Frequently Asked Questions

Within one week, we will schedule an initial pitch if you meet our eligibility requirements. Your initial pitch will consist of a video presentation supported by your pitch deck. You will hear back within one week if you advance to a final pitch, which is a 30-minute in-person formal presentation. More information can be found in the Apply for a Grant tab.

Yes! Kickstart can help new founders through our Starter Grants, specifically for student founders with an executable business idea. This is perfect if you don't have cash flows or have gone through an accelerator/incubator program.

Additionally, we can connect you with UGA's entrepreneurship network, campus organizations, classes, professors, and pitch competitions for additional funding.

Your background and passion for your company or idea is important- we want to know why YOU. Beyond this, we like to see how your company has or will grow: What are past successes? How will you scale in the future? In your pitch, you should also include your "ask," or what you will use the grant funding for. All of this information is also what you should include in your final, in-person pitch.

We highly recommend that applicants look over Kickstart's provided resources found under the Apply for a Grant tab for more information.

After you apply, we will generally reach out within one week about ann initial pitch.

After submitting your initial pitch, we will let you know if you advance to a final pitch within 2-5 business days.

Within 2 days of your final pitch, we will communicate our decision on funding. We will also include detailed feedback, regardless of our decision.

Yes! Please keep in mind that companies can apply only once per semester. However, you can apply multiple times with different companies.

Additionally, companies that have received a Regular Grant are not eligible for a Starter or another Regular Grant. These companies should apply for a Follow-On Grant. 

Companies that have been awarded a Starter Grant can apply for a Regular Grant.

It is important to us that we maintain relations with grant-awarded companies, and we value the opportunity to continue our journey together. Please apply again if you can demonstrate growth from your last pitch and need additional capital!

We would love for you to reapply! After your final pitch, we will be in contact with our grant decision, as well as feedback on your pitch. Keep in mind that companies can only apply for funding once per semester, which allows for time to strengthen your pitch for when you reapply!

We are excited you're interested in joining the Fund!

First and foremost, we identify what applicants would be able to contribute based on their backgrounds. This is important for committee placements.

We also look for academically strong students with entrepreneurial backgrounds, such as classes, the certificate, and/or involvement in UGA ENTR. However, this is not a requirement- if you believe you can contribute, apply!

Finally, applicants should be familiar with Kickstart, whether through attending info sessions, being involved in the entrepreneurship ecosystem, or simply asking questions.

More information can be found in the Join as an Associate tab.

Beyond committee and general body duties and involvement, new associates will need to take ENTR 4505 (Startup Investing), a 1.5-hour class that meets just before our general body meeting every Tuesday. Members will also need to enroll in and complete the Entrepreneurship Certificate during their time at UGA.