Meet Britney Ortiz
Founder, Monarca Marketing
September 24
5:00-6:00 PM PT
20 Spots Available
The Job Market Wasn't Built for Undocumented Students. UndocuStartup Week Is.
Learn the 6-step framework used by 400+ undocumented students nationwide to launch their business ideas and make their first dollar. Applications for the Fall 2026 cohort are now open.
November 9–15, 2026
Applications close October 25 at 11:59 PM PT
Students across the U.S. with or without DACA are encouraged to apply.
Fall 2026 • November 9–15
Apply by October 25, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT.
UndocuStartup Chats™
Get Inspired Before You Build
Join us for three FREE virtual conversations with entrepreneurs leading up to UndocuStartup Week™. Hear their stories, learn from their experiences, and get inspired to start building something of your own.
FREE & Open to the Community
Meet Gabriela Alvarez
Founder, Gabulous LA
October 8
5:00-6:00 PM PT
Meet Joel Ojeda
Founder, Allies Pro Services LLC
October 22
5:00-6:00 PM PT
UndocuStartup Chats™ are FREE and open to the community. Attendance is not required to apply for UndocuStartup Week™ and does not guarantee an interview or acceptance.
3-Step Application Process
Apply → Interview → AcceptedApply, Interview, Acceptance
Step 1
Apply
Apply for one of 20 nationwide student spots by October 25, 2026.
Step 2
Interview
Applicants who advance will be invited to a short 10–15 minute virtual interview between October 26–30. An interview invitation does not guarantee acceptance.
Step 3
20 Accepted
Following interviews, 20 students will be accepted into the Fall 2026 UndocuStartup Week™ cohort. Acceptance decisions will be announced November 2.
7-Day Schedule
November 9–15, 2026
All sessions run from 4:00 PM-5:30 PM PT
11/09
Day 1: Introductions & Program Overview
11/10
Day 2: Business Ideas & Business Planning
11/11
Day 3: Customer Discovery & Low-Cost Product Development
11/12
Day 4: Marketing, Sales & Legalizing Your Business
11/13
Day 5: Semifinal Pitch Competition
11/14
Day 6: Pitch Practice
11/15
Day 7: Final Pitch Competition — $525 in Pitch Funding
Pitch Funding
$525 in Pitch Funding
Build your idea throughout UndocuStartup Week™ and work toward the opportunity to pitch for startup funding.
2nd Place
$150
1st Place
$300
3rd Place
$75
The Fall 2026 Pitch Finals will be livestreamed for the community.
FAQ
Questions about the Week and Chats.
Toggle between student and Chats questions for quick answers about applications, interviews, acceptance, and community events.
Yes! There is no cost for accepted students to participate.
No. Students with or without DACA are encouraged to apply.
Yes, you need a business idea to apply. We will help you develop this idea during the program. If you have an existing business, we will help you enhance this during the program.
No. Applications will be reviewed, and applicants who advance will be invited to a short virtual interview.
No. An interview means you have advanced to the next stage of the application process. 20 students will ultimately be accepted.
Acceptance decisions will be announced November 2, 2026.
Yes. Program graduates will be invited to join our founders network, offering opportunities to connect with fellow alumni and gain access to resources and tools.
The program is open to any undocumented student nationwide who has a business idea, internet access, and the ability to attend all scheduled sessions.
Ready To Join?
Have a Business Idea? Build It in 7 Days.
Apply for the Fall 2026 cohort by October 25 at 11:59 PM PT.
Seats
20 accepted
A focused national cohort so every student gets real momentum, feedback, and support.
Pitch Funding
$525 total
Build your idea throughout UndocuStartup Week™ and work toward the opportunity to pitch for startup funding.