Bring an interactive community experience directly into Startup Boston Week.
Startup Boston Week is built by the community—and we'd love for you to help shape this year's experience.
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We're inviting nonprofits and volunteer-led community organizations to host interactive experiences directly inside Startup Boston Week.
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Think less "PowerPoint." Think more connections, conversations, and getting people out of their seats. If you've got the idea, we'll help bring it to life.
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Community Partner Events become part of the official Startup Boston Week agenda, happening September 14–18, 2026.
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There's no cost to participate, but space is limited.
What We’re Looking For
We're looking for experiences people will remember—not just another panel.
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Some ideas include:
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Facilitated networking
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Hands-on workshops
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Startup game shows
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Walking or running groups
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Founder roundtables
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Office hours
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Collaborative challenges
Have another idea? We'd love to hear it.
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While we're prioritizing interactive programming, we'll also consider unique panels that explore underrepresented topics and actively involve the audience.
How It Works
Startup Boston provides:
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Venue
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Registration
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Room setup
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Basic AV
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Event staffing
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On-site logistics
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Placement on the official agenda
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Promotion through Startup Boston Week
Your organization provides:
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The event concept
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Speakers, facilitators, or hosts
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Programming and materials
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Promotion to your community
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Collaboration with the Startup Boston team
Registration will be managed by Startup Boston, and attendee information will not be shared with host organizations.
A Few Ground Rules
Because Community Partner Events are provided at no cost, they are designed to highlight your organization—not your sponsors.
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That means Community Partner Events may not include:
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Sponsor logos
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Sponsor recognition
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Third-party branding
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Sales presentations
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Lead generation events
Your event should focus on creating value for the startup community—not promoting products or services.
Who Can Apply?
Community Partner Events are designed for organizations that strengthen New England's startup ecosystem, including:
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Nonprofits
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Volunteer-led community groups
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Accelerators and incubators
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University entrepreneurship programs
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Government and economic development organizations
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Founder support organizations
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Startup-focused professional associations
This opportunity is not intended for companies looking to sponsor a session or generate leads. If that's your goal, we'd love to talk about Startup Boston Week sponsorship opportunities instead.
How We'll Review Applications
Community Partner Events are designed for organizations that strengthen New England's startup ecosystem, including:
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Nonprofits
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Volunteer-led community groups
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Accelerators and incubators
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University entrepreneurship programs
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Government and economic development organizations
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Founder support organizations
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Startup-focused professional associations
This opportunity is not intended for companies looking to sponsor a session or generate leads. If that's your goal, we'd love to talk about Startup Boston Week sponsorship opportunities instead.
Before You Apply
A few final things to know:
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Space is limited, and not every proposal will be selected.
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Startup Boston will work with selected organizations on the final event date, time, room, and format.
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Registration is managed by Startup Boston, and attendee lists will not be shared.
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Selected organizations are expected to collaborate closely with our team and promote their event to their own community
What Will Make an Application Stand Out?
Applications will be reviewed based on:
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How interactive and engaging the experience will be
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Whether the event helps attendees form meaningful connections
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Alignment with Startup Boston’s mission
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Value to founders and startup teams
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Strength and clarity of the event concept
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Audience need
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Community impact
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Program diversity
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Feasibility within the Startup Boston Week venue and schedule
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Potential overlap with existing sessions or events
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The organization’s ability to lead and promote the experience
We are especially interested in ideas that serve a clear community need, reach audiences that may not otherwise be represented, or introduce an experience that attendees cannot find elsewhere on the agenda.
Important Information
Space is extremely limited, and not every application will be selected.
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Startup Boston will determine the final event date, time, room, format, and capacity in collaboration with selected partners.
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Registration will be hosted and managed by Startup Boston. Attendee registration information and attendee lists will not be shared with Community Partner Event hosts.
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Hosts may not use the event as a sales presentation, recruitment funnel, or promotional presentation for their organization, product, or services.
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Selected organizations will be expected to actively collaborate with Startup Boston, prepare their participants, meet agreed-upon deadlines, and promote the experience to their own community.
Apply to Host a Community Partner Event
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