Guides/For Teens
Beginner10 min read

Introduction to Forge Labs

Everything you need to know about our teen incubator program.

By FORGE TeamUpdated January 2024

What is 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

Who Should Apply

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

Program Structure

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

Pro Tips

  • The most successful participants over-communicate with their mentors
  • Completing every milestone is more important than perfection
  • Help your fellow cohort members - community is everything

After the Program

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)

Still have questions?

Our team is here to help. Reach out and we'll get back to you.

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