INFORMATION FOR
William Paterson University is one of only two universities selected by the State of New Jersey to launch the Global Entrepreneurs-in-Residence Pilot Program to empower international entrepreneurs to develop or grow AI-driven and tech enterprises while contributing to the academic and community ecosystem.
This initiative allows selected international entrepreneurs to qualify for the H-1B visa*, access mentorship resources. It provides opportunities to build scalable businesses and to foster innovation and economic growth in New Jersey. This program is made possible with funding from the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education of the State of New Jersey
* The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services makes all final decisions for visa eligibility.
The William Paterson University Global Entrepreneurs-in-Residence program requires participants to work 15-20 hours per week on business mentoring, technical assistant, or support of academic research initiatives. The program is run under the Small Business Development Center at WP and participants will report to the WP SBDC director.
Congratulations! You are eligible to apply for this program. Take the next step towards achieving your goals by submitting your application today.
Unfortunately, you do not meet the eligibility requirements for this program.
Rolling Applications
We review applications on a rolling basis. Applications can be submitted at any time throughout the year. Read below information for our participation timeline.
Submission Requirements
Applications must be submitted 2 weeks before the pitch date, Friday, April 18, 2025 (See Pitch Competition Event)
Applications received after Friday, April 18, 2025, will be considered for the following year.
Friday, April 25, 2025
Pitch Competition Guidelines
Typically, each pitch should last about 3 to 5 minutes and cover the essential aspects of the business plan to keeping the audience engaged. This event is in-person.
Following each pitch, allocate an additional 5 to 10 minutes for questions from judges or the audience to help deepen the understanding of the business model and to address any concerns.
Pitch Competition Event
Applicants selected to participate in the Pitch Competition should agree to the Image and Audio Release and Authorization Form
Program Start
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Demo Day
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Note: Submission does not guarantee selection for the pitch competition. Participation is competitive and based on a thorough evaluation of eligibility and application quality.
*Applying does not guarantee participation in the pitch competition. Selection for participation is competitive, based on a rigorous committee evaluation of your application against the eligibility criteria and pitch competition participation.
Eligibility is primarily for international entrepreneurs enrolled or recently graduates of William Paterson University who have innovative business ideas and the potential to create jobs in New Jersey. Applicants must also qualify for an H-1B visa under U.S. immigration laws.
While we welcome applications from a wide range of sectors, preference is given to businesses that align with the economic development goals of New Jersey, such as Artificial Intelligence, technology, biotech, and sustainable energy.
Applicants should submit a detailed business plan, proof of business registration (if applicable), a pitch deck, financial projections, and any evidence of market traction like customer feedback or sales figures.
The review process typically takes 3-5 weeks. However, this can vary based on the volume of applications and the complexity of the business proposals received.
Participants are expected to commit to a 12-month program, actively engage in scheduled mentoring sessions, and participate in pitch contest and Demo Day event. Additionally, participants are required to work towards their business goals and report progress periodically.
There is no fee for the first year participation in the program. However, founders are responsible for their living and business operational expenses while in New Jersey; this could include office expenses after the first year of participating in the program.
The program offers mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders, access to local networks and investors, assistance with business development, and legal advice regarding immigration and business operation in the U.S.
Yes, one of the key benefits of the NJ GEIR program is assistance with obtaining a cap-exempt H-1B visa, allowing international entrepreneurs to reside in the U.S. and operate their business.
Applicants not selected can reapply in subsequent years. We also provide feedback to all applicants to help them strengthen future applications.
For more information or assistance, applicants can contact our program office directly through email at wp-geir@wpunj.edu
