Milestone Makers

Milestone Makers is a competitive, free 12-week program designed to help early-to-mid-stage entrepreneurs achieve key business milestones. The program provides access to customized mentoring, coaching, training, and resources aimed at accelerating individual growth. Participants are matched with experienced mentors and coaches, and they also benefit from media exposure and recognition.

Fall 2025: This cohort supports entrepreneurs building a scalable solution that improves access, equity, or outcomes in education. This includes entrepreneurs focused on K–12, higher education, workforce development, or lifelong learning through technology. Ideal candidates have some traction (a launched MVP, active users, or early partnerships), are seeking expert guidance to hit a specific business milestone, and are committed to creating lasting impact in the education space.

• Express interest now! Once we receive your expression of interest, we will send you the application.
• Applications are now open and due by July 28th, 2025 @ 11:59pm PST
• Applicants will receive notices of acceptance by August 22nd, 2025
• Accepted participants will onboard the week of September 2nd-4th
• Cohort graduation will happen on December 3rd

In this context, a milestone is a significant goal you aim to achieve in the next 12 weeks, crucial to your business’s growth. These milestones can vary from launching a product to securing funding or expanding into new markets. The program helps you focus on achieving these goals.

The program is open to early-to-mid-stage entrepreneurs working on projects related to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Each cohort focuses on select SDG themes – and we select entrepreneurs with a passion for the problem they are solving but with non-competing offerings. If you’re focused on addressing one or more of these global challenges, Milestone Makers can support you in achieving critical milestones to advance your business.

Entrepreneurs can express interest in the program through the form on our website. Once you submit your interest, you’ll be invited to complete an application for the current or upcoming cohort. Each cohort has specific focus areas related to SDGs, so be sure to check which goals align with your business. While we accept applications on a rolling basis, you will need to re-apply per cohort.

The program runs in cohorts throughout the year. Once selected, participants will attend virtual onboarding sessions, and the program culminates in a graduation event celebrated with media exposure, including a feature on the Nasdaq’s MarketSite Tower in Times Square.

No, Milestone Makers is completely free to participate in. The program, funded through [partnerships and sponsors], has the goal of creating a “pay-it-forward” community where alumni return to teach, mentor, and nominate future participants.

Participants in Milestone Makers receive:

• Personalized Coaching & Mentoring: One-on-one support from industry leaders and experienced coaches.
• Business Resources: Access to resources tailored to the entrepreneur’s specific needs and business stage.
• Media & Recognition: Opportunities to showcase your business, including media coverage and a graduation celebration on Nasdaq’s Times Square Tower.
• Peer Support: A community of like-minded entrepreneurs to collaborate and grow with.

Each cohort has a competitive application process. Entrepreneurs who are addressing critical global challenges through their businesses and are ready to achieve significant milestones are selected to participate.When considering applications, we look closely at the goal a founder is aiming to achieve over a 12 week period. We also consider the founders closeness and passion for solving the problem they are addressing with their business.

There are several ways to contribute to Milestone Makers:

• Mentor: Share your expertise and mentor participants through their journey.
• Coach: Provide one-on-one coaching to help entrepreneurs prioritize and achieve their goals.
• Nominate:
• Become a Sponsor:

For more details on these opportunities, contact Colin Mahin at colin.mahin@thecenter.nasdaq.org.

Graduates become part of an exclusive alumni network and are encouraged to “pay it forward” by mentoring, teaching, and nominating future participants. You’ll also have opportunities for continued media exposure and recognition through Nasdaq and other partners.