Pre-Accelerator Program Applicant Guidelines

Should you decide to enter the program, please observe the following guidelines:

• Make sure you are eligible per the rules on our web site.
• Please fill out the online form thoroughly. Incomplete applications will be rejected. You will access the application below.
• Applicants should be ready to provide the following information in their application:
  • A concise but complete description of your business idea to include the product or service
  • What problem the idea solves and/or new market it creates
  • Identification of the market to include the direct and indirect customers and stakeholders
  • Mention of direct and indirect competitive forces
  • The scalability of the idea (Can it be expanded?)
  • Broad statement about financial predictions of break-even or profit potential

The application will be processed, and entrants will be notified whether it has been accepted or rejected. If accepted, the student(s) will be scheduled for a meeting to be held in the Means Center in front of a panel of faculty judges. The student will be questioned about their idea and their application, and a decision will be rendered as to whether funds can be awarded. A maximum amount of $5000 will be considered for in the applicant. (Teams are considered to be one applicant for purposes of monetary awards.)

CLICK HERE to start the application process.

Students who successfully enter the Pre-Accelerator Program may be eligible to move on to additional funding through the Accelerator Program described elsewhere on the website.