# Leap Year

### BY STARTINGBLOCK

### Don't take a Gap Year. Take a LEAP YEAR.

###### Now accepting applications for Winter 2026 and Summer 2026 cohorts.

###### Program Cost for Participants: $10,000 for one year, all access pass to your future business.

[APPLY NOW](/content/programs/accelerator-application/index.html)

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 entrepreneurial 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](/content/leap-year-curriculum/index.html)

### 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](mailto:beth@startingblockmadison.org)

"StartingBlock is one of, if not the cornerstone of entrepreneurship in Madison... The team works tirelessly to bring the community together, giving the space a warmth you won’t find anywhere else."

Tyler M.

### What to Expect

**EDUCATION**  
We'll share the right information at the right time, so you focus on the right tasks.

**MENTORSHIP**  
Get access to world-class content in a safe, friendly and fun environment.

**GUIDANCE**  
We work with you to identify your next critical milestone and develop a plan, budget and timeline to tackle it.

**NETWORKING**  
Join our vibrant community with weekly networking opportunities and a dedicated space to work.