District 3 Innovation Center — Launch & Grow
Highlights
This program is designed for businesses like yours that have initial traction and are ready to accelerate growth. By joining, you will receive 1:1 coaching, tailored workshops, and access to a network of industry experts. These resources will help you build your product, acquire customers, and scale your startup to have a global impact.
Key Benefits:
- Biweekly 1:1 coaching centered around 90-day sprints
- Tailored workshops and peer-to-peer sessions
- Access to co-working and state-of-the-art lab spaces
- Support in accessing non-dilutive funding opportunities
- Guidance through dilutive fundraising rounds
- Free access to industry-leading market data
- Support with international development
- A community of like-minded innovators
This program offers a comprehensive support system for up to 24 months, making it easier for you to navigate the challenges of growing your business. The combination of expert guidance, valuable resources, and a strong network can significantly enhance your chances of success. Applying is straightforward, and the benefits far outweigh the effort.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Grant
Repayment Terms and Interest Rates:
- This is a non-repayable grant, meaning you do not need to pay back the funds received.
Eligible Expenses:
- Product development and testing
- Marketing and customer acquisition
- Equipment and technology purchases
- Operational costs directly related to scaling your business
- Professional services such as legal and accounting
Ineligible Expenses:
- Personal expenses
- Debt repayment
- Real estate purchases
- Salaries for founders
Fees:
- There are no application or processing fees associated with this grant program.
Qualifications
- Must leverage emerging technologies or have an innovative business model.
- Must have a minimum of two co-founders.
Must have full-time commitment from at least one co-founder.
Disqualifications:
- Businesses with only one founder.
- Businesses without a focus on emerging technologies or innovative business models.
Description
This program is designed to help your business grow and succeed. You can receive tailored services that will help you build your product, acquire customers, increase early sales, and scale your startup to have a global impact.
What you gain:
- 1:1 coaching every two weeks, focused on 90-day goals.
- Workshops and peer-to-peer sessions with industry experts.
- Access to co-working and lab spaces.
- Support in finding non-dilutive funding (money you don't have to pay back).
- Help with navigating fundraising rounds.
- Access to a network of investors.
- Free access to market data.
- Support for international development.
- A community of like-minded innovators.
The program offers support for up to 24 months. This comprehensive support system is designed to help you reach your milestones, whether it’s securing funding, increasing sales, expanding internationally, or recruiting the right talent.
Program Steps
Gather Required Documentation:
- Business plan
- Financial statements
- Proof of initial traction (e.g., customer letters of intent, initial investment documents)
- Identification documents for co-founders
- Any existing market research or validation studies
Complete the Application Form:
- Visit the program's application portal.
- Fill out all required fields with accurate and detailed information about your startup.
Prepare a Pitch Deck:
- Create a compelling pitch deck that outlines your business model, market opportunity, product, and team.
- Highlight your startup's traction and future growth potential.
Submit the Application:
- Upload the completed application form, required documentation, and pitch deck to the application portal.
- Double-check all entries for accuracy before submission.
Schedule an Initial Interview:
- After submission, you will be contacted to schedule an initial interview.
- Prepare to discuss your business in detail and answer any questions from the program's review committee.
Participate in the Interview:
- Attend the scheduled interview with the program's review committee.
- Be prepared to discuss your business model, market strategy, and how you plan to use the program's resources.
Await Decision:
- The review committee will evaluate your application and interview performance.
- You will be notified of their decision within a specified time frame.
Onboarding Process:
- If accepted, follow the onboarding instructions provided by the program.
- Attend any required orientation sessions and meet your assigned coach.
Begin Program Participation:
- Start participating in the program's workshops, coaching sessions, and networking events.
- Utilize the resources and support offered to accelerate your startup's growth.