Boerne ISD Incubator.edu Mentor Match Day at Das GreenHaus
On October 8th, Das GreenHaus hosted the annual Mentor Match Day for Boerne ISD’s Incubator.edu Program, an inspiring event that brought together talented students and dedicated community mentors to form dynamic teams for the 2024-2025 school year. Nearly 60 students, mentors, and volunteers connected, brainstormed, and explored exciting new business ideas.
Unlike previous years, this Mentor Match Day empowered students by allowing them to select the mentors who they felt would best fit their projects and teams. Mentors moved from team to team in a “speed-dating” style, giving students a chance to experience each mentor’s strengths and expertise, ensuring a meaningful match for success. This shift has made the program more student-centered, allowing young entrepreneurs to build a strong support system. It was a day of innovation, collaboration, and community spirit that left everyone energized for the journey ahead.
Each of the 11 student teams presented a concise 1-2 minute pitch, describing the problem they aim to solve, their product, and future goals. Mentors then engaged with teams, asking questions, offering new perspectives, and providing strategies to help elevate their concepts. The mentors’ diverse industry experience offered invaluable feedback and sparked fresh ideas and new ways of seeing each product and business.
Having a quality mentor during a high school incubator program is a game-changer for young entrepreneurs. A great mentor not only gives students real-world business insights and helps them work through challenges, but they also encourage them to think outside the box. This support builds their confidence as they pitch ideas and make decisions, knowing they have someone with experience to guide them. The relationship also helps students develop crucial skills—like problem-solving and communication—that they’ll use far beyond the program. A quality mentor doesn’t just teach; they inspire students to see what’s possible and empower them to think critically as they make the big decisions.
After the event, mentor and student evaluations were reviewed to create the ideal team matches. This pivotal step sets each team on a path of creativity and innovation, as they meet regularly with their mentors over the semester to refine their ideas for pitch night.
Thanks to the generous support of Boerne-based photographer, Melissa Lindsey, owner of The Marvelous Mrs. Lindsey Photography, every incubator student, intern, and teacher had the opportunity to receive professional headshots during the Mentor Match Day event. This initiative not only strengthens our professional image but also builds a deeper connection between Incubator.edu and our sponsors, fostering a sense of community and support.
A high-quality headshot is essential for student entrepreneurs as they begin developing their personal brand and establishing credibility with potential customers, investors, and the broader community. It serves as their first impression, showcasing professionalism and commitment to their ventures. We’re so grateful to Melissa Lindsey, founder of The Marvelous Mrs. Lindsey Photography, for her dedication to helping us look our best as we take our first steps into the professional world.
We are incredibly grateful to our mentors for the time, energy, and expertise they pour into our incubator teams. Their commitment is the foundation of this program’s success, guiding students as they learn, grow, and tackle real-world business challenges. As each team moves forward, they’ll refine their ideas, dig into market research, and evaluate the potential of their product—steps that will shape their entrepreneurial journey. We can’t wait to see the innovative solutions they develop and the impact they’ll make. This journey wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of our mentors, and together, we’re building a bright future for these young entrepreneurs!
