Apply for the Roseville Rising student entrepreneur program

High school students from around the region are invited to apply for Roseville Rising, a free 12-week Roseville Venture Lab  program designed to inspire entrepreneurial ideas and innovation. 
 
Students will get the opportunity to: 

• Use design thinking and the entrepreneurial mindset to navigate modern challenges and obstacles. 
• Work on teams to identify and design a potential product or business solution. 
• Conduct stakeholder interviews and research to identify customer needs and market opportunities. 
• Develop and test prototypes to validate ideas and refine potential solutions. 
• Explore business models, pricing strategies, and go-to-market approaches to build viable ventures. 
• Meet driven entrepreneurs and community leaders who are delivering impact through successful business ventures. 
• Learn to communicate ideas through pitching, storytelling, and presentations to stakeholders. 
• Learn to operate in a professional environment like a dynamic startup setting, building collaboration, accountability, and problem-solving skills. 
• Prepare a business pitch to be presented at the end of the program to parents, community leaders, and teachers on April 20, 2027. 
• Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three pitches and to the most innovative product idea. 

Applicants must currently be an enrolled 9th through 12th grade student in a Sacramento area high school. Homeschooled students may also apply. 
 
Roseville Rising is sponsored by the City of Roseville and offered in collaboration with GFN: Growth Factory Non-profit. 
 

Timeline 

Students will be notified of acceptance by Thursday, Jan. 21, 2027. Participants will meet 4:15 – 6:45 p.m. on Tuesdays, Jan. 26 through April 27.   
 

Location 

In person sessions are at the Roseville Venture Lab, 316 Vernon Street, Suite 110 in Downtown Roseville (map it). Free parking is available.  
 

Program 

The Roseville Rising student entrepreneurs program guides students through the full journey of turning an idea into a viable business  venture. 
 
Participants learn design thinking to identify meaningful problems and conduct customer discovery to understand real needs. They experiment with product prototyping, build business models, and test their solutions through validation exercises. The program also covers go-to-market planning and helps students refine their communication skills through business demo rehearsals. It all culminates in a final demo showcase, where students will present their ventures to an audience of parents, community leaders, and teachers for a chance to win cash prizes. 
 
Program details are subject to change. 
 

Questions 

For questions about the Roseville Rising program or application, please email us, or contact City of Roseville Economic Development by calling (916) 774-5283.  
 
Apply by January 12 
 
Submit an application 

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About Roseville Venture Lab

The Roseville Venture Lab is a public-private collaboration between the City of Roseville and community sponsors. 

The entrepreneur center is located at 316 Vernon Street, Suite 110 in Downtown Roseville. It fosters a community of entrepreneurs and small businesses through targeted programs, workforce development, and events.

Visit roseville.ca.gov/VentureLab to learn more and view upcoming events, including drop-in coworking hours.

Subscribe to Roseville's Business Matters newsletter and stay informed.