DON'T TAKE A GAP YEAR.
TAKE A LEAP YEAR.
we're not college.
we're half the cost of college, actually.
Oh, did we mention you could win up to $10,000 in prize money?
Break free from the COLLEGE OR WORK
dichotomy.
Get to Know Us
People are told they have two options after high school: go to college or get a job—with little guidance on alternatives. Meanwhile, college debt is soaring, traditional careers are shifting, and many graduates feel lost, unprepared, and stuck.
The real problem isn’t a lack of options—it’s the lack of support for young people to explore different paths, whether that’s entrepreneurship, trade skills, or self-directed learning. Instead of forcing a one-size-fits-all decision, we need to equip folks with the tools to build careers that fit their skills, interests, and today’s economy.
The future of work isn’t either/or—it’s what you make it.
ENTER THE LEAP YEAR
A year for creatives and entrepreneurs to invest in themselves, develop an entrepreneurial mindset, and learn how to solve real problems. Instead of feeling lost or unprepared, participants gain hands-on experience in building a business, connect with a supportive network, and develop the skills to navigate an evolving economy.
Through mentorship, workshops, and real-world challenges, the Leap Year provides the structure and guidance missing from traditional post-grad choices. It’s not about delaying the future—it’s about designing it with confidence.
Taking a year to explore and grow isn’t a new concept—gap years have been proven to increase confidence, independence, and long-term success. The Leap Year builds on this idea but with a focus on entrepreneurship and problem-solving. Instead of just traveling or taking a break, young people spend the year identifying real-world challenges, testing business ideas, and developing the skills to turn problems into opportunities.
It’s a gap year with purpose—designed to help folks take control of their future and create something meaningful.
These folks created their own path.
We don't just help Fortune 500 companies. We support young, local entrepreneurs who want to blaze their own path.
What we'll cover.
PHASE ONE
4 weeks to find the right problem to solve. (Think brainstorms, talking to people and throwing spaghetti against the wall to see what sticks.)
MOST CREATIVE IDEA WINS $250!
PHASE TWO
8 weeks to test and build. We'll develop the thinnest slice (your MVP) to see if we can find your hell yes customer.
FIRST OPPORTUNITY TO WIN $5,000 HAPPENS AFTER 12 WEEKS!
PHASE THREE
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.
NEXT OPPORTUNITY TO WIN UP TO $5,000 HAPPENS AT THE END!
Take the LEAP for less than $30/day.
I know. You've got more questions.
Who is this for, really?
Leap Year is for aspiring entrepreneurs who are interested in running their own business. Ideally, you have already been working on your side hustle and have found some interested customers. This might look like baking cupcakes out of your apartment, restoring sneakers in your dorm, or tweaking your code late into the night. You might have gone to college for a year or two (and probably done well) but in the end...it just wasn't for you. You don't really want to waste more money pursuing a piece of paper that might not mean anything to you.
While the majority of participants are local to Madison or the surrounding area and will commute in, some people may move to Madison for this program. We are actively seeking a housing partnership with hyper local apartment buildings. (think across the street or a few blocks away!)
Eligible to residents of the US, 18 years or older. This program does not meet eligibility requirements for a student visa.
What's the cost include?
$1200=software license for LeanStack
$200= books and supplies
$3600=1 year membership and dedicated desk at StartingBlock
$5000=instructional fees and guest speaker fees
$10,000 total
StartingBlock membership includes monthly events like lunches, founder speaker series, excellent coffee, and the opportunity to participate in the highly coveted chili cook off in February. Educational content runs from September through May.
Fees will not be reimbursed or returned if participants drop out or stop attending.
What about homework? Grades?ACCOUNTABILITY?!
Grades=NO
Credits=Nope.
Homework=YES (I mean, do you want to build a successful business??)
There will be due dates, deadlines, feedback cycles, stand and delivers, etc.
Look, no one is going to email your parents if you don't do the work . I WILL email your accountability buddy so they can get on your case.
Why wouldn't I just go to college?
DO IT. GO. WE ARE NOT COLLEGE.
We don't have pre-requisites, overhead fees for a rarely used gym, mid-terms, 3 hour long finals, 20 page essays, etc.
We are strictly entrepreneurship-centric. There are no classes or lessons about investment portfolios, risk management, human resources, or middle management. We focus on your business idea, what you need to know, and decisions you need to make.
Tell me about the money I could win.
YOU COULD WIN UP TO $10,250!
At the completion of each phase, there will be an opportunity to present your idea for a cash money prize.
Phase 1: Present your Lean Canvas for a chance to win $250.
Phase 2: Pitch your business idea for a chance to win $5,000!
Phase 3: Vote for your cohort...who should win the grand prize? ($5,000)