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Learn about the types of grants that Kickstart offers.
Two Baseline Requirements:
Two Baseline Requirements:
No matter what kind of grant you're applying to, we'll always look to make sure you have these two things. Each grant has additional requirements on top of these baseline requirements.
*Please see eligibility specifics below for full requirements.*
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1. You're a UGA student
1. You're a UGA student
You must be a current University of Georgia student (undergrad or graduate), and you need to own no less of your company than any other founder.
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2. You're serious about it
2. You're serious about it
Side hustles are wonderful, but they are 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.
Types of Grants
Types of Grants
$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 and show us that they are likely to buy your product
$1,000 - $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 plan to scale and grow
You have either completed a startup accelerator OR your company has generated some revenue
$5,000 - $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, demonstrated growth since your last pitch
You have a competing need for capital
Application Timeline
We strive to be as transparent as possible at every step.
Step 1:
Apply
Our application is quick, easy, and should take no more than 15 minutes.
What you need:
What you need:
✅ Information about your company
✅ Background on the opportunity
Timeline:
Timeline:
We'll let you know within 2-5 business days if you advance to an initial pitch
Step 2:
Initial Pitch
An initial pitch is a pre-recorded video presentation, prepared by you and (at most) 10 minutes long. Your initial pitch is reviewed by 2-3 members of the fund.
What you need:
What you need:
✅ Updated pitch deck
✅ Ability to record and present
Timeline:
Timeline:
We'll let you know within 2-5 business days after you submit your pitch whether or not you advance to a final pitch, providing feedback or areas of clarification we'd like for you to address.
Step 3:
Final Pitch
The final pitch is a 30-minute formal presentation and Q+A in front of the entire fund, in-person at Correll Hall.
What you need:
What you need:
✅ Finalized pitch deck
✅ Presentation preparation
Timeline:
Timeline:
We'll let you know within 1-2 business days if your company has received funding.
Pitch Tips:
How to Nail Your Pitch
Kickstart offers resources to aid prospective applicants in the process of applying and pitching. When in doubt, reach out! We are here to help.
Share your Story
Share your Story
Why did you decide to start this business? How are you connected to the problem that you are solving?
Know your Customer
Know your Customer
Who is the ideal buyer for your product or service? Of these buyers, who have you talked to about this product? Why are they likely to buy it - and how can you prove this?
Come Prepared
Come Prepared
If your business is already generating revenue, come prepared with information about your finances.
Keep us Updated
Keep us Updated
If you make changes to your presentation, please send us your most up-to-date version as soon as possible!
The 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.
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.
Students must be materially involved in the operations of the business and possess no less equity than any single individual owner.
Kickstart will strive to honor the size of funding requests, but we reserve 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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