They Won't Just Learn About Business. They'll Launch One.
The RankForge Young Founders Bootcamp is an immersive two-week entrepreneurship program where motivated teens turn an idea into a real business—complete with a logo, business plan, live website and a final pitch presented to local business leaders.
A Real-World Launch Experience for Future Business Owners
This is not a week of worksheets, lectures and hypothetical assignments. Students will work alongside experienced marketing professionals, entrepreneurs and local business owners to create something they can continue building long after the program ends.
Everything Needed to Move From Idea to Launch
Every part of the program is designed around practical application, measurable progress and a finished business foundation.
Business Idea Development
Students identify a realistic business idea based on their interests, skills, strengths and the problems they want to solve.
Business Planning
Each founder builds a structured plan covering their offer, target customer, pricing, goals, operating needs and revenue opportunities.
Professional Branding
Students develop a business name, logo, brand colors, message and visual identity they can continue using after the program.
A Live Website
With support from the RankForge team, each student launches a professional landing page or website for their new business.
Marketing Fundamentals
Students learn age-appropriate lessons in SEO, social media, lead generation, content, email marketing and responsible AI use.
Confidence and Communication
Founders practice speaking clearly about their ideas, explaining their value and confidently presenting their business to others.
Ten Days From First Idea to Founder Showcase
Students attend four-hour sessions Monday through Friday in a structured and secure downtown learning environment.
Build the Business Foundation
Launch and Present the Business
Learn From People Who Have Actually Built Businesses
RankForge is partnering with a local marketing agency to provide hands-on training and professional guidance throughout the program.
Local founders and established business owners will also be invited to share how they started, what contributed to their success, what they would do differently and the mistakes they want the next generation of entrepreneurs to avoid.
Potential Guest-Speaker Topics
A Real Meal for Every Founder
Students need more than cookies, soda and snack food to remain focused and engaged. A healthy meal with solid, balanced choices will be provided each program day.
Healthy Choices. Different Options. Every Day.
Every enrolled student will receive a healthy meal during each four-hour session at no additional charge.
Parents or legal guardians must disclose all known food allergies, dietary restrictions and relevant medical considerations before the student attends the program.
The Program Ends With a Real Business Pitch
On the final day, parents and guardians will be invited to watch students present the businesses they created during the bootcamp.
Awarded to the young founder who demonstrates the strongest combination of business potential, preparation, creativity, presentation and practical execution.
Awarded to another standout founder whose business and presentation demonstrate strong potential and thoughtful execution.
Final presentations will be evaluated by three independent business professionals who are not directly involved in operating the program. Published judging criteria and official award terms will be provided before the competition. Awards are subject to the final program rules, eligibility requirements and parent or guardian authorization.
The Website Launch Is Only the Beginning
Every founder receives access to continued online support from the RankForge team and an assigned RankForge coach during the 12 months included with their website.
12 Months of Hosting
The student's website remains live and hosted for up to one year, allowing them to continue building their business.
RankForge Coach Access
Students can access ongoing online guidance as they work through questions, changes and next steps.
Affordable Renewal
Families that choose to keep the website active after the first year will receive a special graduate renewal rate of less than $300 per year.
For Teens Ready to Build Something of Their Own
No previous business, marketing or website experience is required. Students only need curiosity, a willingness to participate and the desire to turn an idea into something real.
Help Your Student Become a Founder
Choose the option that best reflects your family's current level of interest.
Join the waitlist to receive dates, pricing and enrollment updates, or submit an enrollment-interest form if you are ready to secure a place once final registration opens.
What Parents Need to Know
What ages is the program designed for?
The current program is being designed primarily for students ages 14–18. Final age requirements will be confirmed before registration opens. Parents or legal guardians must complete all required enrollment and consent documentation.
Does my student need an existing business idea?
No. Students can arrive with an existing idea, a business they have already started or simply an interest in entrepreneurship. The program will help them evaluate and develop an appropriate concept.
Will every student receive a website?
Each student will be supported in launching at least a professional landing page. Some students may build a larger website depending on their business needs, technical readiness and progress during the program.
How long will the website remain active?
Website hosting is included for up to 12 months. After that period, families may choose to renew at a special RankForge graduate rate of less than $300 per year.
Is food included?
Yes. A healthy meal with solid, balanced choices will be included each day. Meals will vary throughout the program. Parents or guardians must disclose all food allergies, dietary restrictions and relevant medical considerations before attendance.
How will student safety and pickup be handled?
The program is planned for a secure downtown location. Final procedures will include authorized pickup information, emergency contacts, attendance policies and parent or guardian consent requirements. Complete policies will be provided before enrollment is finalized.
Are the launch scholarships guaranteed to each student?
No. All participants will present their businesses, but the $1,500 and $500 launch scholarships will be awarded to two qualifying students based on published competition criteria and evaluation by independent judges.
Can parents attend the final presentation?
Yes. Parents and guardians will be invited to the final Founder Showcase to watch students present their businesses and celebrate what they have accomplished.
Does joining the waitlist reserve a place?
No. The waitlist provides early access to program dates, pricing and registration announcements. Priority enrollment requests will be reviewed once final registration becomes available.
Summer 2027 Could Be the Summer They Become a Founder.
Give your student the tools, guidance and confidence to build something they can genuinely call their own.
Program dates, tuition, eligibility requirements, curriculum, location, speakers, meals, awards and included services remain subject to final confirmation. Participation requires approval and completed documentation from a parent or legal guardian. RankForge does not guarantee business revenue, profitability, scholarship selection or future commercial success.