JOIN THE VELA
FOUNDER NETWORK
JOIN THE VELA
The VELA Founder Network is the nation’s leading community of entrepreneurs providing alternatives to conventional schooling.
Network members have exclusive access to funding opportunities, resources, events, and the collective knowledge of thousands of entrepreneurs across the country.
Who are VELA Founders?
VELA is a community of visionary founders building sustainable businesses that revolutionize education. About half of the founders in the VELA Founder Network operate small learning environments and the other half are ecosystem builders offering direct services and support for the unconventional schooling space.
What types of programs do VELA Founders operate?
Unconventional Learning Environments
VELA founders who lead learning environments creatively reimagine time, space, and labor to serve learners opting for an alternative to traditional schooling (e.g., learners who are not enrolled in public, charter, or traditional private schools). These resourceful entrepreneurs offer access to low-cost private solutions without dependence on public funding or outside interests. They are champions of autonomy, ensuring that the focus remains on delivering quality education tailored to the unique needs of each family.
Ecosystem Builders
VELA founders who serve as ecosystem builders operate programs and services that provide content, tools, and resources to support founders leading learning environments and the families who choose alternatives to conventional schooling. Their work strengthens the unconventional schooling space and bolsters its sustainability, ultimately empowering families to take charge of their children’s educational journey.
How do I join the VELA Founder Network?
Currently, you can apply to join the Founder Network and apply for a Micro grant in one application. Micro grants are competitive grants of $2,500 or $10,000 awarded to entrepreneurs operating learning environments that serve as alternatives to conventional school, and to programs utilized by founders and families in the alternative schooling ecosystem. VELA funding is exclusively reserved for founders enabling families to pursue alternatives to conventional schooling as their primary learning experience.
Apply today.
Before you apply, we strongly suggest that you:
- View our updated eligibility criteria and application information to see if you are a fit for the VELA Founder Network.
- Watch this video about joining the VELA Founder Network.
The application will close on Monday, April 22nd at 5pm EST. We will communicate decisions as soon as possible.