RISE Incubator Program – Application Form

Roosevelt Incubator Schaumburg Enterprises (RISE)

2026 Cohort – Participant Application Form

Location: Roosevelt University Schaumburg Campus, 1400 N. Roosevelt Blvd., Schaumburg IL

Thank you for your interest in the Roosevelt Incubator Schaumburg Enterprises (RISE).
This application is for entrepreneurs and small business owners seeking to participate in the 2026 RISE cohort. Please complete all sections fully. Incomplete applications may delay review.

Section 1: Applicant Information

First Name:

Last Name:

Business Name (if applicable):

Email Address:

Mobile Phone Number:

Address

Country

Street

City

Region

Postal Code

Section 2: Business Status

Which best describes your business stage? (Select one)

Idea stage (not yet launched)

Startup (launched within the last 3 years)

Existing small business (3+ years)

Nonprofit organization

Industry / Business Category:

Section 3: Returning Participant Status

Have you previously participated in the RISE Incubator Program?

Yes, I am a returning participant

No, this is my first application

Year(s) of participation:

Briefly describe how you engaged in the program previously (e.g., workshops, interns, mentoring, space use):

Section 4: Low-to-Moderate Income (LMI) Eligibility

The RISE program tracks Low-to-Moderate Income (LMI) participation for reporting and funding purposes. Your response will not disqualify you from participation.

Do you believe you qualify as a Low-to-Moderate Income (LMI) participant based on household income guidelines?

Yes

No

Unsure

(Income verification may be requested separately if required for specific funding sources.)

Section 5: Business Description

Please provide a brief overview of your business or business idea.

Products and/or services offered:

Target customers or market:

Current challenges or barriers to growth:

Section 6: Program Goals

What are your primary goals for participating in the RISE Incubator? (Select all that apply)

Please briefly explain your top 1–2 goals:

Section 7: Internship Engagement

RISE participants are expected to meaningfully engage with Roosevelt University student interns when available.

Are you willing to work with student interns as part of the program?

Yes

No

Maybe / Depends on Scope

Describe the type of support interns could provide (e.g., marketing, finance, operations, technology):

Section 8: Commitment & Participation

Participants are expected to attend regular meetings, workshops, and special events.

Please acknowledge the following:

I understand that participation requires active engagement in RISE programming.

I am willing to attend meetings in person and/or via Zoom as scheduled.

I understand that continuation in the program is based on participation and program alignment.

Section 9: Additional Information

Please share any additional information that would help us understand your interest in RISE:

Section 10: Certification & Signature

By submitting this application, I certify that the information provided is accurate to the best of my knowledge.

Signature:

Date of Signature