Every business has a beginning. Every beginning has a story.
Your story could be one of the 20.
Behind every business is a story.
The idea. The risk. The moment you wondered if you should quit. And the reason you kept going.
The International School of Story is searching for 20 entrepreneurs whose journeys will be featured in the inaugural, professionally published Startup Stories of Hope anthology.
We’re looking for the story that needs to be told.
No huge business required.
You don’t need millions in revenue or thousands of followers.
No perfect journey required.
The obstacles and setbacks are part of the story.
No writing credentials required.
You don’t need to consider yourself a writer.
You simply need a real story.
Somewhere, another entrepreneur may be standing where you once stood. Your story could be the hope they need.
Submit your story.
Your submission contribution supports the nonprofit work of the International School of Story and gives you the opportunity to submit your entrepreneurial story for consideration.
Pay $25 & enter →Submission does not guarantee selection or publication.
What happens after I pay?
Watch your inbox for complete submission instructions and your online story-submission link.
- Story guidelines and writing prompts
- Word-count and submission guidelines
- Photo and bio requirements
- Submission deadline and official guidelines
Then it’s time to tell your story.
What story should I tell?
We want the real journey, not simply your business résumé. Start with a moment that changed you.
Where did the idea begin?
What made you finally say yes?
What almost stopped you?
Who believed in you?
What failure taught you something important?
When did things begin to change?
What does success mean to you now?
What would you tell someone ready to give up?
The Startup Stories
of Hope 20.
After submissions close, stories will be reviewed for authenticity, transformation, hope, impact, storytelling, and alignment with the mission. Twenty stories are intended to be selected.
Selected stories will be professionally edited for the first anthology, published by Marigold Press Books. Contributors will be celebrated through International School of Story platforms and at the launch experience.
Then we bring the stories to life.
Startup Stories of Hope LIVE
Turn your story into impact.
A special gathering of entrepreneurs, storytellers, community leaders, and supporters. Part workshop. Part storytelling experience. Part celebration. And the official launch of the 2027 anthology.
Find your story · Discover your message · Use your voice · Create impact
A fundraiser with a purpose.
The International School of Story helps people find, develop, preserve, and share their stories and voices for impact. Your contribution supports that work and helps discover entrepreneurial Voices of Hope.
Your contribution does not guarantee selection or publication. It does help another story move forward.
Maybe you started at your kitchen table.
Maybe someone told you it would never work.
Maybe you failed the first time.
Maybe you’re still building.
We’re looking for real stories.
Someone needs to know what you know now. Someone needs your story.
Yes, I want to submit my story →$25 story submission · After payment, watch your inbox for instructions.