is an accessible and straightforward process. We know applying for things can be daunting, so we’ve tried to keep it simple while still getting to know you and your vision. Here’s the process:

1. Online Application: Start by completing our online application form (available [here] – link to application page). It’s free to apply. The form will ask for basic information about you (contact info, background), and importantly, about your business idea or venture. Be prepared to describe what you’re working on or hope to launch, and why you’re passionate about it. We’ll also have a few prompts about your experience with leadership or overcoming challenges – this is your chance to share your grit story with us. Don’t worry, it’s not lengthy; concise, genuine answers are perfect.
   
   

2. Personal Statement or Video: Along with the form, you have the option to either write a short personal statement (around 500 words) or submit a 2-3 minute video of yourself. In this, we want to hear in your own voice what drives you. For example, you might share a specific challenge you conquered (e.g., “I taught myself to code using library computers because I couldn’t afford a laptop, and now I’m building an app to help others learn on a budget”) or what inspired your business idea. We’re not grading your video editing skills or English grammar – we genuinely want to understand your journey, personality, and determination. Show us who you are!
   
   

3. Interview (for Finalists): After reviewing applications, our team will invite a shortlist of finalists to a casual virtual interview (via Zoom or phone). Congrats if you get to this stage – it means we’re really excited about your potential! The interview is a two-way conversation: we’ll ask some questions about your goals, how you handle challenges, and what you hope to get from the program. You can ask us questions too. It’s normal to be a bit nervous, but know that if you’ve made it this far, we already see something special in you. This is typically a 30-minute friendly chat with a couple of the Build to Endure program leaders (and sometimes a Thrive Collective member).
   
   

4. Selection & Onboarding: Finally, we’ll select the scholarship recipients. If you’re chosen, you’ll receive an official offer via email/phone. We’ll then match you to your Thrive State Collective group and introduce you to your new mentor community. Before the program kicks off, scholars will go through a brief orientation to get you up to speed on the schedule, tools we use, and to answer any questions. Then the real fun begins – you’ll join your first Collective meeting as the newest member! For those we aren’t able to select, we’ll let you know as well (and with your permission, keep you in mind for future opportunities). We encourage runners-up to stay connected; sometimes a spot might open mid-year, or we can refer you to other resources to help in the meantime.
   
   

Timeline: We anticipate running the selection cycle once per year. For example, applications might open in the spring (say, April) with a June deadline; interviews in July; and scholarship recipients announced by August, joining Collectives in September. Specific dates will be posted on the application page each year. We recommend applying as early as possible once applications open, so we get more time to know you. If you miss this round, don’t worry – plan for the next, as we intend to keep this program going and growing every year.

Important note: This program truly is free. You will never be asked to pay a cent if you’re selected (nor to apply). It’s funded by the foundation and our partners because we believe in you and what you’ll achieve. All we ask in return is that you commit fully and that, in the future when you’re able, you pay the goodwill forward to others. Perhaps one day you’ll even come back as a mentor for a new scholar – completing the circle!