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Overview:
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The Gray Matter Experience (TGME) is a non profit and entrepreneurial experience program for high school students. Our mission is to expose youth to entrepreneurship and provide them access to the tools and resources necessary to build businesses that impact their communities. We believe that by allowing students to serve on the front lines of community growth and ownership, it will increase their self-worth and strengthen ties to their the communities in which they live.
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The Hustle Hacks program is designed to help teens and young adults who are already running businesses, but need more support to grow and put structure around what they've started. Through our 8-week program, participants will learn best practices for building more effective operations, money management, accounting and bookkeeping, and tips on how to better engage customers. The program curriculum also focuses on other areas that we see small minority-owned businesses struggling with most, including customer service, marketing and branding, and strategic planning, to name a few. By the end of the program, you'll be connected to the resources, coaches, and support you need to launch and grow your business.
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The selection for Levels 2 & 3 of the program is competitive, and a maximum of 30 companies will be selected to participate. As a participant of the Level 3 selling event, you will also be able to compete for a small financial investment from Gray Matter, to help support the growth of your business.
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Applications open for Tier 1 only!​
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Costs & Format:
Hustle Hacks' learning content is self-guided, at-your-own-pace, with additional meetings & touchpoints based on the level of access you opt into. Financial assistance may be available, based on need. There are three levels to this program. The price of each level are as follows: $35, $65, and $75. View information below about what is included at each level. Applications for Tier 2 and 3 are currently closed.
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How to Apply:
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Fill out the Hustle Hacks Program application here.
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Application includes questions about you and your team, your business, and a two-minute introductory video.
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For the video submission, ensure you cover who you are and the idea you're developing. We want to see:
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Self-awareness — Don’t just share facts about yourself, but elaborate on why these things matter
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Personability — The best candidates are able to balance confidence and humility when introducing themselves
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A strong business model
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Passion — We love to see you’re are excited by what you do!
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How is Hustle Hacks different from Gray Matter Bootcamp programs?Hustle Hacks is an at-your-own-pace program, with self-guided content in the form of 5-20 minute videos recorded by industry professionals, made available through a digital learning platform. Traditionally, Gray Matter's Bootcamp programs have been instructor-led, in-person experiences.
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What are the differences between Levels 1,2, and 3 of Hustle Hacks?"Level 1 gives you access to the library of digital content to review, with no additional mentorship or networking opportunities. If you are a business owner/entrepreneur with a busy summer schedule, this level is for you! As a Level 2 participant, you'll get access to the same digital content, with the addition of bi-weekly coaching sessions with a personal business coach dedicated to helping you apply the content to your business. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to connect bi-weekly with your fellow cohort members for networking, learning opportunities, and special guest speakers, as well as access to the Gray Matter team & network for support As a Level 3 participant, you will have all the access of Levels 1 & 2, as well as an opportunity to participate in an exclusive selling event at the end of the 8 weeks. During the selling event, you will be able to compete for a financial investment into your business.
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How much does it cost?The costs of the Hustle Hacks program are as follows, based on the level that you opt into: - Level 1: $35 - Level 2: $65 - Level 3: $75 Financial assistance may be available, based on need
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Do I have to pay when I apply?No; payment is not required until you are accepted into the program.
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Is Hustle Hacks only for teens or high school students?No, it's not! Any motivated, young entrepreneur between the ages of 14-24 may apply. You also do not currently need to be enrolled in school to participate.
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How long is the program, and when does it start?"The official kick-off of the program is Monday, April 19, 2021. Participants will have access to the self-guided curriculum for 12 weeks.
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If I participate in level 2 or 3, what are the dates of the live group sessions?"Every group session will be from 6pm - 7:30pm CST. Here are the following dates for each session: April 21st May 5th May 19th June 2nd June 9th*
If you have any questions about this program, please email