FAQ

- - 2025 InventOR Innovation Development Grant & Use Agreement (to be completed by Team Financial Lead)
  - PSU Foundation Prototyping Grant Agreement (to be completed by Team Financial Lead)
  - W-9 (with SSN or EIN*) or W-8**.

* Teams may also use LLC or S Corp information if previously established.

**An individual who is a U.S. non-resident alien (not a U.S. citizen, and does not meet the IRS requirements to be a U.S. resident alien), please complete a W-8BEN

- - 2025 InventOR Prize Agreement (to be completed by Team Financial Lead)

Who needs to sign the forms?

Each team will designate one team member to be the “Team Financial Lead. ” This person is responsible for completing the necessary forms* to receive the grant funds and will be responsible for purchasing the necessary supplies and services and retain all receipts in a safe place.

*If you have an LLC or S Corp, or other business structure established, the financial role should be matched with the team member who is on all the paperwork, bank account, etc. For more clarification, contact cefinances@pdx.edu.

Who can help me with finance questions?

Please contact the InventOR Finance team at - cefinances@pdx.edu or ThomLark@pdx.edu

What do I need to submit with the Direct Deposit Authorization Form?

When designating a Checking Account a canceled check or a Direct Deposit Slip is required. When designating a Savings Account a deposit slip is required. More info available on the Start Guide Page.

How do I access my team folder?

When you have signed you Grant Use Agreement you will receive access to a 2025 Team Finance Folders that will contain the following:

- Receipts Folder
- Expense Log (Google Sheets)

This folder will be your home base to track all of your expenses and receipts.

How do I create a digital signature

This YouTube tutorial can help you create a PDF accepted signature on a Mac.

Do I need to create a budget?

Each team is required to develop a program budget, reviewed and approved, by the mentor prior to funds being distributed. Spending should be consistent with the budget, but exact dollar amounts for individual line items can and will vary.

Why do I need to track expenses?

Use of grant money is ment to propel your prototyping process and prepare you for growth of a startup/company. Failure to provide correct receipts and/or documentation may result in Invent Oregon requesting a return of funds.

How do I submit receipts?

Receipts need to be logged and submitted in your team folder in PDF form. Additional Receipt information is available here.

How much of the budget can be used for marketing?

20% of the overall budget can be used on marketing. This includes apparel, marketing software, marketing collateral, etc. If you are purchasing apparel, please make sure to list every single person's name that is receiving apparel.

Is there a spending cap on single purchases?

Any purchase over $100 needs pre-approval from your advisor.

Is there a naming convention for receipts?

Please use (TeamName_File#) and the link it to your spreadsheet entry. Additional expense reporting information is available here.

What types of things can be expensed?

Each team will have unique spending requirements, therefore, please work with your mentor/ InventOR Advisor to develop a spending plan. Some examples of possible expenditures are: component parts, materials, tools, website landing pages, signage/ banners, presentation materials, business cards, refreshments for focus groups, team member travel costs, trade shows, and team meetings. For clarification on approved expenses, ask your InventOR Advisor, or contact Stacey Hoshimiya directly (shoshimi@pdx.edu).

How much of our budget can be used for food?

10% of the overall budget can be used on food during team meetings. In the description part of the spreadsheet: make sure to include every team member that was present at the meeting.

Are there things I can’t spend money on?

All expenditures must be consistent with the budget(s) and directly related to the development of the team prototype. Any spending to the contrary might be deemed unallowable. In addition, Invent Oregon does not allow any funds to be spent on charitable or political contributions. Any fines or late fees do not qualify for reimbursement either. If you are unsure if a purchase qualifies, reach out ot your InventOR Advisor for approval before making the purchase. Grant Spending Guidelines can be found HERE

What do I do with leftover money?

At the end of the InventOR competition, any unused grant funds will need to be returned to the PSU Foundation. Therefore, we encourage teams to use all grant funds. Consider investing in a digital prototype software to create dynamic 3D media for your booth, and/or a 3D printer. Or ask your InventOR Advisor for other suggestions.

How can I schedule meetings with my InventOR Advisor?

For availability, please click the Calendar Link for your InventOR Advisor, or reach out to them dircetly by email. Contact info and Links here.

FINALS

When are the 2025 Finals?

The Invent Oregon Finals is on June 27th, 2025. Get FREE Tickets Here.

Where are the 2025 Finals?

Finals will be held at University of Portland in Portland, OR

How are we being judged?

The Judging Rubric is based on the following criteria: Prototype (50% of overall score), Pitch (20% of overall score), Progress (20% of overall score), Impact (10% of overall score). More information about the 2025 InventOR Finals and Judging Guidelines here.

What is the competition timeline?

2025 InventOR Bootcamp Schedule available here.

2025 InventOR Finals Timeline available here.

What do I need to prepare for the judges?

All infomation can be found here: 2025 InventOR Finals Overview.

What are we presenting to the public?

Your 5 Minute Pitch and 3 Hour Prototype Exhibition will be open to the public.

Can our friends and family watch?

Yes!! We encourage you to invite your support circle! 2025 InventOR Finals will take place on June 27th at the University of Portland in Portland, OR. Get your FREE tickets here!

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