Startup Funding
Jump Start
Jump Start is our online solution generator for businesses and innovators to overcome complex challenges. Generating ideas and solutions begins first with creative thinking and no one understands creative thinking quite like our Jump Start facilitators. Jump Start participants are guaranteed to walk away with new solutions from the help of our online facilitated program.
The Jump Start program is offered in three different sessions to best fit you and your team’s needs.
Half Day
Time commitment: 4 hours
Includes:
- Facilitated Creative thinking exercises
- Brainstorming three new solutions
Full Day
Time commitment: 8 hours
Includes:
- A review of the CPS model
- Facilitated practice on model with a hypothetical
- Creative thinking exercises
- Brainstorm session
Two Day
Time commitment: 14 hours
Includes:
- A review of the CPS model
- Facilitated practice on model w/hypothetical
- Creative thinking exercises
- Dig into company problem
- Plus, implementation and strategy time
Participant Benefits:
- Formulation of innovative and novel ideas that answer complex challenges
- Facilitated help through the Creative Problem Solving Process
- Expansion on creativity skills
Get Started Today
WKI is an online design platform for innovators that incorporates the “So what? Who Cares? Why you?” methodology to help take an innovative idea to market. The methodology has been proven to increase the success rate of ideation, pre-incubation, and technology commercialization.
A valuable feature to the WKI program is that it can be self-paced. Program participants have the option to work through WKI tools and strategies themselves on the online platform with regular check-ins with a Center for Innovation Business Coach, or can be led directly by a Center for Innovation Business Coach. Some examples of tools in the WKI program are:
- Napkin Drawing Tool
- Financial Model
- The Pitch Deck
Participant Benefits:
- Support projects, products, and startup company ideas to commercialization
- Learn how to tell others why your idea matters and how it creates value
- Map the business value of your new idea
Innovate ND
Through expert guidance from entrepreneur coaches, certified entrepreneurial centers, and extensive leadership courses, Innovate ND provides the entrepreneurial community of North Dakota with resources needed to help grow your innovative idea into a scaleable business. The program includes up to $40,000 across has four phases to assist in growing your business.
Participant Benefits:
- Access to the Center for Innovation
- Coaching using the Business Model Canvas and Lean Launch methodologies
- Business planning tools
- Prototype development
- Access to the statewide entrepreneurial ecosystem
SBIR/STTR
The federal SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) and STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) programs can assist eligible small businesses with funding to advance technology solutions with federal funds through a number of federal agencies.
The SBIR and STTR programs offer more than $2.5 billion dollars annually to support the development of technology by small businesses across the nation and are an excellent source of undiluted early stage capital, but they are highly competitive.
Together, we assemble a team of advocates who will help you evaluate the feasibility of your idea and apply for an SBIR or STTR.
Participant Benefits:
- Research and development grant funding
- Collaboration with a research institution
- Assists in bridging the gap between science and commercialization of resulting innovations
Funding for Startup Companies and Business Innovation
Whether launching a startup company or an innovative product line, finding funding to bring ideas to life is a crucial part of business success.
Startup funding doesn’t lack competition, so making certain you have a solid business model or thought out prototypes, and a pool of market research could be the difference between receiving funding or walking away empty-handed.
Small Business Funding Programs
The expert business coaches at the UND Center for Innovation can help you navigate the competitive world of startup funding. Contact us today and set up an appointment to learn about funding programs and business coaching resources tailored to your North Dakota company.
Below are examples of business support programs designed to provide funding and support
through a business startup or expansion phase.
SBIR STTR - Research and Development
The federal SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) and STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) programs can assist eligible small businesses with funding to advance technology solutions with federal funds through a number of federal agencies.
The SBIR and STTR programs offer more than $2.5 billion dollars annually to support the development of technology by small businesses across the nation and are an excellent source of undiluted early stage capital, but they are highly competitive.
Together, we assemble a team of advocates who will help you evaluate the feasibility of your idea and apply for an SBIR or STTR.
Provides:
- Research and development grant funding
- Collaboration with a research institution
- Assists in bridging the gap between science and commercialization of resulting innovations
EB-5 - Investment
The Immigrant Investor Program, also known as “EB-5”, is a job creation visa program. The program was created in 1990 by Congress and is administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The purpose of an EB-5 regional center is to stimulate econometric development, create jobs, and improve regional productivity through foreign direct investment in local businesses, while providing eligible foreign investors an opportunity to become permanent U.S. residents.
The UND Center for Innovation Foundation applied to USCIS for a regional center designation and was granted approval to operate The North Dakota/Minnesota EB-5 Regional Center in April 2011.
Provides:
- Access for foreign direct investors
- Flexible terms and structures
- Minimum investment amounts of $900,000 or $1,800,000 per EB-5 investor
Funding for Startup Companies and Business Innovation
Our expert business coaches know more than a thing or two about funding for startups including venture capital, angel funds, and low-interest financing programs. Sit down with us so we can learn about your goals and develop customized business resources tailored to your needs.