Startup Grind Chapter Director Application
Running a Startup Grind Chapter in your city or being part of a chapter team can be one of the most rewarding experiences in your personal and professional career. It is of course not easy, but we equip you with the tools, resources, knowledge and support network to help you build a successful local Startup Grind Chapter.
Questions about your application? Please email ford@startupgrind.com.
Start a Chapter
Congratulations on taking the first step in learning more about joining our incredible global community of startup ecosystem leaders.
We accept Chapter Directors/Co-directors and team members on a rolling basis throughout the year. You can apply to start a new chapter, join an existing chapter, or reactivate an inactive chapter throughout the year.
8-Step Application Process
Step 1: Submit your application by choosing a chapter and filling in personal and background information and acknowledging roles and responsibilities.
Step 2: Fulfill the application fee payment to demonstrate your commitment.
Step 3: Submit a short video about your local startup ecosystem and your vision.
Step 4: Interview time – We’ll reach out to schedule an interview.
Step 5: Gather 4 founding members or wait for availability to join an existing team (all members must go through the application process).
Step 6: Join a group interview to define the roles, expectations and initial plan for your chapter.
Step 7: Accepted applicants will receive an onboarding package & upcoming challenges to fulfill chapter’s activation to qualify for officially becoming a Chapter Director, Co-Director or Team member.
Step 8: Passed applicants will then fully be onboarded into the community and you’ll receive your Chapter license through signing the Director Agreement.
Director Challenges
After building community for over 14 years our Chapter Directors, Co-Directors and team members have accomplished amazing things through the events they host. We have put together resources and tools from some of the top performing Chapters in order to complete 3 challenges before getting officially onboarded.
You’ll meet with our Global Community team to learn the following:
- What is Startup Grind?
- Speakers, Event Types, & Bevy (Chapter Dashboard)
- Marketing & Hosting Events
- Venues & Building Your Team
- Sponsors & Partners
In order to pass the challenges you and your team must host 3 events within 45 days based on your learning deliverables. As a part of your final learning deliverable you will be requested to submit your community plan for the next 12 months, and the events you are looking to host.
Once you pass the Director Challenges you will be sent a Chapter Agreement where you’ll receive the license for your Chapter for 3 years as well as become fully onboarded onto the dashboard so you can begin leading your local community alongside your team.
Upon graduation, you’ll have 30 days to schedule your next event on your Chapter Dashboard and begin fulfilling your community plan in alignment with your local ecosystem’s needs and the Startup Grind Monthly Themed Calendar.
About Startup Grind
Running a Startup Grind Chapter
Educate, inspire and connect entrepreneurs by becoming a Startup Grind Director. Join hundreds of other leaders from 150+ countries and make a long-lasting impact in your community!
As a Startup Grind Chapter (SG) Director, Co-Director or team member, you will host monthly events with successful founders, CEO’s, investors, AI leaders, corporates, and entrepreneurs from all sorts of different industries and run the largest entrepreneur community in the world in your city.
You’ll be able to sell tickets to each event, get partners and sponsors to support you, invite speakers, and provide food and great opportunities to attendees so they can make it a full experience.
Lead the chapter through our core values: Give First, Make Friends, and Help Others. Gain influence and make a long-lasting impact in your community!
Requirements & Benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it take to run a Startup Grind chapter?
Startup Grind should not take more than 20% of your time. We are looking for passionate individuals that are seeking to build an awesome local community of entrepreneurs. All you must do is get an amazing speaker, a venue where to host it and define a date, every month. You can also come up with several other types of events like panel sessions, dinner parties, happy hours, virtual gatherings, workshops, and fun or outdoor experiences with your local community.
What really matters is the people you are bringing together on a monthly basis: the conversations and values they will share to build a thriving community of entrepreneurs in your city.
What support does Startup Grind provide?
We provide a support system and 25k+ events worth of experience! Once your application is approved and accepted we will set up a one hour call to go through all of the basics needed to complete the challenges, run your first and many other events afterwards. After the basics we will train you on our custom built software that helps you easily manage your event across three different online platforms. Along with our software we will give you access to resources, marketing channels and templates that will help you conduct the very best events with the best speakers, lock down helpful sponsors, connect with the top founders and investors in your city, and most importantly communicate with a global team of other directors just like you.
Is running a chapter a volunteer role?
Being a Startup Grind Chapter Director, Co-Director, or team member is not a volunteer role – it’s a privilege reserved for a select few who are chosen to lead and represent their local ecosystems.
We approve only about 10% of applicants, and we set you up for success from the start. Each chapter requires at least four core team members to launch, ensuring the workload is shared, recognition is earned, and your chapter becomes the bridge between Silicon Valley and the brightest minds in your city.
As a Chapter leader, you’ll be a champion of your ecosystem, gain access to a global network of opportunities, and be rewarded in ways you might not expect – from professional growth to lifelong friendships. You’ll proudly carry the Startup Grind flag, representing a community of 5M+ members driving change and creating lasting impact worldwide.
Does it cost money to operate a Startup Grind chapter?
Most Chapters operate at a break even or make a profit, if run properly. It’s worth saying that the main reason why 600+ people run it in their city is not getting rich out of it. The big value will come to you in the networking and relationships you’ll build – and the impact you’ll have in your local ecosystem.
Are there any prerequisites for launching a Startup Grind chapter?
Startup Grind requires a $25 non-refundable application fee to review your submission. This helps ensure applications are genuine and not for spam or sales purposes, and confirms your commitment to host at least 12 events per year if approved.
The key requirement is being well-connected in your local tech, startup, or VC ecosystem, enjoying event hosting, building meaningful connections with founders, and sharing a passion for helping others.
Most of our Chapter Directors are founders, investors, tech builders, or executives themselves.
Start a Chapter
Educate, inspire and connect entrepreneurs by becoming a Startup Grind Director. Join hundreds of other leaders from 125+ countries and make a long-lasting impact in your community!