NC IDEA MICRO awards funding in the amount of $1K to $10K to young companies looking to validate and advance their idea. Grant recipients work with NC IDEA to implement a timeline with impactful use of funds and meaningful milestones. Grant funds are received at the beginning of the grant period and grant recipients report on their progress typically after 3 months. In addition to funding, grant recipients also receive support from NC IDEA through mentorship, introductions and programming.
NC IDEA solicits MICRO grant applications twice per year, usually in mid-February and mid-August. We typically receive 150-200 applications each grant cycle. Applications are reviewed by the NC IDEA team, investors and other partners in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Companies are notified of their status and receive specific feedback on their application. From each applicant pool, approximately 20-30 companies are selected to progress to the finalist phase. Finalists are invited to participate in an in-person interview. Ultimately, 10-15 companies are selected and awarded an NC IDEA MICRO grant. The below timeline includes important dates and deadlines for our Spring 2020 Grant Cycle. The Fall 2020 Grant Cycle will open in mid-August.
**Note: You may only apply to either MICRO or SEED (not both) during a grant cycle.**
January 24 – Info Session via WEBINAR (Listen to Recording)
January 27 – DURHAM Info Session
January 29 – ASHEVILLE Info Session
February 3 – NC IDEA MICRO Grant Application Opens
February 3 – WILMINGTON Info Session
February 4 – RALEIGH Info Session
February 5 – WINSTON-SALEM Info Session
February 6 – CONOVER Info Session
February 6 – CHARLOTTE Info Session
February 7-28 – Virtual Office Hours
March 2 – NC IDEA MICRO Grant Application Deadline
*All applications must be submitted and received by 5:00pm EST – No Exceptions*
April 2 – NC IDEA MICRO Grant Finalists Selected and Notified
April 14-17 – NC IDEA MICRO Grant Finalist Interviews
April 24 – NC IDEA MICRO Grant Recipients Selected and Notified
