Grant Information

Applying for a Grant

Learn about grant types Kickstart has to offer,
and what is needed for each one.

General Eligibility

Two Baseline Requirements

No matter what kind of grant you're applying to, we'll always look to make sure you have these things. Each grant has additional requirements on top of these baseline requirements.

*See Eligbility Specifics for Full Requirements*

speed

1. You're a UGA student

You need to be a current University of Georgia student and you need to own no less of your company than any other founder.

bolt

2. You can scale

Side hustles are awesome, but not the kind of businesses we invest in. It's important to us that you have a serious interest in pursuing this business full-time, and this business can scale.

$500 - $1,000

Starter Grant

A starter grant is perfect for anyone looking to get a business idea off the ground. While there are no firm requirements beyond the baseline, we look for the following:

  • You are capable of executing the business idea
  • You can describe to us who your customer is
Apply Now
$1,000 to $5,000

Regular Grant

A regular grant is designed for businesses that are already off the ground. In addition to everything we look for in a starter grant recipient, there are two firm requirements:

  • You have a clear, demonstrated plan to scale
  • You have either completed a startup accelerator OR you've generated consistent revenue
Apply Now
$5,000 to $10,000

Follow-On Grant

Follow on grants are specifically for businesses that have received funding from Kickstart before, and are looking for capital to continue to scale. We look for the following in evaluating follow-on grant applications:

  • Clear, strong growth since your last pitch
  • You have a competing need for capital
Apply Now
Application

Application Timeline

We strive to be as transparent as possible at every step. Regardless of the outcome of each step in our process, you'll be provided with detailed feedback.

Step 1
Apply
Our application is quick, easy, and will take no more than 30 minutes.
What you need
done
Pitch deck (not final)
done
General  information about your company
Timeline
We'll let you know within 2-5 business days if you advance to an initial pitch.
Apply Now
Step 2
Initial Pitch
An initial pitch is a casual 30 minute Zoom presentation and conversation with a 2-3 members of the fund.
What you need
done
Updated Pitch Deck
done
Preparation for a 10-15 minute presentation
Timeline
We'll let you know within 2-5 business days if you advance to a final pitch, and provide you with detailed feedback to incorporate into your pitch.
Step 3
Final Pitch
The final pitch is a 30-minute formal presentation and Q+A in front of the entire fund, in-person in Correll Hall.
What you need
done
Finalized Pitch Deck
done
Preparation for a 10-15 minute presentation
Timeline
We'll let you know within 1-2 business days if you're funded.
Pitch Tips

How to Nail Your Pitch

Kickstart offers some resources to aid prospective applicants in the process of applying and pitching. When in doubt, reach out! We're here to help.

Share your Story

Why did you decide to start this business? How are you connected to the problem that you are solving?

Come Prepared

If your business is already generating revenue, come prepared with information about your finances.

Know your Customer

Who is the ideal buyer for your product or service? Of these buyers, who have you talked to about this product?

Keep us Updated

If you make changes to your presentation, please send us your most up-to-date version as soon as possible?

Fine Print

Eligibility Specifics

Funding from Kickstart is open to any company or organization that has at least one current University of Georgia student as a founder or co-founder.

The Fund will consider applications from graduating students only if the application is submitted at least two months before the date of the student’s commencement.

Applicants can be for-profit or non-profit entities.

No funding will be granted to companies seeking to open a franchise of any larger private or publicly held entity.

The student must be materially involved in the operations of the business and possess no less equity than any single individual owner.

The Fund will strive to honor the size of funding requests, but reserves the right to award partial funding or contingent funding on a case-by-case basis.

Companies are only eligible to receive one grant per academic semester.

Companies are limited to one application per academic semester.

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