Introduction to Forge Labs

Forge Labs is FORGE's incubator program for teenage entrepreneurs aged 13-19. We take young people with business ideas and help them turn those ideas into reality.

**This is not a class.** This is real entrepreneurship. You'll build real products, talk to real customers, and solve real problems.

**What We Provide:** - Structured curriculum and milestones - 1-on-1 mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs - Community of fellow teen founders - Resources and tools for building - Pitch opportunities and exposure

Forge Labs is for you if:

• You're between 13-19 years old • You have a business idea (even if it's rough) • You're willing to commit 5-10 hours per week • You're coachable and open to feedback • You're based in Africa (or of African descent)

**You don't need:** - Previous business experience - Technical skills - Money to invest - A team (though having one helps) - A finished product

Forge Labs runs in cohorts (groups) that last 12 weeks:

**Weeks 1-2: Foundation** - Define your problem and solution - Identify your target customer - Set goals for the program

**Weeks 3-6: Validation** - Talk to potential customers - Test your assumptions - Refine your idea based on feedback

**Weeks 7-10: Building** - Create your MVP (minimum viable product) - Get your first users or customers - Iterate based on real usage

**Weeks 11-12: Launch & Pitch** - Prepare your pitch - Present to the FORGE community - Plan your next steps

Completing Forge Labs is just the beginning:

**For Strong Performers:** - Invitation to apply for Forge Elite - Continued mentorship opportunities - Access to funding networks - Features in FORGE media

**For All Graduates:** - Lifetime FORGE alumni status - Access to alumni network - Continued community membership - Letter of recommendation (upon request)