The problem
Entrepreneurship remains difficult to access for people who lack technical knowledge, startup networks, capital or a traditional founder background. Plenty of capable people never get a first step.
About One Million Small Startups
Making it possible to start, for people who were never given the tools.
One Million Small Startups is a launch-stage 501(c)(3) nonprofit helping aspiring founders learn to use AI, software and modern startup tools to turn ideas into working businesses.
At a glance
- Status
- Launch-stage 501(c)(3) nonprofit
- EIN
- 88-1253404
- First program
- Founder Builder Program · in development
- First pilot region
- Chicagoland
- Cohorts delivered
- None yet
The opportunity
AI-assisted development and modern software tools dramatically lower the technical barrier to building and testing a new business. Work that once required a team and a budget is now within reach of a determined beginner.
The OMS2 response
Make those capabilities accessible through structured nonprofit education and startup support, beginning with a free Founder Builder pilot for first-time and nontechnical founders.
Current stage
Where we are today
OMS2 has established its nonprofit foundation and is now developing the Founder Builder curriculum, recruiting mentors and instructors, building Chicagoland partnerships and raising the funding required to deliver a first free cohort.
No cohort has run. There is no claimed participant count, no completed program, no funded startup, no confirmed sponsor roster and no reported impact. Milestones are published as they are reached.
Explore the Founder Builder ProgramLong-term vision
A pipeline, not a single program.
OMS2 helps people move from consumers of technology to builders of businesses. The long-term mission is to help create the conditions for one million small startups—an ambition that shapes the work, not a current operating target or counter.
01
Skills
Founders learn AI, software and startup fundamentals they can apply immediately.
02
Prototypes
Ideas become working products a real customer can try.
03
Startups
Validated prototypes turn into businesses with first customers.
04
Accelerator
The strongest founders get deeper, longer support.
05
Ecosystem
Mentors, partners, funders and institutions make the region easier to start in.
06
Expansion
What works is replicated in additional regions over time.
Leadership and governance
Who is accountable.
Founder and executive leadership
This information will be published as governance documentation is finalized.
Board of Directors
This information will be published as governance documentation is finalized.
Program leadership
This information will be published as governance documentation is finalized.
Advisors
This information will be published as governance documentation is finalized.
Governance documents
These documents will be published as governance documentation is finalized:
- IRS determination letter
- Conflict-of-interest policy
- Related-party transaction policy
- Latest Form 990 or 990-N
- Annual report