ICSB Academy Cup

In-Person • Washington DC• June 28 – July 1 2026

Entrepreneurship 2026

Getting started in a new world

The International Council for Small Business (ICSB) is delighted to invite you to our 10th annual ICSB Academy in Washington. This intensive boot camp gathers students from around the world together for an experience designed to challenge, stimulate, and build entrepreneurial skills. Based on the philosophy that organizations, including businesses, exist to meet the needs of our communities and society, and grounded in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the Academy will emphasize the bottom line: Profit, People, and Planet.

Let's invent the future together.

  • Washington embodies the entrepreneurial spirit of our mission. ICSB Academy participants can explore the Washington, D.C., entrepreneurial ecosystem through site visits and international networking events.
  • You will have the opportunity to meet with policymakers, entrepreneurs, and leading faculty to discover the challenges facing society and actively build a more humane future for business.
What to Expect

The ICSB Academy is more than just a program—it’s a launchpad for tomorrow’s entrepreneurial leaders. Participants will:

  • Engage in interactive workshops and mentorship sessions with global experts
  • Visit local entrepreneurial sites and innovation hubs
  • Network with students from around the world
  • Connect with Womenpreneurs, Researchers, Marketplace leaders, and Policymakers during the World Congress
  • Compete in a high-energy final pitch competition with awards and recognition

Tentative Itinerary:

Sunday, June 28 – Welcome Reception, Start-Up Ideation & Explore D.C.
Arrival, team-building, and Pizza Night

Monday, June 29 – Academy Day 1
Orientation, workshops, and site visits

Tuesday, June 30 – Academy Day 2
Joint Opening Ceremony with World Congress, Academy breakout sessions, and cross-program networking

Wednesday, July 1 – Final Day
Academy Pitch Competition, closing ceremony, and awards

Investment & Logistics:

  • Estimated Program Fee: $1200-$1600, depending on lodging option selected (see below)
    Includes meals, workshops, local transportation, and program materials
  • Accommodation: Discounted group rates available at the Congress hotel

This is your opportunity to connect with like-minded innovators, gain hands-on entrepreneurial experience, and become part of a global network committed to creating positive change through enterprise.

 

Option One (Regular Hotel Stay)

June 28 – Jul 2, 2026

Option Two (Academy Student Hotels)

June 28 – Jul 2, 2026

Academy Registration (student fee)

$500

$500

On-Campus Hotel with Breakfast (double occupancy) for 5 nights

$750

N/A

On-Campus Hotel for Academy Students Special Rate (Double or 4 per room Occupancy)

N/A

The Hive Hotel (click here for special rates)

The River Inn (4 per room Click here for special rate)

Meal Card (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

$250 (breakfast at the hotel)

$300 ($60/Day)

Transportation (not including airport transfer)

Included in Academy Fee

Included in Academy Fee

Gala Dinner

$100 (discounted)

$100 (discounted)

Total

$1600

Depends on Hotel Choice

Departure Date

Jul 2, 2026

Jul 2, 2026

 

Academy Objectives

Academy Approach

Past ICSB Academies

2023 Academy hosted in Gwangju, Korea
2022 Academy hosted in Washington DC, USA
2021 Academy hosted in Paris, France