The Environmental Sustainability Entrepreneurship Program, managed by the Watson Institute and generously supported by the JPMorganChase Foundation, is a fully-funded initiative designed to empower impact-driven entrepreneurs. The program targets underserved individuals who are leading ventures in the Denver metro area that address critical environmental challenges. Its primary objective is to support both nonprofit and for-profit ventures focused on climate action, clean energy, and sustainable resource management.
This intensive fellowship runs from August 9 to November 18, 2025, with key in-person events including an immersive kickoff on August 9 and a final summit on November 18 in Denver, Colorado. Fellows are expected to commit approximately 8 to 10 hours per week, participating in virtual workshops every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. In addition to online programming, fellows are required to lead a community impact workshop, known as a Basecamp, for which they will receive financial and training support.
Applicants must be actively creating measurable impact within the Denver Metro area and must commit to the full duration and scope of the program. Ideal candidates are entrepreneurs with existing ventures—either nonprofit or for-profit—that have demonstrated traction and impact in environmental sustainability. A preference is given to ventures focused on climate solutions. All participants receive mentorship, leadership training, and professional pitch development, along with networking opportunities and visibility within the Watson Institute’s ecosystem.
The application process involves four stages: an online application due by June 22, 2025, followed by an application review, a 20-minute Zoom interview for shortlisted candidates, and final selections by July 15, 2025. The program will continue to accept applications on a rolling basis after the priority deadline until all slots are filled.
Past recipients include ventures such as GreenGather, GEJC, and AirVitalize, which have focused on eco-conscious event planning, cooperative clean energy access, and air purification technology, respectively. These alumni have collectively secured hundreds of thousands in funding and made measurable environmental impacts.
For inquiries, the Watson Institute is located at 4845 Pearl E. Circle, Suite 101, Boulder, CO 80301.
