Who's it for?

If you are a student, alumni, or community member looking to test, grow, and/or promote an idea, product, or service at any stage of development, the Shelfie Program is for you.

student presenting at feedback friday
Students

 

alumni presenting at feedback friday
Alumni

community member presenting at feedback friday
Community Members


Spring 2025 Application & Cohort Dates

 

Cohort 1

Application Deadline
Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025

Cohort Schedule
Bootcamp
Feb. 1, 2025

Pitch Practice
Feb. 7, 2025

Feedback Friday
Feb. 21, 2025

Cohort 2

Currently Accepting Applications

Application Deadline
Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025

Cohort Schedule
Bootcamp

Mar. 1, 2025

Pitch Workshop
Mar. 7, 2025

Pitch Practice
Mar. 19, 2025
Mar. 20, 2025
*must attend one

Feedback Friday
Mar. 21, 2025

Cohort 3

Application Deadline
Tuesday, Mar. 18, 2025

Cohort Schedule

Bootcamp
Mar. 22, 2025

Pitch Practice
Mar. 29, 2025

Pitch Workshop
Apr. 5, 2025
Apr. 10,2025
Apr. 17, 2025
*must attend one

Demo Day at Feedback Friday
April 18, 2025

 

 


Overview & Benefits

 

Seed Funding

When you are selected for the Shelfie Program, you'll receive funding that you can use for product development, advertising, display design, and more.

Bootcamp

We have a mandatory workshop to get you all set up at Shift. Our bootcamp will give you a foundation in design thinking and support you in creating your display and feedback questionnaire.

Feedback Friday

During your time as a Shelfie, you will have a feedback event where you will present your idea and display to an enthusiastic community for feedback. Feedback Friday is designed as a round table discussion with peers, community members, staff and more. 

Popup Market

You and your peers will collaborate to plan and promote a popup market event. You can sell your product or get in-person feedback on your idea.

Micro-Credentials

Micro-credentials are short, flexible, asynchronous learning modules designed to help participants develop the specialized, job-ready skills. Our Shelfies are required to complete our micro-credential courses.

Marketing

Students from VCU Ad Club are interning to help entrepreneurs on campus and off with branding and marketing support. Let us know what help you need and fill out this form and we will match you with an intern!

 


Meet the Shelfies

 


Support the Shelfies

Attend Feedback Fridays

Join us for Feedback Friday, a dynamic round table where your voice shapes the future of entrepreneurship. Learn about the Shelfies ideas, products, and services and support them with your feedback, purchases, and investments.

 

Upcoming Events

a large group of people mingle at Feedback Friday

Host an event at SHIFT

SHIFT is the perfect space for your next event. From lectures, art openings, workshops, happy hours, and beyond- we welcome the opportunity to make your event a success.

Please review our Event FAQs sheet before filling out the request form.

Request

Exterior view of Shift Retail Lab at VCU