Entrepreneurial Design Thinking
Since 2019, the Entrepreneurial Design Thinking program has provided over 100 entrepreneurs across New York City with an intensive, “hands-on” course focusing on the contemporary design thinking concepts and tools applied to generate innovative solutions to important marketplace and/or community problems.
During the program, participants will learn how to:
- Identify and define a major problem to be solved
- Engage real customers to better understand the problem from their perspective
- Generate multiple solutions, then choose a solution to test with real customers
- Create an action plan based on customer feedback
- Present their solution idea to the relevant stakeholders
Awards
All participants who complete the course will receive a certificate of completion. In addition, participants can work in teams or individually to apply for a $10,000 or $5,000 Workforce Development Grant. Up to two grants will be awarded. Past winners have developed programs that address food justice, recidivism, and STEM education in their local communities. Learn about how others have succeeded in the program:
- Empowering New York’s Next Generation of Social Innovators
- Entrepreneurial Design Thinking Brings Together Students From Across New York City
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Introduction to Entrepreneurial Design Thinking Continues Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Program Length
The program is eight weeks long, consisting of one 2-hour virtual sessions per week.
Requirements
This course is open to New York City residents 18 years of age and older. If you identify as a returning citizen and/or are justice system-involved, we highly encourage you to apply. You will not be required to disclose your status in order to enroll in the course.
Priority enrollment is given to residents of the following ZIP codes:
- Manhattan: 10025, 10026, 10027, 10029, 10030, 10031, 10032, 10033, 10034, 10035, 10037, 10039, 10040,
- Bronx: 10451, 10454, 10455, 10474
Students will need access to an internet accessible device to participate in weekly class sessions and engage with instructor and classmates.
How to Apply
The EDT program is currently on a hiatus. Please subscribe to the Neighbors E-News and check this page for future announcements about the next application and enrollment period.