Q&A with Juliana Silva - Collider Community Incubator

Q: What is the incubator program and what can participants expect to learn?

A: The Incubator is a structured program designed to support early-stage entrepreneurs by equipping them with the foundational knowledge, resources, and mentorship needed to grow their businesses. Over the course of the program, participants engage in workshops, peer learning, and one-on-one coaching that covers essential business topics such as customer discovery, business model development, financial literacy, branding, and pitching. The program fosters a collaborative environment where entrepreneurs can build confidence, connect with the local startup ecosystem, and refine their ideas into sustainable ventures.

Q: Collider launched the incubator program in April of last year, how would you say the program has developed and changed over the past year?

A: Since its launch, the incubator program has evolved based on participant feedback and community needs. We’ve refined our curriculum to be more hands-on, incorporating more real-world applications and guest speakers from diverse industries. We’ve also expanded support beyond the structured workshops, offering more mentorship opportunities and networking connections to help entrepreneurs navigate challenges specific to their industries. Additionally, we’ve seen a greater diversity of participants, which has enriched discussions and broadened the impact of the program.

Q: Who would you say are the ideal candidates for the program?

A: The ideal candidates for the incubator are early-stage entrepreneurs who have a business idea or an emerging startup and are looking for guidance to refine and grow it. We welcome individuals from all industries and backgrounds, whether they are first-time founders or experienced professionals transitioning into entrepreneurship. The program is especially beneficial for those who are eager to learn, open to feedback, and committed to taking action on their business goals.

Q: What lesson from the program do you find most impactful?

A: The most impactful lesson is learning to embrace the iterative process—refining a business model based on real-world insights rather than just assumptions.Beyond that, the structured nature of the program provides a logical, step-by-step guide to building a business, ensuring that participants address all critical aspects—such as customer discovery, financial planning, branding, and market positioning—in a cohesive way. This structured approach prevents entrepreneurs from overlooking key elements and helps them build a strong foundation, increasing their chances of long-term success. Instead of piecing together knowledge from different sources, participants receive a clear roadmap that ties everything together, making the journey from idea to execution much more efficient and strategic.

Q: What are the details for the upcoming incubator cohort?

A: The next incubator cohort will run from April 17th to July 2nd, culminating in a Demo Day where participants will have the opportunity to showcase their businesses. The program requires a time commitment of approximately 3 hours for workshops, along with additional mentorship opportunities.Workshops will cover key topics such as business model development, financial management, marketing and branding, sales strategies, and preparing for funding opportunities. Participants will also benefit from access to guest speakers, networking events, and peer support sessions, ensuring they receive a structured, comprehensive roadmap to building and growing their businesses.

Does the Collider Community Incubator Program sound like the right fit for you and your business journey? Learn more here and apply today!