Build a Summer Side Hustle
A pitch event for ambitious high school entrepreneurs to launch real “main street” businesses and learn what it feels like to build something from the ground up.
Next Event: Friday, April 17 • 9:00 AM
Location: Validation Ale Annex (De La Vina)
Want to support the next generation? Become a Seed, mentor, or co-host. “Seeds” bring $100 in seed capital for the winning groups. Mentors agree to mentoring the student groups along the way.
What is Summer Side Hustle?
In partnership with San Marcos Entrepreneurs Academy, SB Seed Co helps teams of motivated high school students start a summer side business, pitch for seed capital, and get real mentorship to grow through the ups and downs of launching.
This isn’t a simulation. The goal is a business that actually runs, actually sells, and ideally creates ongoing income for the students beyond the summer.
How it works
1) Students build and apply
Student teams develop a business idea (or improve an existing hustle), define a clear customer “beachhead,” and submit an application.
2) Finalists get matched with Seed Mentors
Before pitch day, finalist teams meet with experienced mentors to sharpen their story, tighten their plan, and clarify exactly how seed capital will improve their odds of success.
3) Pitch Day
Each team presents their Side Hustle in front of community Seeds and mentors.
4) Seed capital awarded
Every “Seed” contributes $100 towards what we anticipate to be a couple thousand dollars of seed capital. The top two teams split seed capital to launch and grow their business.
5) Mentorship through the summer
Winning teams continue working with Seed Mentors throughout the summer to navigate setbacks, build momentum, and learn the real craft of entrepreneurship.
Goal by end of summer: two student businesses running a profit and positioned to continue generating income.
What’s new this year
Enhanced mentoring, pre and post pitch
Finalists meet with mentors before pitch day. Winners receive monthly check-ins throughout the summer.
Two-stage capital allocation tied to deliverables
Initial funding on pitch day, with additional funding released based on agreed milestones.
Inclusion in Seeds and mentors
“Seeds” do not need to be a part of SB Seed Co to be a “Seed” or Mentor.
Ways to get involved
Become a Seed
Attend the pitch event and Contribute $100 in seed capital and help fund the next two student ventures.
Volunteer as a Seed Mentor
Coach a finalist team pre-pitch and support winners with monthly mentorship throughout the summer. (Background check required.)
Attend Pitch Day
Come watch local students pitch real businesses and support them with energy, feedback, and encouragement.
Past events….
April 25th, 9AM, Validation Ale (DeLavina Location)
SIDE HUSTLE: Fueling the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
In partnership with the San Marcos Entrepreneurs Academy, SB Seed Co identified four groups of ambitious high school entrepreneurs eager to launch their own summer “Side Hustle” and experience the thrill of building a “mainstreet” business from the ground up.
We mentored and awarded two of the promising innovators with $1,500 and $1000 of Seed Capital, respectively, along with a promise for mentoring to guide them toward a successful launch and profitability by summer’s end. In exchange, SB Seed Co will receive “forgivable equity,” which dissolves once the budding entrepreneur proves their concept and begins generating revenue.
