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.
Students
Alumni
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
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 Workshop
Mar. 29, 2025
Pitch Practice
Apr. 5, 2025
Apr. 10,2025
Apr. 17, 2025
*must attend one
Demo Day at Feedback Friday
April 18, 2025
Overview & Benefits
Peer-to-Peer
Peer-to-peer coaching at Shift Retail Lab at VCU fosters a collaborative learning environment where student entrepreneurs share insights, challenges, and feedback to refine their ventures. This hands-on approach empowers students to develop problem-solving skills, build confidence, and strengthen their business strategies through real-world experience and support from their peers.
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.
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.
