StoryLab 🎥
Your pitch isn't landing. Your story is why.
You’ve been doing the work. You’ve been showing up. But the grant applications come back rejected. The pitch deck doesn’t get a callback. The cold emails go unanswered. People nod politely when you tell them what you do — and then forget five minutes later. Let’s fix that.
You're Not Alone in This
You’re not the only founder whose pitch got polite “great idea, not for us right now” responses. You’re not the only one whose grant application came so close – but still rejected.
Here’s what we’ve learned after running StoryLab with hundreds of founders: it’s almost never the product. It’s almost never the market. It’s the language. The way you talk about your work isn’t pulling people in — and you can’t see it from the inside.
That’s what StoryLab fixes.
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What it is & What you get
StoryLab is a free, virtual cohort for BIPOC and women founders who are tired of being misunderstood. Over 4 weeks, you’ll create a pitch that finally make people get it — and want in. Here’s what you’ll walk away with:
✅ A powerful founder pitch that gets people to say 'yes!'
You'll walk away with a powerful pitch you can use for grant applications, pitch decks, sales pitches - basically any time someone asks "so, what do you actually do?" One pitch, written once, that helps you close deals for years.
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See what founders are creating at StoryLab
Every founder that successfully completes the StoryLab program walks away with a pitch video like the ones you see below. We’ve worked with founders building everything from mutual aid networks to food brands, tech platforms, and arts organizations. Could you be next?
Who this is for...
✅ You’re a BIPOC founder, woman founder, nonprofit leader, or project builder
✅ You're tired of grant applications that don't convert
✅ You're tired of pitches and conversations that don't land
✅ You know your work is impactful — you just can't get others to see it
✅ You can commit 1 hour a week for 4 weeks, plus for self-paced work
You don’t need a marketing team. You don’t need “perfect branding.” You just need a quiet hour each week, a willingness to share, and the courage to rewrite the way you talk about what you’ve built. If this sounds like you, StoryLab is for you!
Our 4 Virtual Weeks Together
Week 1 — understanding
We'll learn about basic storytelling theory and try an exercise to apply it to a real story.
Week 2 — develop
Together, we shape your basic story arc —what to include, what to leave out —so you can leave with a rough draft of your story.
Week 3 — create a pitch
We turn your rough draft into a polished version that can be spoken aloud in 5 minutes.
* practice week
A week to live with your story. Read it out loud. Time yourself. Adjust the parts that feel stiff so it sounds natural when you eventually share it.
Week 4 — showcase + Celebration
The cohort comes together one last time. Each founder shares their pitch story live. We record the session on Zoom and send you your clip. That's the moment you can point to when someone asks how you got clear about your work.
Apply Now
🔸 4 live weeks + 1 self-paced practice week
🔸 A pitch story you'll keep using for years
🔸 Access to Our AI story Coach (Jellybot)
🔸 1 hour per week commitment for 4 weeks
🔸 $1,500+ value - free if selected
🔸 Application deadline: June 3rd 2026
Only 10 spots per cohort. Next cohort starts soon. Send in your application, and you will be notified if you’ve been selected. This program is free – The only cost is your commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: I'm not sure I have a "story." Does this still work for me?
A: Most founders who apply feel exactly that way. The truth is, you have a story — you just haven't found the words for it yet. Week 1 is designed to help you discover that. Almost every founder leaves their first session saying "oh, I had no idea that was going to happen."
Q: What if my problem isn't really storytelling — what if my pitch deck or website just isn't getting me any traction or converting?
A: That's usually the same problem in disguise. Most of the time, the deck or website isn't pulling people in because the underlying language isn't connecting. Fix the story and the deck, the website, the cold outreach, and the grant applications all start working better.
Q: What do I need to be ready for this program?
A: Just a willingness to share. The work happens during your live calls — show up with an open mind, a laptop with Zoom and Google Docs, and one song that means something to you for Week 1.
Q: Who can apply?
A: StoryLab is for BIPOC founders and women founders running a business, nonprofit, or community project. Early-stage or years in, both work — as long as you're actively building.
Q: Who gives me feedback?
A: Your coach, your peers, and our AI story coach (Jellybot). All feedback is constructive.
Q: Does it cost anything?
A: No. StoryLab is 100% free for selected applicants.
Q: Will everyone walk away with a story?
A: Everyone who completes the program — showing up to all 4 live calls and submitting their drafts — walks away with a finished 5-minute story and the Zoom recording of their showcase reading.
Q: What's the commitment?
A: 1 hour per week for 4 weeks of live calls, plus a self-paced practice week between Weeks 3 and 4. Total active time: about 5-7 hours across 5 weeks.
Q: Can I participate from anywhere?
A: Yes. StoryLab is fully virtual. We welcome founders across regions and time zones (calls run on Eastern Time).
Run StoryLab for Your Community
We partner with accelerators, incubators, entrepreneur support organizations, campus hubs, and funders to bring StoryLab to their founders as a private cohort.
Your founders get:
The same 4-week pitch-crafting journey A pitch story to use in applications, sales pitches, and content A shared experience that strengthens your founder community
You get: More confident, articulate founders A signature programming moment for your accelerator/incubator Story content you can spotlight across your channels
What Founders Are Saying about StoryLab
◉ Aisha M., Entrepreneur
"Participating in Jelly Social's StoryLab cohort was a transformative experience. I’ve applied to two grants with my new story — both funders finally got it. And they said yes."
◉ David K., Small Business Owner
"The program was exactly what I needed. The genuine feedback and encouragement helped me connect with my story on a deeper level. I'm now more confident than ever sharing my story with everyone."
◉ Carlos L., Marketing Professional
"The supportive atmosphere made it easy to open up and share my story. I've connected with amazing people who continue to inspire me and share my pitch to their networks. Thank you for the opportunity!"
