DURHAM, NC – February 9, 2016 – NC IDEA, an organization committed to supporting entrepreneurial business innovation and economic advancement in North Carolina, announced today that the organization’s twenty-first grant cycle will open on February 15th. The upcoming cycle will kick-off with a series of information sessions being held throughout North Carolina.
Interested applicants may attend any of the following information sessions being held in-person and via webinar. Interested parties can confirm their attendance at any of these sessions, and others looking to be scheduled, by visiting ncidea.org and following the registration link on the homepage.
- Tuesday, February 16th – NC IDEA Spring 2016 CHARLOTTE Info Session hosted by Packard Place
- Wednesday, February 17th – NC IDEA Spring 2016 Info Session **via WEBINAR**
- Friday, February 19th – NC IDEA Spring 2016 TRIAD Info Session hosted with Flywheel Coworking
- Monday, February 22nd – NC IDEA Spring 2016 WILMINGTON Info Session hosted by UNCW CIE
The information sessions are aimed at giving interested applicants an overview of NC IDEA’s grant process and criteria; helping to explain how to apply for a grant, what NC IDEA looks for in an application and what types of companies are eligible. In these sessions, participants gain insight on how to write a competitive application.
The upcoming grant opportunity for NC-based entrepreneurs and companies, and those looking to locate to North Carolina, will open on Monday, February 15th. Companies focused on software, information technology, medical devices or material sciences are encouraged to apply. There are two pre-proposal deadlines for the Spring 2016 cycle: an early deadline on Friday, February 26th and a final deadline on Friday, March 11th. Due to the competitive nature of the screening process, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by the first deadline, giving them the benefit of an extended review period and the potential opportunity to be selected to advance to the proposal round under early decision.
NC IDEA’s grant program is a catalyst for technological breakthroughs developed in North Carolina that have a significant potential to successfully transition into commercially viable high-growth enterprises. The grants, which are up to $50,000 per recipient, support business plan research and development, reduce risk of early failure and advance projects to the point of suitability for angel or venture capital investment. In addition to the funding, NC IDEA and its network of seasoned business and technology partners mentor and guide the grant recipients through the complex growth cycles of young companies, while also connecting the startups with other investors, institutions and business leaders to maximize their prospects for commercial success.
To learn more, attend an information session and to apply for an NC IDEA grant, visit ncidea.org.
About NC IDEA
NC IDEA is a private foundation committed to supporting business innovation and economic advancement in North Carolina. The organization serves as a catalyst for young, high-growth technology companies by promoting initiatives that foster growth and guides these companies to become major contributors to the state’s business community. Currently, NC IDEA works closely with these innovative startups mainly by providing early financing in the form of grants. NC IDEA also funds the Durham-based startup program Groundwork Labs. Since its inception in 2006, NC IDEA’s grant program has awarded over $4.2M to 104 companies across the state. Learn more at ncidea.org.
