Thought Into Action (TIA) programs are hands-on experiences where students create businesses, nonprofits, social enterprises, and campus initiatives while developing entrepreneurial skills, guided by alumni mentors and Colgate’s entrepreneur in residence.
TIA programs include:
TIA Incubator: Build your business, nonprofit, or campus initiative
Idea Squad: Join a team or come up with your own idea
Workshops and PE courses: Learn entrepreneurial concepts and build skills
TIA Summer Accelerator: Grow and scale your venture during the summer
TIA Internship Program: Complement your entrepreneurial experience
Pre-Orientation Program
Calling all incoming first-year students!
Find your community and your next big idea: join a cohort of creators and explore the Colgate entrepreneurial ecosystem from day one.
Mentoring hours donated by alumni, family, and friends
Thought Into Action has contributed in instrumental ways to my personal and professional development. It has not only helped to propel my business forward, but it has prepared me to be successful beyond Colgate in any endeavor I pursue.
Miranda Scott ’18
Take Action on Your Business, Nonprofit, or Campus Idea
No matter what you’re interested in creating, TIA programs can help you launch your idea and move it forward. Students in TIA are creating apps, sustainable clothing brands, mission-focused nonprofits, on-campus businesses, food ventures, and more.
Ventures in TIA programs are supported by volunteer mentors who have deep domain expertise. Our mentors are Colgate alumni, parents, and friends who have successfully built and grown early-stage ventures across a wide range of industries. These seasoned entrepreneurs donate their time, knowledge, resources, and connections to support our teams, sharing their wisdom, expertise, and lessons learned. Our mentors create an environment of encouragement for entrepreneurs who are creating novel solutions in unchartered territory, while holding teams to real-world standards.
Students in the TIA Incubator are eligible for up to $5,000 in seed grant funding as their venture develops: from ideation and validation, to building and launching, to growing and scaling. Teams in the TIA Summer Accelerator receive a $7,500 grant to support their progress. In addition, all entrepreneurs have 24/7 access to The Hub for working, holding team meetings, attending conference calls, and hosting events.
Develop Into an Entrepreneurial Leader
Participation in TIA programs builds entrepreneurial skills: adaptability, resiliency, resourcefulness, strong communication, teamwork, and much more. As an entrepreneur, you'll think about your personal brand, your passions and values, and how you work with teammates and manage others. Join us to see who you become in the process of creating something amazing.
