EWOR vs Entrepreneurship at Kellogg: A Complete Comparison

Choosing the right platform to grow your startup can shape everything – from who you build with to how fast you scale. If you’re deciding between Entrepreneurship at Kellogg and EWOR, it’s worth asking: Are you building for the campus or for the world?

This article breaks down how EWOR and Entrepreneurship at Kellogg compare across five key areas – programme structure, mentorship, funding, network, and selectivity – so you can choose the platform that best matches your ambition.

1. Programme Structure and Educational Support

Both EWOR and Entrepreneurship at Kellogg offer structured programmes designed to help entrepreneurs grow. But they differ significantly in depth, flexibility, and global access.

EWOR offers two core fellowships:

• Ideation Fellowship, for refining and validating early-stage ideas
• Traction Fellowship, for scaling existing ventures

Both combine founder-led education, expert mentorship, and startup-building resources tailored to your stage. The experience is modular and remote-first – designed to move with you, not slow you down.

Each programme combines founder-led education, real-world mentorship, and global access. Participants get 24/7 access to a curated library of over 200 exclusive videos, workshops, and modules – designed by unicorn founders, investors, and seasoned entrepreneurs. From validating ideas to securing your first term sheet, the modules are tailored to support you and your journey as a founder.

Kellogg's entrepreneurial programs offer a flexible structure with various pathways for students interested in starting, buying, or financing ventures. Key features include a wide array of courses, experiential learning opportunities like internships and competitions, and a strong connection to the broader Northwestern University ecosystem. A unique aspect is the Zell Fellows Program, a highly selective applied entrepreneurial experience providing mentorship, real-world exposure through treks, coaching, and financial resources to a small cohort of MBA candidates. The program emphasizes building the entrepreneur, not just the business, and provides ongoing support through the Zell Global Entrepreneurship Network.

In short, while Entrepreneurship at Kellogg offers a solid foundation through on-campus resources and local networking, EWOR provides greater flexibility – with a global reach and a more in-depth entrepreneurial curriculum ideal for students seeking international exposure and mentorship.

2. Mentorship Opportunities

Mentorship isn’t just about guidance – it’s about who’s guiding you. EWOR links fellows with unicorn founders, exited entrepreneurs, and top operators across industries. These aren’t guest speakers; they’re active full-time mentors at EWOR, many of whom have built and exited €1B+ companies like SumUp, ProGlove, and Adjust. 

By contrast, Entrepreneurship at Kellogg often leans on faculty or regional entrepreneurs. While valuable, this advice can be theoretical or context-limited. EWOR offers mentorship grounded in real outcomes – helping you tackle investor meetings, product pivots, or global go-to-market strategy with confidence.

Entrepreneurship at Kellogg offers robust mentorship programs connecting students with experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and alumni. These mentors provide invaluable guidance on various aspects of scaling ventures, including refining business models, navigating funding, market entry strategies, and operational challenges. Through programs like the Zell Fellows Program, students receive personalized coaching and access to a network of successful founders. Mentors leverage their real-world experience to help students develop the necessary skills and make informed decisions to accelerate the growth and success of their startups.

At EWOR, mentorship isn’t theoretical – it’s experiential. You’re matched with experienced mentors who are a part of a global network of over 1,000 investors and mentors. Whether you're refining your pitch, making your first hires, or navigating product-market fit, you'll have seasoned operators at your side – helping you move faster and build smarter.

3. Funding and Investment Opportunities

One of the key differences between EWOR and Entrepreneurship at Kellogg is the access to funding. EWOR provides up to €500,000 in funding for selected startups, offering crucial financial support in the early stages. Beyond that, EWOR connects participants with a global network of investors, venture capital firms, and angels. Fellows also take part in what is called the “Grand Pitch”, an exclusive event where they present to hundreds of vetted investors, helping reduce fundraising time by over 80%. On average, EWOR founders raise 130% more than typical pre-seed startups at 2.5x higher valuations, thanks to the quality of the network and hands-on support. It’s not just about finding capital - it’s about raising smarter, faster, and on better terms.

Entrepreneurship at Kellogg offers various funding options to support students and entrepreneurs. These include funding specifically for social entrepreneurship ventures and social impact learning experiences. Students actively working on a venture can access Social Entrepreneurship funding. Financial support is also available for social impact conferences, competitions, and other related endeavors. Kellogg provides financial support for students pursuing social impact internships and those working full-time on their ventures during the summer. Graduating students launching new enterprises in the social impact space may be eligible for funding, such as the Kellogg Social Entrepreneurship Award. Additionally, graduating students or alumni in full-time nonprofit roles can receive student loan assistance. Beyond these, Kellogg offers resources like the Summer Startup Stipend and the Kellogg Early-stage Internship Program (KEIP) Stipends to help students gain experience and fund their startups or related internships. The Levy Inspiration Grant Program also provides funding for students to explore business problems and markets. Kellogg's network and resources, including clubs and competitions, further support students in securing capital and developing their ventures.

While Entrepreneurship at Kellogg may offer grants or seed funding for early-stage startups, EWOR’s ability to provide substantial initial funding and connect entrepreneurs with a global investor network gives it a clear edge in supporting scalable business growth.

4. Networking and Community

Being part of a supportive entrepreneurial community can make a significant difference in an entrepreneur’s journey. EWOR fosters a tight-knit, selective community that includes some of the most promising entrepreneurs from around the world. Participants gain more than just access to mentors, experts, and investors – they join an exclusive network of peers who are just as driven, talented, and committed to building ambitious, high-impact startups. For example, many fellows are working on startups that tackle urgent global challenges such as climate change, education inequality, mental health, and financial inclusion.

Entrepreneurship at Kellogg provides a strong community and networking benefits through various avenues. The Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital Club actively connects students with peers, alumni founders, managers, and investors. They offer networking guides and alumni databases. Events like the Distinguished Entrepreneur Speaker Series and the Entrepreneur In Residence program bring students in contact with accomplished entrepreneurs and industry leaders for insights and mentorship. The program also facilitates connections with the broader Chicago startup community and other universities through events and career treks. Students can also connect with a global network of alumni across various industries. The Zell Fellows Program specifically offers mentorship from faculty and outside experts.

While Entrepreneurship at Kellogg likely has a strong on-campus community and access to local networks, EWOR’s global reach and exclusive cohort model ensure that participants can connect with a diverse range of entrepreneurs, professionals, and investors from different regions and industries. 

5. Selectivity and Prestige

Both EWOR and Entrepreneurship at Kellogg are selective in admitting participants, but the level of exclusivity differs. EWOR is known for being highly selective, accepting only the top 0.1% of applicants. This ensures that participants are surrounded by equally talented and driven individuals, creating a stimulating environment where excellence is the norm.

Kellogg's Entrepreneurship program is highly selective and prestigious, consistently ranking among the top business schools globally. The acceptance rate is around 20-33%. Applicants are chosen based on a holistic review. Key criteria include academic ability (GPA and GMAT/GRE scores), work experience (typically at least two years), leadership potential, professional goals, impact, and interpersonal skills. Essays, recommendations, and an interview (Kellogg interviews all applicants) are also crucial components of the application process. Kellogg seeks candidates with a blend of intellectual and emotional intelligence who demonstrate leadership and a collaborative spirit.

While Entrepreneurship at Kellogg may have its own competitive admissions process, EWOR’s rigorous selection criteria and international focus create a prestigious network of entrepreneurs who are among the best in their field, offering unparalleled opportunities for collaboration and growth.

In case you’re unsure whether EWOR is the right fit for you, here are just a few recent fellows:

• Jørgen Tveit – Oxford engineering graduate, co-designer of a revolutionary underwater flywheel, and recipient of Europe’s largest-ever pre-seed round (€13M).
• Lukas Köstler – PhD in Computer Vision (TUM), ex-Tesla Autopilot engineer, now building a Spatial AI startup backed by Lakestar and Seedcamp (€4M raised).
• Nick D'Aloisio – Founded his first company at 16 (€30M exit to Yahoo), sold his second to Twitter, and is now working on neuro-inspired deep learning.
• Faris Fakhry – MIT nuclear physicist assembling a team to develop a next-gen fission test reactor, backed by Thiel Fellowship founders.
• Rihab Lajmi – Ex-Google/Microsoft engineer with 100k+ followers, now building a conversational AI recruiter targeting a €30B market.

These are the kinds of people you’ll build alongside at EWOR. Don’t settle for average. Build with the exceptional.

That’s a Wrap

Choosing between EWOR and Entrepreneurship at Kellogg isn’t just about comparing features – it’s about deciding the kind of founder you want to become.

If you’re looking for local resources and campus connections, Entrepreneurship at Kellogg may offer a solid start. But if you’re building for something bigger – if you want global mentorship, significant early funding, and a community that challenges you to operate at the highest level – then EWOR is built for you.

Want to see if EWOR’s Ideation or Traction Fellowship is right for you? Explore how our fellowships work – or start your application today.

Image credits: Kaleidico on Unsplash