NC IDEA $50k Grant Program - Fall Round is Open

NC IDEA grants can be a great source of funding for early stage student ventures. In spring 2009, they awarded a grant to the Green Cooling Group, a company started an currently incubated at Duke. Other Duke-based companies have consistently made it to the final round.

Feel free to contact me, Chris DeFilippo (chris.defilippo@fuqua.duke.edu) or Georgianna Golematis (georgianna.golematis@fuqua.duke.edu) for more information. We are both interning at NC IDEA and can help provide more details. The full press release is included below.

--------------------

NC IDEA Fall 2009 Grants Program Now Accepting Applications

NC IDEA announces the opening of their eighth grant application cycle. NC IDEA helps start-up companies by bridging the funding gap between government and private equity support. Eligible firms interested in grants of up to $50,000 are invited to submit an online pre-proposal application by Friday, September 18 at www.ncidea.org.

Grant Eligibility
The NC IDEA Grants Program awards funding to between four and six firms based in North Carolina that are focused on information technology, medical devices and diagnostics, material sciences or green technologies, with preference given to those that have not received equity financing. Entrepreneurs who have not formed a company may apply, but company incorporation will be required prior to the award of grant funding.

Application Process
Pre-proposal applications must be submitted online by Friday, September 18 at ncidea.org. Approximately 20 companies submitting “pre-proposal” submissions will be selected to participate in a subsequent full proposal submission and review period. This process will include submission of a more comprehensive proposal and prioritized budget for use of grant proceeds. A final round of applicant companies will be selected to present their proposal to a NC IDEA Grants Program advisory committee comprised of entrepreneurs and early-stage business advisors. Grant recipients will be notified in December.

About NC IDEA
NC IDEA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization created to serve as a catalyst for young, high-growth, technology companies in North Carolina. The organization helps these innovative companies mainly by providing early financing in the form of grants. The non-profit company further supports these companies by leveraging strategic partnerships and alliances to help companies through business challenges and growth goals. NC IDEA is committed to supporting North Carolina’s economic development.

For more information, visit www.ncidea.org.