News & Insights

NC IDEA to Kick-Off Fall 2014 Grant Cycle with Info Sessions throughout the State

DURHAM, NC – July 25, 2014 – NC IDEA, an organization committed to supporting business innovation and economic advancement in North Carolina, announced today that the organization’s 18th grant cycle will open on August 11th. The upcoming cycle will kick-off with a series of information sessions being held throughout North Carolina.

Interested applicants may attend any of the five information sessions being held in-person and via webinar. Interested parties can confirm their attendance at any of these sessions by visiting ncidea.org and following the registration link on the homepage.

  • Thursday, July 31st – NC IDEA Fall 2014 CHARLOTTE Info Session hosted by Packard Place
  • Monday, August 11th – NC IDEA Fall 2014 Info Session **via WEBINAR**
  • Tuesday, August 12th – NC IDEA Fall 2014 TRIAD Info Session hosted with Flywheel
  • Thursday, August 14th – NC IDEA Fall 2014 WILMINGTON Info Session hosted by UNCW
  • Friday, August 15th – NC IDEA and Groundwork Labs ‘Brown Bag Lunch’ Q&A Session

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 will also gain insight from previous grant winners on their experiences with the application process and what they have or will accomplish with the grant money.

The upcoming grant opportunity for NC-based entrepreneurs and companies, and those looking to locate to North Carolina, will open on Monday, August 11th. Companies focused on software, information technology, medical devices or material sciences are encouraged to apply. There are two pre-proposal deadlines for the Fall 2014 cycle: an early deadline on Friday, August 22nd and a final deadline on Friday, September 5th. 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, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, targets promising technology companies that need help bridging the gap between initial product development and venture capital funding. The organization helps young, innovative companies mainly by providing early financing in the form of grants. NC IDEA further supports its grant winning companies by leveraging the organization’s solid partnerships and strategic alliances to assist companies through research phases, business challenges and growth goals. Since its inception in 2006, NC IDEA’s grant program has awarded over $3.4M to 88 companies across the state. Learn more at ncidea.org.