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Wednesday, March 19, 2025
By Susan Scherreik
Carina Castagna founded her startup business, Pesto Joe, while participating in the Pirates LaunchPad Summer Accelerator.
Do you have a business startup idea that you are serious about pursuing and turning into a real business? Have you already launched a startup and are seeking assistance to propel your venture to the next level? Have you competed in startup contests, and seek further guidance? Are you focused on a social or community problem and are working on an innovative startup business solution?
If you answered “Yes” to any of those questions, Pirates LaunchPad may be right for you. The Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship invites all Seton Hall University students to apply to participate in the fifth annual Pirates LaunchPad Summer Accelerator Program and earn up to $2,000 in investment seed funding for their venture.
Pirates LaunchPad employs lean startup methodology to help student entrepreneurs make progress on their startup business models during an eight-week summer program. Students will convene weekly on Friday mornings from the end of May through July for virtual group meetings with entrepreneurship faculty and guest speakers. Participants will also receive additional individualized coaching sessions with successful alumni entrepreneurs.
There is no cost for students to attend, but space is limited.
Who is Eligible: Open to all Seton Hall students who are already working on a startup business model, or have launched a startup, and are willing to set business goals and work to meet them during the program. Students can apply as solopreneurs, or in teams of up to four students. Student entrepreneurs that successfully complete the program will be eligible for seed funding stipends of up to $2,000 for each venture.
When: Friday, May 30, 2025 to Friday July 25, 2025 (Except Friday July 4.)
How To Apply: Six student startup teams will be accepted for the 2025 cohort. The application process includes an interview with the Director of the Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and completing an application form.
Deadline to Express Interest: Students must contact Susan Scherreik, founding director, Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, no later than Thursday, May 22, 2025 at [email protected].
Student teams participating in the venture accelerator will receive:
What Pirates LaunchPad Accelerator graduates say about the program:
“The Pirate Accelerator gave me the tools and the support to launch Pesto Joe LLC, which was barely an idea when I initially signed up. Following the program, I was able to complete a proof of concept at local farmers markets and quickly gained a following. That was when I knew I had a viable business. I took the following months to learn about the food industry, build my network and attain my food handler’s certificate. It is crazy to look back and remember where I was two years ago. I simply had an idea, and I am already leaps and bounds ahead of where I was when I started the accelerator. I am currently preparing for a busy farmers market season and recently began to sell my products online. Nothing can stop a Pirate when they are on a mission, and I am grateful for the accelerator for pointing me in the right direction!” – Carina Castagna, ‘21/M.P.A. ‘22, founder & CEO, Pesto Joe.
Brooke and Madison Loza, founders of One Stop Eco-Shop, expanded their business during the Pirates LaunchPad Accelerator.
“Pirates Launchpad provides a great network and formula to turn your ideas into reality. The program helped to guide us as we embarked on a major business expansion last summer and opened an One-Stop Eco-Shop retail store in Toms River. The store supplements our online consumer products businesses.” – Brooke and Madison Loza, founders of One-Stop Eco-Shop and seniors studying nursing and winners of the Pirates Pitch Startup Competition and NJIT New Venture Competition.
“My goal when I entered Pirates LaunchPad was to expand my existing online business, including revamping my website. I was able to accomplish these goals and more.” – Jerry Ford, Stillman senior pursuing entrepreneurship and marketing concentrations, a winner of Pirates Pitch and co-founder of Anvillent.
Categories: Business
For more information, please contact:
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