Franklin CREATE!

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Apply Now for Summer Launch!

Where Arts and Sciences Students Gain Entrepreneurial Confidence and Launch Startups

Franklin CREATE! empowers students in the arts and sciences with entrepreneurial confidence and startup-building skills while providing real-world impact. Thanks to a foundational pilot project award from The Marcus Foundation, this experiential learning program is a collaboration with the University of Georgia’s Entrepreneurship Program and Innovation District. The goal of this initiative is to provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to arts and sciences students that will allow them to confidently pursue entrepreneurial opportunities and launch real startups. It is open to students at every stage of their educational journey – from first-year undergraduates to final-year PhDs. 

LEARN...MAKE…LAUNCH

Franklin CREATE!'s three main experiential learning components LEARN, MAKE, and Summer Startup Academy (LAUNCH) are non-sequential, open-entry, and require no previous experience or coursework. This model provides hands-on learning, discipline-embedded courses, curricular pathways, mentorship, access to critical resources, and funds to launch a company.

SUMMER STARTUP ACADEMY (LAUNCH) MAY 2026

The first student cohort of Franklin CREATE! will engage in a 12-week, accelerated, immersive, hands-on, startup environment experience starting in summer 2026, offered in collaboration with the UGA Entrepreneurship Program's Summer Launch Program. This experiential learning opportunity will provide funds and support to launch a company in a team-based, multidisciplinary environment under the guidance of experienced entrepreneurs, mentors, and faculty coaches. Selected student teams will begin the Franklin CREATE! Summer Startup Academy in mid-May and then advance to the ENTR Program's Summer Launch Program (June 23-August 4). 

STUDENT APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER STARTUP ACADEMY (LAUNCH) 
OPEN IN JANUARY 2026

Applications for the summer startup experience are available online as of January 2026. Priority deadline is February 20, but applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Franklin CREATE! will also provide student networking opportunities, such as Meet Your Co-Founder, and host alumni, founder, and mentor panels in preparation for the summer experience. To stay on top of important news and deadlines, sign up below to receive updates and be notified of additional program information.

Join the Franklin CREATE! Mailing List 

OPPORTUNITIES DURING THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2026-27

Additional program offerings starting in fall 2026 will include discipline-embedded courses, treks, study away, and other applied learning opportunities. 

SUPPORT STUDENT STARTUPS

We are actively seeking mentors and donors interested in supporting this program.

If you are interested in helping us educate future generations of entrepreneurs, we welcome your knowledge, experience, and financial support. Please fill out the form below to let us know how you would like to support Franklin CREATE! students. 

 Franklin CREATE! Support Form