DURHAM, NC – January 22, 2013 – NC IDEA, an organization committed to supporting business innovation and economic advancement in North Carolina, announced today that it will be hosting several information sessions to discuss its grant process and eligibility criteria. All sessions are being held in conjunction with the official opening of the organization’s fifteenth grant cycle on February 11th.
Interested applicants can attend one of four information sessions being held throughout the state and via webinar.
- Thursday, February 7th – NC IDEA Spring 2013 Triad Info Session hosted by PTP NEXT
- Friday, February 8th – NC IDEA and Groundwork Labs ‘Brown Bag Lunch’ Q&A Session
- Tuesday, February 12th – NC IDEA Spring 2013 Info Session **via WEBINAR**
- Friday, February 15th – NC IDEA Spring 2013 Charlotte Info Session hosted by Packard Place
The information sessions are aimed at giving interested applicants an overview of NC IDEA’s grant process and criteria, and help explain how to apply for a grant, what NC IDEA looks for in an application and what types of companies are eligible. In each of the sessions, participants will also gain insight from recent grant winners on their experience with the application process and what they have or will accomplish with their grant money.
Interested parties can confirm their attendance at any of these sessions by visiting ncidea.org and following the registration link on the homepage.
The upcoming grant opportunity for NC-based entrepreneurs and companies, and those looking to locate to North Carolina, will open on Monday, February 11th. Companies focused on software, information technology, medical devices or material sciences are encouraged to apply. There are two pre-proposal deadlines for the Spring 2013 cycle: an early deadline on Friday, February 22nd and a final deadline on Friday, March 8th. 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 move to the proposal round under early decision. All interested companies must submit an application prior to the final pre-proposal deadline of Friday, March 8th to be considered.
NC IDEA’s grant program is a catalyst for technological breakthroughs 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 that young companies encounter, while also connecting the startups with other investors, institutions and business leaders to maximize their prospects for commercial success.
To learn more, attend an info 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, accelerating the creation of new North Carolina companies and jobs. 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 $2.7M to 72 companies across the state. Learn more at ncidea.org.
