Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Information
Address:  131 W. 86th St., New York, NY 10024
Phone:  212.877.1584
E-mail: nycfellowship@presentense.org
Twitter: @PresenTenseNYC  Facebook: facebook.com/nycfellowship

What does "NYC CEP" mean?
The PresenTense CEP stands for the PresenTense Community Entrepreneur Partnership, an eight month long program that strengthens the connection between young adults and their Jewish communities through a fellowship that engages local innovators and professionals in cooperative ventures.  The CEP is modeled after the PresenTense Global Institute in Jerusalem, a six-week intensive program that, over the past four years, has helped 64 Fellows launch 57 ventures in the fields of education, social action, environment, philanthropy and the arts.  
There are currently 12 PresenTense CEPs: Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Global, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Moscow, New York City, Nahlaot, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and the WCJCC - each custom tailored to meet the needs of its local constituents.  The NYC will have its own flavor, style and approach to selecting, training and supporting its local social entrepreneurs by engaging its very own community members around the cause.  

What is the goal of the NYC CEP?
The goal is to equip young, Jewish social entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial professionals in NYC with the tools, networks and resources they need to build and sustain successful ventures that provide meaningful avenues for engagement and impact.  The programs intends to create a community devoted to inspiring and supporting social entrepreneurship and innovation in NYC, thereby affecting the greater NYC community and the world.

When will the NYC CEP launch?
The Program officially launches in January 2012.  General applications are now closed.The application process is now open for the secular community builders track only. Applications close 11:59pm on December 25. 

Who decides who the Fellows will be?
Like all PresenTense programs, decisions will be made by a Steering Committee of qualified and invested volunteers, with input from PresenTense.  This committee includes assorted members from the community with a variety of backgrounds, skills, and experiences who are interested in furthering innovation and engagement in the NYC community. 

What are the criteria for applying?
UPDATE: NYC 2012 most wanted entrepreneurs

The Executive Committee is seeking ventures addressing the following strategic objectives:
  • Jewish Education
  • Strengthening Jewish community
  • Engaging Jewish immigrant communities
  • Judaism as a force for social and environmental change
  • Technological upgrade of Jewish life

 Overall, NYC CEP Fellows will display the following characteristics:
  • Committed to pursing an idea that will engage, leverage and inspire the Jewish people
  • Interested in learning valuable tools and making important connections that will help impact the world through sustainable ventures
  • Interested in developing a culture of innovation
  • Willing and able to participate fully in all components of the program, from January - June, 2012

What important dates should a potential fellow keep in mind?
Dec 11: Applications close (Sunday)Dec 18: Applications close for Jewish Dayschool track (Sunday)
Dec 25: Applications close for secular community builders track (Sunday)
Jan 4: Speed Interviews for selected candidates (Wednesday)
Jan 18: Invitations issued to fellows (Wednesday)
Jan 25: Welcome and orientation dinner for fellows, coaches and mentors (Wednesday)
Feb 5: Visioning workshop(Sunday)
March 6: Environmental Scan workshop (Tuesday)
April 3: Social Business Models and Prototyping workshop (Tuesday)
April 30: Operations and Finance workshop (Monday)
May 30: Sales and Fundraising workshop (Wednesday)
June 20: Launch night

What will the Program entail?
The NYC CEP is a unique training program for Jewish social entrepreneurs, built by entrepreneurs with the needs of entrepreneurs in mind.  As such, programming is scheduled for the evening, with no more than one evening a week of programming.  A number of training modules intertwine to provide the innovated with the web of resources, skills and opportunities needed for ventures success: Fellows are taught core skills in three day-long seminars, the tool-kit is refined by practitioners in the filed, they are mentored by leaders in the community, coached by professionals, connected in workshops with peers, and showcased to the greater community in a Launch Night.  Check out the Program for more information about the curriculum. 

Are there other ways to get involved if I don't want to apply as a Fellow?
Yes!  You can join our mailing list to stay informed about the CEP happenings, volunteer as a skill builder, mentor or coach, join our pitch team, attend our Launch Night in June, 2012, or contact us to learn about other ways to get involved with the program.

Will there be funding available for the Fellows' projects?
There is currently no guaranteed funding for completing the NYC CEP, however the NYC CEP provides Fellows a much stronger chance of securing funding by teaching fundraising skills, offering ideas, and making introductions to ensure fundraising sustainability over time.  Over half of past Fellows have gone on to secure follow on funding for their ventures.

Who will be the skillbuilders, mentors and coaches?
The NYC CEP will draw from the NYC community to find speakers, mentors and teachers who are committed to growing NYC's innovative capacity among young adults, and who believe in a vision of NYC as a center of innovation and engagement.  Please contact us if you are interested or can recommend an individual to volunteer.