Foundation Accepting Applications from Innovative Startups Across the State
DURHAM, NC – August 9, 2017 – NC IDEA, an independent private foundation committed to strengthening the North Carolina economy by supporting the high potential ventures of entrepreneurs in the State, announced today that the organization’s twenty-fourth seed grant cycle will open on August 28th. In advance of the Fall Cycle, the foundation is participating in a series of workshops and informational sessions throughout the state.
The program is open to NC-based entrepreneurs and those looking to relocate to North Carolina. The Foundation’s Seed Grant program provides grants of up to $50K to innovative startups, typically between proof of concept and profitability, to support business activities that validate target markets, reduce risk associated with early stage companies and help companies get to the point of suitability for growth funding; be that crowdfunding, angel or venture capital investment. The application will be available online from August 28th through September 11th at 5:00pm EST.
Interested applicants may attend any of the following informational sessions to learn more about NC IDEA’s Seed Grant program and gain insight on how to write a competitive application. Sessions will focus on how to apply, what NC IDEA looks for in an application, and what types of companies are eligible.
- Wednesday, August 16 at 6:00pm at UNCC’s Portal Building, Charlotte
- Thursday, August 17 at 5:45pm at RISC, Asheville
- Tuesday, August 22 at 9:00am at The Frontier, RTP
In addition to the informational sessions, applicants can schedule Virtual Office Hours over the next few weeks to answer specific questions. To register for any of the informational sessions or sign-up for Virtual Office Hours, visit our Seed Grant Timeline.
About NC IDEA
NC IDEA is an independent private foundation committed to supporting business innovation and economic advancement in North Carolina. Today, the organization fulfills this mission through four initiatives. The Ecosystem Partner Grant program funds organizations across the state that execute creative programs to support entrepreneurs. Over the last decade, the Seed Grant program has awarded over $5M to 120 high-growth companies across the state. Since 2011, more than 130 companies have participated in the Groundwork Labs startup program. SoarTriangle, a program founded in 2012 to address the proven funding gap for female entrepreneurs, formally became a foundation program in August 2016. Learn more at ncidea.org.
