Exciting news unfolds as the 2024 UpSpring Cohort recently convened in Chicago after a period of remote learning for an immersive orientation experience that took place from November 12-14, 2023. UpStart is elated to share the dynamic journey ahead for the nine innovative leaders and their organizations participating in our flagship UpSpring program. Formerly known as the Venture Accelerator, this initiative remains a beacon for entrepreneurial minds dedicated to making a lasting impact within the Jewish community and beyond.
Carefully selected from over 70 highly qualified applicants, these visionary ventures embody diverse initiatives and communities across the United States. With proven records of inclusivity, creativity, and foresight, the 2024 UpSpring Cohort is poised to elevate and inspire new experiences within the Jewish community.
Over the next 12 months, these ventures will benefit from a transformative program, gaining access to invaluable expertise, a supportive community, and essential capital. This marks a crucial step towards fostering long-term sustainability and expanding the impact of their initiatives. The 2024 UpSpring Cohort proudly joins a prestigious league of over 100 alumni organizations dedicated to creating positive change and inspiring new narratives in the Jewish community and the broader world.
As we reflect on this pivotal moment in Chicago, we eagerly anticipate the remarkable achievements and collective impact that will unfold as the UpSpring Cohort propels forward on their entrepreneurial journeys.
Ammud: The Jews of Color Torah Academy (Chicago, IL)
Alexandra Corwin, Executive Director
Empowers Jews of Color by creating Jewish learning spaces where Jews of Color can learn, lead, and belong.
A More Perfect Union: The Jewish Partnership for Democracy (New York, NY)
Aaron Dorfman, Executive Director
Mobilizes the American Jewish community to protect and strengthen American democracy.
Jewfolk, Inc. (Minneapolis, MN)
Libby Parker, Executive Director
Connects Jews through revolutionizing local Jewish journalism for the digital age, showcasing 10,000 ways to be Jewish, providing a platform for a diversity of Jewish voices, and bringing expertise and experiences to Jewish individuals, organizations, and our communities.
Jewish Fertility Foundation (Atlanta, GA)
Elana Frank, CEO & Founder
Engages hopeful parents by providing financial assistance, emotional support, and infertility education to those struggling to build their families.
Jewtina y Co. (San Francisco, CA)
Dr. Analucía Lopezrevoredo, Founder & Executive Director
Nurtures the Latin-Jewish community, identity, leadership, and resiliency.
Inside Out Wisdom & Action Project (Sharon, MA)
Rabbi David Jaffe, Founder & Executive Director
Transforms Jewish social change activism into a holy path that weaves inner-spiritual life with practical action for change.
Lehrhaus (Somerville, MA)
Rabbi Charlie Schwartz, Director
Reimagines Jewish space as a lively neighborhood tavern dedicated to excellence and the joyful exploration of Jewish life, literature, and wisdom.
Project Shema (Chicago, IL)
Oren Jacobson, Executive Director
Trains and supports Jews and allies to address the spread of contemporary antisemitism more effectively.
TheirStory (Rochester, NY)
Zack Ellis, Founder & CEO
Empowers Jewish institutions to collect, preserve, and make accessible the stories of their community members to deepen relationships, build connections, and together, shape an inclusive future for generations to come.
Our purpose is to enable entrepreneurs to bring bold Jewish ideas to light. We help them reach Up to people in new ways that are meaningful, more inclusive, and create a brighter future for our Jewish community and the world we share.
