The $ide Hustle Challenge is for anyone ready to test their creativity—whether you already have a side hustle or are looking to start your first one.
This challenge gives you the chance to take that next step in a fun, supportive environment. Ready to make it happen?
Side Hustle: An informal term for a job or business undertaken in addition to a primary job or source of income, often to supplement income or pursue a passion
$ide Hustle Challenge Kickoff
4-6pm
🎨🚀 Elevate your Side Hustle with our Boothing & Branding Workshop! 🛠️ On April 11th, discover everything you need for a standout Semi-final submission and master the marketing skills for Irvine Tech Week. 💡 Learn from the pros on how to present and promote your innovative ideas. Don’t miss this key step to making your project shine!
Deadline to Enter
The entry form is the first requirement to remain eligible for the Final Market Place, and any prizes that will be awarded that day.
Not all workshops are mandatory so please make sure you keep a note of the workshops and coaching sessions that are required by looking at the timeline below.
Mandatory Finance & Legal Workshop 4-6pm
📊 Dive into side hustle essentials at our Mandatory Finance and Legal Workshop.
Whether you join us in-person or virtual, this session is key to your success and eligibility in the challenge.
Learn REAL financial skills and legal know-hows that will empower your venture now and in the future. 💼
Week 4 Mandatory Coaching Session
We are making our way thorugh the competition. WOOHOO!
This coaching session is intended to help you solidify your Side Hustle Idea for the challenge. Our Coaches will guide the ideation process and give you the next steps.
If you have a side hustle already we will tailor the session as needed to make sure you are supported and grow in this challenge.
Book a session through the link or drop by during walk-in hours! 🚀
Unable to make an appointment? Join us for Walk-In Hours Tuesday 1-4pm
*Required to remain eligible
Mandatory Finance/LegalWorkshop
12-1pm
🌟 Dive into the digital age with our Social Media/UGC Workshop!
For those eager to explore the world of influencing, from affiliations to user-generated content, this workshop is for you.🎥
Learn best practices and discover how to monetize your presence on social media platforms. Transform your digital footprint into a revenue stream! 📱
This is your chance to connect with our guest speaker and ask as many questions as possible!
See you there💥
Week 6 Mandatory Coaching Session
We are making our way through the competition. WOOHOO!
This coaching session is intended to give you the support, clarity, and resources to solidify your idea and begin prepping for your elevator pitch submission.
Whether you have questions, need direction, or just want to brainstorm, you can meet with a mentor in person or virtually! ✨
Book a session through the link or drop by during walk-in hours! 🚀
Unable to make an appointment? Join us for Walk-In Hours Tuesday 1-4pm
*Required to remain eligible
E-Commerce Workshop
💡🛒Ready to sell products or services online? Join our E-commerce/Sales Workshop!
In this workshop our guest speaker will be sharing which online platforms are best for the different types of side hustles. How to
Whether you are selling art on etsy, e-courses on shopify, or shoes on Ebay, you will leave this workshop confident to setup your online store!🌐🚀
Elevator Pitch Due @ 11:59pm
This is your time to sell us on your idea! Your Elevator Pitch should be more than 30 seconds and less than 2 minutes long. This does not require sildes or production.
Keep it simple and authentic 🙂
- Why you chose this side hustle (backstory),
- What are you selling (product/service),
- Who do you want to sell to
- Why you should make it to the next round.
- Maximum pitch video length 2 minutes
You can find examples of previous pitches here
E-Commerce Workshop 5-6pm
🛒💡 Ready to turn clicks into customers? Join our E-commerce/Sales Workshop! 🚀🌐 Learn the essentials of creating and selling online, from e-commerce foundations to best sales practices. Whether you’re launching a product or service, we’ll equip you with the tools for online success. Perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs ready to conquer the digital marketplace!
The Final Marketplace
🎉Our Side Hustlers will be showcasing their new business art our flea market type of finale!
Bring all your friends, family, classmates and more to come checkpout and support our ANTrepreneurs.
Side Hustlers have the opportunity to win free swag, domains, prize moeny and more! ☀️
Don’t forget to RSVP so we get enough food!
What is the $ide Hustle Challenge?
The $ide Hustle Challenge is for anyone ready to test their creativity—whether you already have a side hustle or are looking to start your first one.
We meticulously structured this challeneg to nurture the entrepreneurial journey from ideation to reality:
- Initial Workshops: Foundational workshops on financial management, legal considerations, monetizing user-generated content, e-commerce strategies and more are lead by amazing leaders in their respective industry are meant to set participants up with the proper knowledge to begin the challenge!
- All of the workshops are made available not only to the participants, but also to the public on this page.
- Development and Mentoring: Students refine their side hustle ideas with guidance from experienced mentors and utilize resources such as 3D printers and laser cutters in the ANTrepreneur Center’s mini maker room. Mentorship is a great free resouce for unique one on one guidance.
- Walk in’s are available M-F 11am – 4pm
- Options to book meetings Here
- Mini Maker Space is open for walk in’s: More Info Here
- The Final $ide Hustle Marketplace on May 28th from 12:00pm – 5:00pm: The challenge culminates with a public marketplace event where participants showcase and sell their products, turning theoretical business ideas into practical, operational ventures. This event is open to the community, and we are hoping for hundreds of attendees.
Who Can Participate?
Open to Students, Staff, Faculty & Alumni. Max 3 teammates
**If you are an International Student you need to talk with us, as there are guidlines we have to be mindful of as you continue throughout this challenege **
Why Participate?
- Hands-on Experience: From launching your idea to managing finances, gain practical skills in entrepreneurship.
- Cross-Disciplinary Engagement: Connect with students from all fields of study and foster collaboration.
- Community Marketplace: Showcase and sell your products or services at our finale marketplace event, open to the community.
- Expert Guidance: Attend workshops and receive mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs and industry professionals.
If you don’t participate, come support your ANTrepreneurs!
“Side hustles are a way to gain more freedom outside of traditional corporate life. there is less pressure to build a team, and you get to monetize your passions and stay true to what makes you happy.”
– Stef Rios
Program Coordinator
UCI ANTrepreneur Center