Deluxe E-ternship Program - Entrepreneurs

Applications to Host an E-tern for Fall 2026 are Open Now through Sept. 11th. 

Companies looking to hire an intern on their own can view our Startup Job Board. 

• Test students' interest and capability in an early-stage innovative venture
• Support students in gaining first-hand exposure to an entrepreneur as they build their businesses
• Apply students’ coursework in a real-world environment 

• Provide early-stage companies with student resources
• Encourage mentorship opportunities and experience in bringing on new team members
• Support the overall growth of the Twin Cities Entrepreneurial community by providing resources and expertise
• Reducing the financial burden of hiring on early stage companies. 

• Companies must have cross-functional projects available. These projects can range from market research to evaluation of new products, services, or markets to business planning to support the launch of a new venture.
• Commitment to hosting a student intern through the course of the Deluxe E-ternship Program, providing at least 10-15 hours/week worth of work over the length of the semester.
• Companies must be entrepreneurial and/or place a high value on innovation. Students are expected to with closely with leadership. 
• Financial commitment to jointly funding the student intern at a rate of $15.33/hour for 10-15 hours/week- shared cost with Gary S. Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship.
• The Deluxe E-ternship program is only offered in the Fall and Spring semesters (September - May).

• Students will be hired by the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management, and paired with external companies for the semester. This process allows for the Deluxe E-ternship to be available for both international and non-international Twin Cities undergraduate students.
• The program coordinator will facilitate all HR requirements, and students will submit hours through the University of Minnesota HR system. Companies may request timesheet reports.
• The participating entrepreneurial company and the Gary S. Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship will jointly fund the internship. The commitment of $15.33/hour is split between the company and Holmes Center for up to 165 hours. The Holmes Center will bill companies for their portion of the wages at the end of the semester. Any hours worked over 165 will be billed to the company at full compensation.