Apply for funding

ELIGIBILITY & GRANT TERMS

Know where
you stand.
Then go build.

Everything you need to assess your fit, choose the right grant, and understand what happens after you apply.

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01 / BASELINE ELIGIBILITY

Two requirements.
Every grant.

These standards apply before the specific requirements for Starter, Regular, or Follow-on funding.

01 / CURRENT STUDENT FOUNDER

A UGA student must be meaningfully in the business.

At least one current University of Georgia undergraduate or graduate student must be a founder or co-founder. That student must be materially involved in operations and hold at least as much equity as any other individual owner.

02 / SERIOUS BUILDING INTENT

The venture should be capable of becoming your full-time pursuit.

Kickstart is designed for founders with a serious interest in building the business full time and a model that can scale beyond a side hustle.

For-profit or nonprofit

Both company types may apply for Kickstart funding.

No franchises

Funding is unavailable for opening a franchise of a larger private or public entity.

One application

Each company may submit one application per academic semester.

One award

Each company may receive no more than one Kickstart grant per academic semester.

Applying as a nonprofit? Because nonprofits do not issue equity, email pitch@georgiakickstart.com before applying so the team can confirm how the student involvement requirement applies.

02 / CHOOSE YOUR GRANT

Match the money
to the milestone.

Choose the level that reflects what your business has already proved and what it needs next.

01$500–$1,000

Starter Grant

For founders getting a business idea off the ground. There are no firm requirements beyond the baseline eligibility rules.

What we look for

  • Show that you can execute the business idea.
  • Describe your customer and provide evidence that they are likely to buy your product or service.
02$1,000–$5,000

Regular Grant

For businesses that are already off the ground. Regular Grant applicants should meet the Starter Grant criteria plus both requirements below.

What we look for

  • Have a plan to scale and grow.
  • Have completed a startup accelerator or generated company revenue.
03$5,000–$10,000

Follow-on Grant

For previous Regular Grant recipients that need additional capital to continue scaling.

What we look for

  • Show clear, demonstrated growth since your last pitch.
  • Explain the current need for additional capital and what it will unlock.

03 / THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Three steps.
Clear expectations.

Know what to prepare, how each stage works, and when you can expect to hear from the fund.

01
Apply

Tell us what you’re building.

Online application · About 15 minutes

What you need

  • Information about your company
  • Background on the opportunity

Initial-pitch decisions are typically shared within 2–5 business days.

02
Initial pitch

Make the case.

Recorded presentation · Up to 10 minutes

What you need

  • An updated pitch deck
  • A clear recorded presentation

Final-pitch decisions are typically shared within 2–5 business days, along with feedback or requested clarification.

03
Final pitch

Let’s talk about what’s next.

In-person presentation and Q&A · 30 minutes

What you need

  • A finalized pitch deck
  • Preparation for presentation and Q&A

Funding decisions and detailed feedback, regardless of outcome, are typically shared within 1–2 business days.

Response times are published targets and may vary with application volume or scheduling. Email pitch@georgiakickstart.com with timing questions.

04 / PUBLISHED TERMS

The fine print,
made readable.

These are the public policies for every application and award.

  1. 01

    At least one current University of Georgia student must be a founder or co-founder. Undergraduate and graduate students are eligible.

  2. 02

    The student founder must be materially involved in business operations and hold at least as much equity as any other individual owner.

  3. 03

    For-profit companies and nonprofit organizations may apply.

  4. 04

    Companies seeking to open a franchise of a larger private or publicly held entity are not eligible.

  5. 05

    Kickstart may award less than the amount requested or make an award contingent on specified conditions.

  6. 06

    A company may submit one application per academic semester.

  7. 07

    A company may receive no more than one Kickstart grant per academic semester.

  8. 08

    A company that is not awarded a grant may reapply in a later academic semester.

  9. 09

    A Starter Grant recipient may apply for a Regular Grant in a later semester.

  10. 10

    A Regular Grant recipient is not eligible for a Starter Grant or another Regular Grant and should apply for Follow-on funding.

  11. 11

    The one-application limit applies to each company. A founder may apply with a different company during the same semester.

Award amounts can change.

Kickstart strives to honor funding requests, but may make a partial award or make funding contingent on specified conditions.

05 / PREPARE YOUR PITCH

Make every minute
count.

A strong presentation connects your story, your customer evidence, and a focused use of funds.

View the example pitch deck
01

Share your story

Explain why you started the business and how you are connected to the problem you are solving.

02

Know your customer

Identify the ideal buyer, describe who you have spoken with, and show why they are likely to buy.

03

Come prepared

If the business is generating revenue, bring clear and current financial information.

04

Keep us updated

Send the team your newest presentation if the deck changes during the review process.

READY TO MAKE YOUR CASE?

Take the
next step.

Start your application

Still deciding? Email the fund before you apply.