The EWOR Advantage: 5 Reasons University of Michigan–Ann Arbor Students Should Look Beyond Local Incubators

As a student at University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, you may be familiar with the local incubators and entrepreneurial programmes offered on campus. While these initiatives provide valuable support, expanding your horizons could significantly increase your odds of long-term success. In fact, one study found that 87% of startups that went through top-tier programmes were still active after five years, compared to just 44% of those that went it alone. That’s the kind of difference the right programme can make.

But how do you know if an incubator programme is right for you? With so many rigid, one-size-fits-all options out there, finding the right fit can be tough. That’s where EWOR comes in: a uniquely flexible platform combining global mentorship, funding opportunities, and a prestigious network – designed specifically to help ambitious founders thrive.

In this article, we’ll explore five key reasons why University of Michigan–Ann Arbor students should look beyond their local incubators and consider EWOR to accelerate their entrepreneurial journey.

1. Access to Global Mentorship

Many university incubators and local programmes offer mentorship from faculty, alumni, or nearby founders. While helpful, these perspectives are often limited to regional markets and conventional startup paths.

EWOR operates borderless, on a global scale. Fellows are paired with mentors who have founded and scaled companies across continents and industries – including unicorns like SumUp, Adjust, and ProGlove. Rather than sporadic office hours, mentorship is built into the fabric of the programme – modular, consistent, and personal.

University of Michigan–Ann Arbor's local incubators, such as those run by Innovation Partnerships and Ann Arbor SPARK, offer valuable mentorship opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs. Innovation Partnerships provides seasoned entrepreneurs as Mentors-in-Residence to assist with various aspects of launching a startup, including fundraising, talent acquisition, and business strategy. Ann Arbor SPARK's Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) program connects founders with experienced C-level executives. The value of these local mentors lies in their ability to provide tailored guidance based on their real-world experience and deep understanding of the regional ecosystem. They help early-stage companies navigate challenges, develop crucial skills, and build connections, accelerating their path to commercialization and potential funding. This local support is vital for turning innovative ideas into successful businesses and contributing to the growth of the Ann Arbor tech community.

With EWOR, you’ll have the chance to work with mentors who have scaled their businesses across different countries and industries, providing invaluable insights that can help your startup succeed in the global marketplace.

2. Larger Funding Opportunities

While local incubators may provide grants or limited seed funding, securing substantial capital is often a challenge for early-stage entrepreneurs. EWOR offers up to €500,000 in initial funding for selected startups, which can significantly boost your ability to develop your business. Moreover, EWOR provides access to a global network of investors, venture capital firms, and angel investors, ensuring that you have the opportunity to secure further rounds of funding as your startup grows.

The University of Michigan–Ann Arbor offers various funding opportunities for student startups through its entrepreneurial ecosystem, including local incubators and grant programs. The Zell Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurship provides Student Startup Grants, such as the Mayleben Venture Shaping grants and the Eugene Applebaum Dare to Dream grant program, offering awards ranging from $300 to $5,000 to help students develop their business ideas. These programs guide students through the business creation process with workshops and require deliverables like business plans and investor pitch decks. Additionally, the university has resources like the Zell Founders Fund, a student-led seed fund that invests in student entrepreneurs. The Desai Accelerator, while primarily for U-M graduates, also provides seed funding and mentorship to early-stage startups. Ann Arbor SPARK is another key player in the local ecosystem, offering support and grants to startups in the area. The Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE) also offers "Fuel" funding to support student ventures with financial awards for expenses like prototype development and customer discovery.

By choosing EWOR, University of Michigan–Ann Arbor students can tap into larger funding sources, giving them the financial support needed to scale their businesses more effectively.

3. A Highly Selective and Prestigious Network

One of the main advantages of EWOR is the highly selective nature of its community. EWOR accepts only the top 0.1% of applicants, bringing together some of the world’s most talented and ambitious entrepreneurs. 

This exclusivity doesn’t just elevate the quality of each cohort — it also unlocks access to an extraordinary network of investors, mentors, and industry leaders. Just to name a few: Fabrice Grinda, one of the world’s leading angel investors and founder of OLX; Christian Kroll, founder of Ecosia, Europe’s largest search engine after Google; and Vaitea Cowan, co-founder of Enapter, (€640M IPO) and a Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in Energy. 

The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's local incubators foster a strong network and community for students. Programs like TechArb, a student-run accelerator, provide dedicated co-working space, connecting students with like-minded peers and seasoned mentors. The Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE) and Zell Lurie Institute (ZLI) are central to this, offering advising, resources, and networking opportunities. Organizations like optiMize focus on social innovation, building a community where students can develop projects with mentorship and peer support. Ann Arbor SPARK also plays a significant role, connecting students with the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem and providing space and resources for startups. This interconnected community helps students build connections, collaborate on ventures, and gain valuable experience.

While local incubators at University of Michigan–Ann Arbor may provide valuable networking within the campus or regional ecosystem, EWOR’s global network opens doors to entirely new levels of collaboration. Fellows work alongside peers from dozens of countries and industries, connecting with elite investors, unicorn founders, and seasoned operators.

As many fellows have said, the community is one of the most unexpected – and most valuable – parts of the experience. “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

4. Flexibility and Remote Access

Many local incubators require in-person participation, which can be limiting for students balancing coursework, part-time jobs, or other commitments. 

University of Michigan–Ann Arbor has local incubators, such as the Innovation Partnerships Startup Incubator, which provides dedicated lab and office space at the North Campus Research Complex. These spaces offer flexible leases and resources for U-M startups, including concierge service and networking. Ann Arbor SPARK also operates a startup incubator downtown, offering coworking space, mentorship, training, and grants. While specific details on the format (in-person, remote, or hybrid) of all U-M Ann Arbor incubators aren't explicitly stated, the presence of physical lab and office spaces suggests an in-person or hybrid component. The university has also implemented hybrid work options for faculty and staff, indicating a general trend towards flexibility. The accessibility of these programs, particularly those with a physical presence, would be impacted by factors like location and transportation, though U-M and Ann Arbor offer various resources for accessibility. A hybrid model could potentially increase student participation by offering flexibility for those who cannot be on campus full-time.

EWOR’s fully remote programmes are built for modern entrepreneurs – offering the flexibility to participate from anywhere, on your terms. University of Michigan–Ann Arbor students can access top-tier mentorship, founder-led education, and global resources without needing to relocate or follow a rigid schedule. Whether you’re validating an idea or scaling your first product, you’ll have the freedom to build around your life, not the other way around.

And if you're worried about missing out on in-person connection – don’t be. EWOR hosts real-world gatherings like the EWOR Connect and EWOR House, a multi-day retreat where fellows, alumni, and investors connect in person. We also organise city-based meetups and our flagship Grand Pitch event, which brings hundreds of top-tier investors together twice a year. So while the programme is remote-first, it’s far from remote-only.

5. Comprehensive Entrepreneurial Education

Local incubators often provide valuable workshops and learning modules, but they may be limited in scope and depth. EWOR offers over 200 exclusive videos, workshops, and educational modules designed by top entrepreneurs and industry experts. This comprehensive entrepreneurial education covers everything from refining your business idea to scaling and securing funding, ensuring that you develop both as an entrepreneur and a leader.

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and the surrounding Ann Arbor area offer various educational support programs for aspiring student entrepreneurs. The College of Business provides an Entrepreneurship Minor and a Certificate in Entrepreneurship. The Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE) offers numerous courses open to students from all disciplines, covering topics from ideation to pitching ventures. These programs often include hands-on learning, real-world projects, and opportunities to interact with experienced entrepreneurs and investors. Local initiatives like Ann Arbor SPARK also contribute to the entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing workshops and resources focused on the fundamentals of starting a startup, including team building, product development, and bringing ideas to market. Some programs, like the Ann Arbor Summer Entrepreneurship Program, offer intensive, hands-on experience for high school students interested in launching a company. Additionally, programs such as the Michigan Wolverine Innovation Network (MWIN) Faculty Innovation Fellows Program, while primarily for faculty, involve students in projects that foster innovation and an entrepreneurial mindset.

With EWOR, you’ll gain access to a more extensive and detailed entrepreneurial education, giving you the tools needed to overcome challenges and succeed in today’s competitive startup landscape.

That’s a Wrap

While University of Michigan–Ann Arbor's local incubators offer great resources for students starting their entrepreneurial journey, EWOR provides an unmatched opportunity for those looking to take their startup to the next level. With access to global mentorship, larger funding opportunities, a highly selective network, flexible remote programmes, and comprehensive entrepreneurial education, EWOR offers University of Michigan–Ann Arbor students the chance to build and scale their startups on a global stage. If you’re ready to look beyond local incubators and accelerate your entrepreneurial success, EWOR could be the ideal platform for you.

Image credits: Andrew Stutesman on Unsplash