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Georgia Kickstart Fund

Apply for a grant

Applications are open year-round and reviewed on a rolling basis. The application takes about 15 minutes, and we typically reply within 2 to 5 business days.

Apply

Who can apply

  • At least one founder is a current UGA undergraduate or graduate student who is actively involved in the business and owns at least as much of it as any other individual owner.
  • For-profit companies and nonprofits can both apply. If you are applying as a nonprofit, email our applications team first so we can confirm how the student involvement requirement applies.
  • Franchises of larger private or publicly held companies are not eligible.
  • The business should be able to grow beyond a side project, with a founder who is serious about building it full time.

The application

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How the process works

Application

About 15 minutes

Tell us about your company and the opportunity.

We typically reply with an initial-pitch decision within 2 to 5 business days.

Recorded initial pitch

Up to 10 minutes

If invited, share an updated pitch deck and a clear recorded presentation.

We typically reply with a final-pitch decision within 2 to 5 business days, with feedback or any requested clarification.

In-person final pitch

30 minutes, including Q&A

Present your finalized pitch deck and answer questions from our team.

We typically share a grant decision and detailed feedback within 1 to 2 business days, regardless of the outcome.

Which grant fits you

Starter Grant

$500–$1,000

For founders turning an idea into something they can test.

  • Show that you can execute the business idea.
  • Describe your customer and provide evidence that they are likely to buy your product or service.
Non-dilutive

Regular Grant

$1,000–$5,000

For businesses ready for the next stage. Meet the Starter Grant criteria and the requirements below.

  • Have a plan to scale and grow.
  • Have completed a startup accelerator or generated company revenue.
Non-dilutive

Follow-on Grant

$5,000–$10,000

For previous Regular Grant recipients that need another grant to continue growing.

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

Preparing your pitch

Use these four tips as you develop your presentation.

View the example pitch deck

Share your story

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

Know your customer

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

Come prepared

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

Keep us updated

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

Grant program terms

Read the grant program terms
  1. Kickstart may award less than the amount requested or make an award contingent on specified conditions.
  2. A company may submit one application per academic semester.
  3. A company may receive no more than one Kickstart grant per academic semester.
  4. A company that is not awarded a grant may reapply in a later academic semester.
  5. A Starter Grant recipient may apply for a Regular Grant in a later semester.
  6. A Regular Grant recipient is not eligible for a Starter Grant or another Regular Grant and should apply for Follow-on funding.
  7. The one-application limit applies to each company. A founder may apply with a different company during the same semester.

Questions before you apply? Email ds@georgiakickstart.com.