Scholarship to Attend AIA’s Business Academy

This program is a high-impact, strategic bootcamp. Struggling to scale, communicate your value proposition, or implement a sustainable business strategy? Leading an architecture firm takes more than great design—it requires strategic vision, strong leadership, and business acumen to strengthen your value proposition, build a high-performing team, and ensure long-term success.

AIA Business Academy consists of four intensive, hands-on sessions—two virtual and two in-person. You’ll learn from top MBA university professors as they guide you in developing a strategic plan that aligns with your firm’s value proposition, adapts to market shifts, and drives measurable long-term success.

  • Registration Fee: $5,799*
  • Partial Hotel Reimbursement: Up to $250.00 per night**

    *Registration reimbursement is for the “Basic Program” and does not include any credit card or service fees. Any upgrades or modifications are at the recipient’s expense. An initial payment award of $1,500.00 will be provided to the recipient upon selection. The remaining funds will be dispersed at the completion of the program. If for any reason recipient is unable to complete the entirety of the program, including attendance at all four sessions, recipient is responsible for returning the initial $1,500.00 payment. A certificate of completion and hotel receipts must be submitted. Recipient is responsible for arranging and paying for travel to/from San Diego and Washington, DC.

    **Overnight accommodations include one night per in-person session (two in total over the course of the Academy.) Reimbursement will be up to, but not to exceed, $250.00 per stay. Recipient is responsible for any additional costs.
  • Available to a small firm principal (10 architects or fewer) or sole practitioner
  • Applicant must be with the same firm for a minimum of 2 years
  • Applicant must have been a member of AIANYS for at minimum of 5 consecutive years
  • Letter of recommendation from an AIA New York State member in good standing
  • An essay of at least 500 words answering the following questions:
    • Why do you want this scholarship?
    • How would receiving this help your career?
    • What do you plan to do with what you will learn?

Recipients will be required to “give back” to AIANYS with one of the following:

  • Join an AIANYS task force
  • Spearhead a small firm discussion group
  • Make a presentation at an AIANYS conference
  • Join small firm exchange
  • Become a mentor

March 3, 2026

2025 Application – Attend AIA’s Business Academy

Please complete the following application to be considered for the Scholarship to Attend AIA’s Business Academy. Founded in 2025, AIA New York State is funding one small firm practitioner to attend the Business Academy.


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Applicant's Name(Required)
AIA Designation(Required)

Applicant's Preferred email address(Required)
Local Chapter(Required)

Letter of Recommendation from AIANYS Member

A one-page letter that focuses on one or two aspects of the applicant’s accomplishments related to the scholarship. Please be sure and read the scholarship description carefully. Letters should be explicit in their recommendation and contain specific reasons for support. Letters must be signed by the nominator and on professional letterhead.
Max. file size: 20 MB.

Personal Essay

An essay of at least 500 words answering the following questions: 1. Why do you want this scholarship? 2. How would receiving this help your career? 3. What do you plan to do with what you will learn?
Max. file size: 20 MB.
If selected to receive this scholarship, which "give back" item to AIANYS do you plan to fulfill?(Required)