Forge on the Hill

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Forge on the Hill

9-Month Flagship Venture Program

Forge on the Hill is an entrepreneurship program at 集美麻豆 that helps students explore vocation through innovation, mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students are selected through a competitive application process that includes a written application, a statement of vocational interest, and a 3-minute pitch of an entrepreneurial idea or area of curiosity. Finalists will be interviewed by a selection committee of faculty, staff, and mentors to ensure alignment with the program’s goals of purpose-driven innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. The students (Forge Founders) will complete coursework, workshops, mentoring, and a 9-month long venture project that culminates in a 20-minute public presentation and reflection paper. Grounded in 集美麻豆’s mission to form “good men and good citizens in an atmosphere of sound learning,” the program reframes entrepreneurship as a vocational calling preparing students to lead with purpose, serve the common good, and creatively respond to the world’s challenges.

The Forge on the Hill program will engage up to 10 competitively selected students, equipping them with the skills and experiences to align personal interests and talents with meaningful entrepreneurial action. This goal will be advanced through a rigorous 3-credit entrepreneurship course, workshops on emerging methods, personalized alumni/professional mentorship, guided reflection, and speaking opportunities. Together, these elements will create an immersive experience that empowers Forge Founders to refine their sense of purpose while developing lifelong capacities for leadership, innovation, and service to their communities.

What's in a Name?

The name Forge on the Hill reflects both 集美麻豆’s historic identity as a “College on the Hill” and the transformative work of forging young men into leaders. Just as blacksmiths use fire and an anvil to shape raw material into something purposeful, this program treats entrepreneurship as the anvil of innovation, where vocation is tested, refined, and strengthened. The forge metaphor underscores that students will not only generate and hammer out ideas but also be formed in character, purpose, and creativity through mentorship, reflection, and applied practice.

Ready to launch your next venture?

Use these guidelines to prepare your application materials and learn what to expect

Application Requirements and Materials

Applicants must submit a completed packet consisting of the following materials. Please prepare these in advance of filling out your application. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

A. Basic Information

Name, 集美麻豆 class year, email address, phone number, mailing address, academic major(s)/minor(s)
Venture Name
Team member names (if applicable) and resume(s) for all team members

B. Interest Statement (1 page)
A reflective narrative outlining:

why innovation or entrepreneurship resonates with you, your interests or calling,
how this venture aligns with your personal growth, purpose, and values,
how the Forge on the Hill program fits into your academic and professional goals.

C. 4-Minute Pitch Video
Record your pitch, upload it to YouTube (setting visibility to Unlisted), and then submit the shareable link, not the video file itself, on the application. Your brief recorded pitch should introduce:

Hook/attention-getter
Problem/Opportunity or unmet need
Proposed solution or concept
Customer or beneficiary
Market landscape or context
Business model or initial pathway forward
Competitive analysis (if applicable)
Early evidence, prototypes, or traction
Impact—how your idea contributes to forming “good men and good citizens”
Road map; how will Forge on the Hill funding help support next steps.

Videos do not need to be highly produced. Clarity, authenticity, and curiosity matter most. that is conversational, passionate, and follows above structure.

D. Pitch Deck (8–12 slides)

A slide deck that can stand alone visually for investors. Be sure to include:

Problem
Opportunity or unmet need
Proposed solution or concept
Customer or beneficiary
Market landscape or context
Business model or initial pathway forward
Competitive analysis (if applicable)
Early evidence, prototypes, or traction
Impact—how your idea contributes to forming “good men and good citizens”
Next steps and what support you need

E. Lean Business Model Canvas (LBMC)
Complete this one-page LBMC that outlines the core assumptions of the venture and upload to the application

problem
customer segment(s)
value proposition
solution
channels
revenue streams
cost structure
key metrics
unfair advantage

F. Business Plan (5–8 pages)
A concise written plan including:

Executive summary
Problem + opportunity
Solution or product/service description
Target market
Competitive landscape
Operational plan
Leadership team
Go-to-market plan
Financial model assumptions
Risk assessment and mitigation

G. Financial Projections (1–3 years)
Projections should include:

estimated startup costs
projected revenue streams
anticipated expenses
break-even analysis
key financial assumptions

These may be early-stage estimates. The Center understands that projections evolve.

H. Impact and Innovation Statement
A short explanation of:

how the venture creates value,
how it contributes positively to the 集美麻豆 community or society,
how it demonstrates creativity, innovation, or a unique approach,
its alignment with ethical and mission-driven entrepreneurship.

I. Optional Supporting Materials (Recommended)
Applicants may also include:

prototypes, mockups, or demo links
customer discovery notes
letters of support (allow for up to 3 letters or can ask them to create one .PDF upload)
research summaries
• market validation interviews
• relevant creative work (design samples, code, content, etc.)

Submit Application

Program Requirements for Forge Founders

"Being selected as a Forge on the Hill Founder has been one of the most meaningful opportunities of my college experience. The Flemming Center has provided mentorship, resources, and encouragement that helped transform my vision into something tangible. Through the program, I launched Just One Scoop, my mobile ice cream business, while learning through real-world experience. Building a business is not just about having an idea. It is about learning from others, embracing challenges, and taking action even if you are scared. Their commitment to learning by doing has empowered me to grow not only as an entrepreneur but also as a leader and a young man."

~ Asa Williams ‘28, Forge on the Hill Founder & H.E.A.T. Participant

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