Boise State University’s Venture College has announced the return of its signature incubator program for the Fall 2025 semester, offering Idaho entrepreneurs a comprehensive 10-week course designed to transform business ideas into viable ventures.

Program Details and Schedule

The incubator program will run from September 2 to November 4, 2025, with sessions scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30-6:30 PM MST. This free program represents a significant opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs across Idaho to receive structured guidance and mentorship without financial barriers.

Flexible Attendance Options

Recognizing the diverse needs of participants, the program now offers both in-person and Zoom options. In-person sessions will be held at The SPACE, located on the 2nd floor of Albertsons Library within Boise State’s College of Innovation and Design. This flexible approach ensures accessibility for participants who may not be able to attend on-campus sessions.

Comprehensive Curriculum and New Features

The program covers essential entrepreneurship fundamentals, including business model canvas development, customer discovery, product-market fit assessment, pre-seed pitch preparation, and funding options.

A notable addition for 2025 is the integration of GLIDR AI, an innovative platform that helps entrepreneurs validate and refine their ideas using structured, AI-generated business canvases. This tool significantly accelerates the strategic planning process, condensing months of traditional planning into minutes by clarifying concepts, identifying market gaps, and accelerating value creation.

Expert Instruction and Mentorship

The program is led by a distinguished team of industry experts and seasoned entrepreneurs:

• Manny Kostas: Co-founder of PreCode Labs and former CMO of HP Printing and Symantec
• George Mulhern: Former CEO of Cradlepoint and head of Ericsson’s Enterprise Wireless Solutions unit
• Sarah Dolen: Former investment and operations lead at Google’s Area 120 and advisor to early-stage investors

The program also features guest speakers addressing real-world entrepreneurship topics, providing participants with diverse perspectives and practical insights.

Eligibility and Application Process

The incubator program is open to a broad audience, including:

• Boise State University students from any course of study
• Faculty and staff members
• Community members from any industry with business ideas

Application Deadline: August 25, 2025, at 11:59 PM MST
Interview Process: Week of August 25th

Applications can be submitted through the Venture College website at https://www.boisestate.edu/venturecollege/incubation/idahobusinessreview

Program Philosophy and Environment

According to Manny Kostas, “What makes this Incubator special is the level of access participants get to both mentors in Boise’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and tools like GLIDR. It’s a low-risk, high-support environment where experimentation is encouraged, and failure is part of the learning”.

Cara Van Sant, Director of Venture College, emphasized the program’s mission: “We are excited to see our signature Incubator program evolve with the support of new tools and a talented team of industry experts and seasoned entrepreneurs. Together, we’re committed to lowering the barrier to entry for anyone with a business idea who doesn’t know where to begin”.

Track Record of Success

The Venture College has established a strong reputation for supporting entrepreneurial ventures. From 2020 to 2022, Venture College alumni achieved notable success in high-stakes competitions such as the Idaho Entrepreneur Challenge, Boise Entrepreneur Week, and local reverse pitch events. The program connects participants with a powerful network of professionals, including CEOs, marketing experts, legal advisors, and nonprofit leaders.

Supporting Idaho’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

This incubator program aligns with Boise’s recognition as one of the top entrepreneurial cities in the United States. The initiative represents Boise State University’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting economic development throughout Idaho by providing accessible, high-quality entrepreneurship education and mentorship.

The return of this program demonstrates the university’s dedication to building the next generation of Idaho entrepreneurs and contributing to the state’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation and business development.