Every year, we receive hundreds of applications for the Startup Leadership Program. Only a few are selected. This list of tips & techniques is written to help SLP applicants write better applications and increase their chances of getting selected. Yes, this includes the latest selection criteria list too.

1. How to write a winning application for
The Startup Leadership Program

2. Every year, we receive hundreds of applications but only a
few are selected. While we know that there are a lot of you
who are super leaders, unless your application gives us
some hint of it, it is hard for us to select you.
So we wrote this small piece just for you. So that you
know how.
There are no guarantees, of course. But these tips should
definitely help.
Every year, we receive hundreds of applications but only a
few are selected. While we know that there are a lot of you
who are super leaders, unless your application gives us
some hint of it, it is hard for us to select you.
So we wrote this small piece just for you. So that you
know how.
There are no guarantees, of course. But these tips should
definitely help.

3. Don’t take it all in one go
Limit your first attempt to an hour. Finish up as much as you can.
You know you’ll come back to it later. So no pressure.
Spend 5 - 10 minutes on it each day
Each time, the goal is to improve one little section / paragraph.
Concentrate first on those that reflect on your leadership
qualities. Your bio blurb. Your past achievements. What you want
to do in the future. You get the idea.
Make sure you complete 5 – 6 iterations well before the submission deadline. Don’t
wait for the last day.
Limit your first attempt to an hour. Finish up as much as you can.
You know you’ll come back to it later. So no pressure.
Each time, the goal is to improve one little section / paragraph.
Concentrate first on those that reflect on your leadership
qualities. Your bio blurb. Your past achievements. What you want
to do in the future. You get the idea.
Make sure you complete 5 – 6 iterations well before the submission deadline. Don’t
wait for the last day.

4. We’re looking for leaders, not winning startups
You are our focus at SLP. We do look at your startup, but only
to see the signs of your commitment, passion and leadership.
Make sure that your application reflects these. If you’re good
at something, you should find a way to mention it.
If you have great academic qualifications or other credentials
(published papers, patents, awards, special skills, unusual
hobbies, etc.) make sure to mention them.
Use the optional questions to highlight your strengths
You can’t go wrong when you go that extra mile and use those optional questions to
your advantage!
You are our focus at SLP. We do look at your startup, but only
to see the signs of your commitment, passion and leadership.
Make sure that your application reflects these. If you’re good
at something, you should find a way to mention it.
If you have great academic qualifications or other credentials
(published papers, patents, awards, special skills, unusual
hobbies, etc.) make sure to mention them.
You can’t go wrong when you go that extra mile and use those optional questions to
your advantage!

5. Attend SLP / partner events in your city
Keep an eye out for these events. Use the opportunity to meet SLPians. When we
know you, it works like an extra paragraph that’s added to your application.
Know the evaluation criteria
●
Commitment to startup
●
Leadership achievements
●
Education
●
Startup stage
●
Community building
●
Diversity (Women, minorities, ...)
●
Startup experience
●
Product building
Recommendations carry weight
Yes, they do. Ask your SLPian friends to write a good recommendation for you.
Recommendations from your mentors and fellow entrepreneurs are equally effective.
Use the F6S recommendation system.
Yes, they do. Ask your SLPian friends to write a good recommendation for you.
Recommendations from your mentors and fellow entrepreneurs are equally effective.
Use the F6S recommendation system.
Keep an eye out for these events. Use the opportunity to meet SLPians. When we
know you, it works like an extra paragraph that’s added to your application.
●
Commitment to startup
●
Leadership achievements
●
Education
●
Startup stage
●
Community building
●
Diversity (Women, minorities, ...)
●
Startup experience
●
Product building

6. All the best!
We look forward to seeing your application!We look forward to seeing your application!