People are told they have two options after high school: go to college or get a job. Meanwhile, college debt is soaring, traditional careers are shifting and many graduates feel lost, unprepared, and stuck.
Enter the LEAP YEAR. A year for those with entreprenerial aspirations to gain hands-on experience, learn how to solve real problems, connect with a supportive network and develop the skills to navigate an evolving economy.
WHO
Leap Year is for aspiring entrepreneurs ready to take a year to focus on building something real. Maybe you've been running a side hustle-baking cupcakes out of your apartment, restoring sneakers in your dorm room, or coding late into the night- and now you want to take it to the next level.
Whether you're taking a break before starting college, exploring what's next after earning a technical degree, or just not ready to commit to a traditional path, this program gives you the space, resources, and community to turn your ideas into action.
Education comes in many forms...Leap Year is an opportunity to learn by doing so you can move forward with clarity and experience, whether that means launching your own business or continuing your education.
WHAT
This program runs for 9 months with follow on support for an additional 3 months.
The first 4 weeks, we'll figure out the right problem to solve.
Then we'll spend 8 weeks testing and building. We'll develop the thinnest slice (your MVP) to see if we can find your hell yes customer.
Once you've found something people want, it's time to really build and scale. Plan on spending long hours developing your product, service, business, or widget.
Additional details here
WHEN
Winter 2026 cohort starts January 6th, 2026.
Spring 2026 cohort starts April 6th, 2026.
WHERE
In person at StartingBlock from 9-noon for the first 12 weeks.
Meetings shift to once a week after that.
QUESTIONS
Beth at beth@startingblockmadison.org
Now accepting applications for Winter 2026 and Summer 2026 cohorts.
