gALPHA Urban League Showcase

media release:

The Urban League of Greater Madison and nationally ranked startup accelerator gener8tor are excited to announce the Spring 2025 cohort of gALPHA Urban League, featuring over 30 aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage founders. Over four weeks, participants will engage in hands-on coaching, practical workshops, and community-building activities focused on launching or refining scalable ventures.

This year’s program began on May 28 and runs through June 26, culminating in a high-energy Showcase Night where each founder will pitch their startup idea to a live audience of community leaders, partners, and supporters. The event will take place on Thursday, June 26th from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at the Black Business Hub (2352 S. Park St., Madison, WI). The public is welcome to attend, with refreshments provided.

“The Spring 2025 cohort is our largest yet. Over 30 founders spanning industries like tech, food, wellness, education, and the arts,” said Jalen Greenlee, Program Manager for gALPHA Urban League. “It’s inspiring to see how much momentum can be built in just four weeks when people are supported, challenged, and connected to the right resources.”

Urban League of Greater Madison President & CEO Ruben L. Anthony, Jr., Ph.D, adds, “Entrepreneurship is a powerful pathway to generational wealth and community transformation. Through gALPHA Urban League, we are proud to equip aspiring founders, especially those from historically marginalized communities, with the tools, support, and confidence they need to build thriving businesses. This partnership is not just about launching startups. It is about uplifting families, revitalizing neighborhoods, and closing the racial wealth gap in Madison and beyond.”

The Urban League of Greater Madison and gener8tor have joined forces to expand support for entrepreneurs in underserved communities through their gALPHA Urban League program. Backed by a $100,000 Competitive Entrepreneurship Partner Grant (EPG) from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), this partnership aims to provide critical resources, mentorship, and opportunities to help diverse founders launch and grow their businesses.

About gener8tor

gener8tor is a global venture firm and accelerator network that supports startups, workers, employers, artists and musicians across race, place and gender. gener8tor partners with companies, governments, universities and nonprofits to operate programs and conferences in more than 46 communities across 22 states and two countries. Fast Company named gener8tor one of the Best Workplaces for Innovators in 2021 and 2022. The International Trade Council recognized gener8tor as the Global Venture Capital Firm of the Year in 2022.

About The Urban League of Greater Madison

The Urban League of Greater Madison is part of a national movement dedicated to empowering Black and other under-served communities through programs & services, advocacy & civil rights, and community engagement activities. Our work is aimed at increasing opportunity and eliminating racial disparities in education, economic well-being, housing, and other quality of life factors.