Shift Retail Lab provides a flexible space for anyone with an idea to test, learn, and grow. This alternative type of education provides a lab-type approach for creative thinkers and doers from a wide range of backgrounds to put their ideas into action. With our tailored program and a supportive network of like minded individuals, you’ll leave the program feeling inspired and ready to bring your idea to life.
All VCU students, alumni, and community members are welcome to apply!
We host 3 cohorts of the Shelfie Program every Fall and Spring semester. Each cohort will have approximately a month to test their idea/product/service on the shelves at Shift Retail Lab!
Each Shelfie is required to complete the following:
- Shelfie Bootcamp Kickoff (Saturday 12-2:30pm)
- Prototype Workshop (First Thursday of your cohort 4-6pm)
- Pitch Workshop (Second Thursday of your cohort 4-6pm)
- Pitch Practice (Third Thursday of your cohort 4-6pm)
- Feedback Friday (Last Friday of your cohort 4-6pm)
- da Vinci Center's micro-credentials
Benefits
- A chance to win funding during Feedback Friday
- Credly badges and introduction to the topics of each of the micro-credentials: Intro to Design Thinking, Business Model Canvas, The Art of the Pitch, Introduction to Prototyping
- Boosts your resume, Linkedin, and stands out on your resume.
- Feedback to help you develop your ideas, services, and products
- A strong network with the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
- Opportunity to work with marketing interns on your brand, packaging, social media, and marketing needs
Please fill out one application per team, idea, and/or product. If you have any questions, please contact us at shiftretail@vcu.edu 