The AU Kickstart Fund is designed to fulfill the financial needs of Auburn-affiliated new businesses prior to an initial seed or Series A funding event, and will be administered under the governance and oversight of the Harbert College of Business and the New Venture Accelerator.
The Window is Open
Beginning today, candidates can visit the AU Kickstart webpage to see the criteria, review the process and – if they feel they are qualified – download an application. AU Kickstart Fund grant applicants have until November 30th to complete and submit their applications and supporting documents.
Listed on the AU Kickstart webpage is a set of key criteria for Kickstart Fund applicants, including:
- A well-defined strategy and business model
- Initial customer and target market research conducted
- Key business growth milestones and goals for the next 6 to 24 months
- A sound financial model with revenue potential aligned with capital needs, and
- A leadership team committed to building and growing the new business venture
“We encourage any candidate who feels they meet these criteria to submit an application – the sooner the better,” said Dan O’Keefe, Kickstart Fund Manager and Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Auburn’s New Venture Accelerator. “The AU Kickstart Investment Committee will be meeting in December to review the applicants and select grantees for this inaugural tranche of grant awards.”
