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Seed Fund

Seed funds are a catalyst to help student ventures, organizations, and clubs move beyond the idea stage.

Overview

A couple of hundred dollars can be the catalyst that transforms a mere idea into something tangible. Whether it's validating customers, testing assumptions, or simply taking that crucial first step, student initiatives often require a small amount of capital to thrive. Whether your project blossoms into a successful endeavor or serves as a valuable learning experience, there's immense value in moving forward.

Seed Funding is phased and offers support programing designed to catalyze student ventures by aligning incremental investments with developmental milestones. Our approach nurtures your idea through each stage (from experimentation to market entry) while building essential entrepreneurial skills.

Phases of Seed Funding:

  • Phase 1: Exploration & Experimentation
    Funding: $50–$100
    Purpose: Test a single hypothesis or validate an idea with a small-scale experiment.
    Activities:

    • Conduct surveys, feasibility tests, or basic research.
    • Meet with a Hub mentor to review your experiment and discuss outcomes.
      Deliverable: Clear evidence supporting your idea’s potential or guidance for next steps.
      Quick Start: Informal 1:1 pitch to the Hub Director with rapid funding turnaround.
      Outcome: Builds confidence and clarity to advance to Phase 2.
  • Phase 2: Prototyping & Development
    Funding: $250–$500
    Purpose: Develop a tangible outcome or refine your venture through one of three focused tracks:

    • Prototype Creation: Build an MVP, physical model, digital mockup, or service blueprint.
    • Customer Discovery: Conduct targeted interviews or surveys to refine market fit.
    • Pitch Development: Create a polished pitch deck and presentation.
      Activities:
    • Collaborate with a mentor to select your track.
    • Participate in two structured mentor check-ins for goal-setting and progress updates.
      Deliverable: A prototype, validated market insights, or a ready-to-use pitch deck.
      Outcome: Establishes a strong foundation to compete in Rocket Pitch or external opportunities.
  • Phase 3: Competitive Advancement
    Funding: Up to $1,000 (via Rocket Pitch or similar competitions)
    Purpose: Refine and scale your venture for broader visibility and funding.
    Activities:

    • Compete in Rocket Pitch or equivalent events.
    • Use feedback to iterate and prepare for further opportunities (e.g., Tribe Ventures).
      Outcome: Positions your venture to enter accelerators or secure external funding.
  • Phase 4: Venture Acceleration
    Funding: Up to $5,000 (via Tribe Ventures Accelerator or Summer Venture Fund)
    Purpose: Support ventures ready for scaling or market entry.
    Activities:

    • Participate in structured, cohort-based programming with intensive mentorship and resources.
    • Develop a full go-to-market or scaling strategy.
      Outcome: Prepares ventures to be market-ready and poised for success.
Eligibility
  1. Students from any major or program may submit an application.
  2. Teams must include at least one primary founder or leader who will be a full-time student for the full duration of the project and can include multiple other co-founders.

*Teams may only be awarded funding once per year. Successfully funded ventures or organizations/clubs may only submit in a subsequent year if all post-funding expectations have been adequately met. 

Selection Process
  • Rolling Admissions: Applications are accepted and reviewed continuously throughout the academic year to provide timely support.
  • Monthly Reviews: At the beginning of each month, our review committee evaluates all submissions based on merit, feasibility, and potential impact.
  • Fair and Transparent Evaluation: We maintain a merit-based process that considers the novelty of the idea, clarity of the proposal, team qualifications, and potential for success.
  • Ongoing Support: Even if your application isn’t selected in one cycle, you are encouraged to reapply in subsequent months. We are committed to providing constructive feedback and mentorship.
Post Funding Expectations

Funding recipients will receive funds according to the team composition schedule and be paired with an Entrepreneurship Hub mentor. Recipients are expected to:

  • Schedule regular progress meetings (every 4–6 weeks).
  • Provide periodic updates and, once a semester, submit a short video progress report to be shared with Seed Fund donors and on the Hub website.
Ready to apply?

Click the link below to submit an application:

Seed Fund Application