Public Service Incubator

Where Purpose Meets Possibility

Ready to turn your calling into your next chapter?

We believe transitions can open doors to new beginnings, even when you didn’t plan for them.

Grounded Idealist is partnering with the Public Value Lab to bring you the Public Value Greenhouse:

A three-month public service incubator designed to help you turn your social impact idea into action.

Public Value Greenhouse: Program Overview

The Public Value Greenhouse was created by a team of displaced federal workers and public servants who, like many of us, faced sudden shifts in their careers, but refused to give up on their calling to make a difference. They knew that the best way to serve was to build something new - something that honors our shared commitment to public service, community, and transformation. Through this program, we seek to cultivate the future of public service and nurture new generations of conscious social innovators.

This is a space for exploration, not just execution. Through a co-created supportive, coaching-centered, and innovation-driven space, this program focuses on both the person and the project. Whether you have a seed of an idea, a social issue you care deeply about, or just a sense that you want to do something meaningful, this program is designed to help you take the next step.

Reconnect with your mission and values.

Deepen your connection to purpose and service by nurturing your inner development and clarifying the change you want to see.

Design, test, and refine your ideas.

Iterate and fine-tune your big idea with guidance from accredited coaches, master facilitators, and a community that gets it.

Pitch and validate your concept.

Strengthen your launch with hands-on practice and feedback from fellow public servants and experienced social entrepreneurs.

Program Details

Whether you have an idea already or just a spark waiting to ignite, the Public Value Greenhouse is here to help you find your next chapter and to build it alongside others who share your passion and commitment to conscious leadership. It’s not required to already have a polished business plan. Just bring your curiosity, passion, and willingness to reflect and learn.

Review the information below carefully, paying special attention to the projected dates of in-person sessions. All in-person sessions will take place in the Washington, DC region, and selected participants should make every effort to be present in person.

Schedule Overview

Schedule Overview

Application Period

Applications will be accepted through July 18th. Applications from existing members of the Grounded Idealist Community will be prioritized; however, all displaced public servants and mission-driven workers are invited to apply.

June 30 - July 18

Participant Selection

Applicants will be notified whether they have been selected to participate in this cohort.

July 21 - July 25

This phase contains two full day in-person sessions:

  • One day during the week of July 28 - August 1

  • One day during the week of August 11 - 15.

Through guided assessments and rooted reflections, participants will engage in a discovery process that allows them to clarify their inner development goals and ground their mission in their purpose.

July 28 - August 15

Phase 1: Discovery and Clarity

Phase 2: Design and Testing

This phase will occur asynchronously.

Through virtual group coaching sessions, community engagement, and guided strategic activities, participants will develop their initial social enterprise design.

August 18 - September 18

Phase 3: Refinement and Validation

This phase contains two full day in-person sessions:

  • One day during the week of September 22 - 26,

  • One day during the week of October 13 - 17.

Through continued coaching and in-person workshops, participants will hone their pitch and receive critical feedback that allows them to refine and validate their idea, turning values into action.

September 22 - October 17

Program Cost

Full Price: $3500

Special Offer for Displaced Workers: $500

This cohort is being offered at a significantly reduced price of $500 for displaced public service and social sector workers in the Grounded Idealist Community (if you’re not already a member, you can still sign up here!)

A limited number of partial scholarships are available for displaced workers who are unable to pay the $500 fee. Please see application for details.

Applications are open!

Click below to learn more and apply by July 18th.

Together, let’s turn layoffs into launchpads!