*Applications Open Now until April 14th 12pm*

It is true that startups need funding. That is why you can learn how to get your product or service investment ready. Learn how to pitch your ideas, and have a chance to participate in startup competitions with prize money. We show you how to put the fun in funding!

UCI ANTrepreneur Center’s Student Start-up Funding program provides micro-grants to students engaged in UCI’s entrepreneurial programs, competitions and centers.

Friends and family funding plays an important part in supporting early-stage startup activities such as prototyping, market research and product refinement. For a sizable portion of our students, this funding is virtually inaccessible. Lack of critical funding forces promising innovations to be abandoned and, therefore, denies student innovators opportunities to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations.

The Student Startup Fund helps bridge this funding gap, allowing students to continue developing their dreams.

Use of Funds:

The Student Startup Fund helps cover specific project-related expenses (up to $1,000) to further develop entrepreneurial concepts/startups for undergraduate students. In order to qualify for the funding, you must be a current undergraduate student at the time of distribution. Additional funds may be available in exceptional cases. Granted funds are intended for immediate or short-term use, and should adhere to the following criteria:

ALLOWABLE EXPENSES

• Prototyping materials
• Project supplies
• Specialized software (less than $1,000)
• Small equipment (note that UCI retains ownership of the equipment after theproject has ended)
• Fees associated with attending project-related conferences or events
• Expenses related to customer discovery
• Expenses related to lab testing
• Self-Starter Micro-Internships

UNALLOWABLE EXPENSES

• Living expenses (rent, food, gas, etc.)
• Stipends/payroll expenses
• Equipment greater than $5,000
• Personal technology (laptops, tablets, smart phones, desktop computers, etc.)
• Entertainment
• Alcohol

EXPENSES NEEDING HIGHER APPROVAL

• Service or consultant agreements (marketing, software development, etc.)
• Legal fees (corporate formation expenses)
• Patent fees
• Costs to host an event (venue, food, etc.)

*Applications Open Now until April 14th 12pm*

UC Irvine’s ANTrepreneur Center has received funding from the African American Alliance Fund (AAAF) to support special funding for UCI students. The goal of the AAAF Student Fund is to support students actively involved with supporting black thriving environments through their projects, events, ideas, and in their entrepreneurial endeavors. Eligible applicants can apply for the micro-grant through April 14th, 2023. The applications will be reviewed by the end of April, and funds will be disbursed in May before the Spring quarter ends.

This is an exciting opportunity for students to receive support for their entrepreneurial adventures while also contributing to a more racially just future. 

If you are a student actively involved in clubs and/or organizations that support the African American community, and you have an entrepreneurial idea or venture that aligns with the AAAF’s mission and vision, we encourage you to apply for the AAAF Student Fund below. The funding can be used for various purposes, such as purchasing equipment, marketing, or hiring micro-interns, as long as it supports the growth and development of your idea, project, event, and/or venture.

We look forward to receiving your application and supporting you in your entrepreneurial journey!

 *Applications Open Now until April 14th 12pm*