Alumni Morgan Startup Grants

Thanks to generous support from Burton D. Morgan Foundation, LaunchNET Kent State is offering Morgan Startup Grants of up to $3,000 for Kent State alumni

The LaunchNET alumni Morgan Startup Grant program is focused on helping alumni entrepreneurs move their businesses forward with inventory, capital, product, or other related purchases. Applicants may request up to $3,000.

Learn about some of last year's awardees!

“We are excited to expand our microgrant programming to our alumni entrepreneurs, and are looking forward to seeing what projects and dynamic uses that they will have for these new funds,” said Zach Mikrut, Director, LaunchNET Kent State. “LaunchNET advising has always had an eye towards economic development, and these grants are a tool for helping entrepreneurs to move on their goals quickly.”

Eligibility

Applicant must be a 5X�� alumni.
Business must be based in and registered in Ohio.
The business idea or product that the venture is focused around MUST be inspired and/or made/produced by the founder (applicant).
Business products CANNOT be part of another business (multi-level or pyramid model, franchise, etc.).

Timeframe

Applications are due by May 31, 2024 at 11:59pm. An application by the deadline does not guarantee funding. We are unable to provide notice of the depletion of the fund and encourage early applications.
Applicants will be contacted for additional information and to schedule venture meetings with LaunchNET to discuss requests and potential funding.

Awardee Requirements

Completion of at least two venture meetings with LaunchNET (an initial meeting at time of award and a 30 day check-in).
Completion of post-award survey.
Completion of LaunchNET intake form if not current client.
Participation in networking lunch on Thursday, June 27 from 1-3pm.
One LinkedIn post about award and/or business progress tagging LaunchNET Kent State and Burton D. Morgan Foundation along with #MorganStartupGrant2024 and #NEOLaunchNET.

Awardee Opportunities (optional)

Participate in LaunchNET's programming/event(s) as a guest speaker, mentor, vendor, workshop facilitator etc.
Participation in ongoing Alumni Cohort Program for resource sharing, cross networking, skill building and more with 1 hour monthly meeting.

Fund Distribution

Grants will be distributed through the 5X�� Foundation. Award winners will be required to complete a W9 form including business name, entity, address and EIN.

If you have any questions about the Morgan Startup Grants, please email launchnet@kent.edu.

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