Whether you are planning to apply to NC IDEA SEED or just exploring your options, the below resources can help better inform you of the opportunity and assist in determining if it is a good fit for your company.

Upcoming Opportunities

• The Spring 2021 SEED application opens February 1.
• See important dates for the Spring 2021 NC IDEA SEED Grant Cycle.

See below for a comparison of eligibility criteria between NC IDEA MICRO and NC IDEA SEED. **Note: You may only apply to either MICRO or SEED (not both) during a grant cycle.**

Online Resources

• Review the NC IDEA SEED program details
• See who is eligible to apply for NC IDEA SEED
• Attend the Spring 2021 Webinar Info Session on January 22 (If interested, watch a recording of the Fall 2020 Webinar Info Session and view the accompanying slide deck in advance.)
• Schedule Spring 2021 Virtual Office Hours (February 2-26) to get answers to your specific questions
• Download the Spring 2021 SEED application to preview the questions and work offline
• Read our most frequently asked questions about both MICRO and SEED
• Listen to a previous podcast with NC IDEA’s John Austin on grant application best practices
• Meet our NC IDEA SEED Grant Recipients to learn more about the companies that have received past grants
• View Case Studies and hear directly from the companies that have worked with NC IDEA

Eligibility Criteria Comparison

Geography	SAME - Companies headquartered in and that conduct a majority of corporate operations in the State of North Carolina
Industry and Company Type	SAME - Innovative companies with proprietary intellectual property or other means of sustained competitive advantage
Market Opportunity	On a path to become a multi-million dollar company, have 50+ employees or be investable in 5-7 years	On a path to become a multi-million dollar company, have 50+ employees or be investable in 3-5 years
Stage of Development	Working to demonstrate proof of concept (existence of a problem, market readiness and an MVP) to move to a quantifiable next step of validation	Demonstrated proof of concept (existence of a problem, market readiness, and an MVP) and ready to scale the business
Team	At least one FT team member within 6-12 months	At least one FT founder
Revenue	Revenue in last 12 months of $50K+ less likely to be considered	Revenue in last 12 months of $250K+ less likely to be considered
Prior Investment	Past investment of $50K+ equity or $1M+ non-dilutive less likely to be considered	Past investment of $250K+ equity or $1M+ non-dilutive less likely to be considered
Impact of Grant	Enable company to validate key assumption(s) and catalyze the development of the business	Enable company to scale to the point that it could raise institutional investment, win grants or increase revenue to ensure its continued growth and sustainability

Back to NC IDEA SEED program page →