What is Tech Side Hustle?

Are you a student-driven tech-based startup? Do you have a desire to create a solution for a significant problem but may not know how to go about it?

​Tech Side Hustle is a new kind of program, designed to level up a skill of your choice and focus on a problem space that excites you. We provide the coaching, funding and space for you to be creative and grow. We will help you unlock problems such as building a prototype, finding your first customer, and more.

Invest in yourself and your idea

You

Funding and time to pursue a certification or self-paced course in a tech or business-related area

Your Idea

Dedicated coaches and subject-matter experts to dig in to a problem space or idea that excites you​

Opportunity

​Complete the program with a minimum viable product or prototype to socialize and bring to market​

How to Apply
We accept six teams per cohort. Acceptance is rolling until the deadline. Applications will be accepted starting July 1st, until September 12th. Applications require an articulation of the problem space or idea you want to focus on during the program.
Do I Qualify?
  • 3 months | 5 hrs/wk | Sept-Dec 2022
  • Individuals or teams are welcome
  • Limited to current undergrad or grad students
  • Participants receive up to $5,000 support​​​

Join us for our TSH 2023 Info Session

Join us at this info session to hear from staff and current program participants about EEC's Tech Side Hustle (TSH) program. TSH is a combination of virtual (80%) and in person (20%) events located across Northeast Ohio.

Dates

February - April 2023
(Exact dates to be determined based on participants' class schedule)

Criteria

You have an idea or problem area identified and can commit 2-3 hours/week for the program.
Led by Entrepreneur-in-Residence, John Knific, serial entrepreneur and former student entrepreneur

EEC Institutions

Ashland University
The University of Akron
Baldwin Wallace University
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland State University
​Cuyahoga Community College
Hiram College
John Carroll University
Kent State University
Lake Erie College
Lorain County Community College
​University of Mount Union

2022 Schedule

PROGRAM KICKOFF
September 15
@ 7:00 PM
Teams with be matched with subject matter experts virtually
COACHING &
​CO-WORK
September 22 October 11 November 1 November 29
​Hosted at different co-working locations, with option for virtual
EVENING SPEAKERS
​September 28 October 19 November 9 December 7
Virtual
CLOSING PRESENTATIONS
December 13
@ 7:00 PM
In person, and open to all EEC institutions

Still Have Questions?

We'd be happy to answer anymore questions you might have about our Tech Side Hustle program. Either contact us here, or join us for an info session to hear from staff and current program participants about EEC's Tech Side Hustle (TSH) program!