What is the Kickstart Fund?
The Georgia Kickstart Fund is a student-managed initiative that provides seed privately-funded, capital grants to UGA students and faculty to support the launch or growth of a venture. The Fund is composed of 11 partners and 13 associates who review all student and faculty startups seeking seed grant money. The fund offers starter grants of $500-$1000 and regular grants of $1,000-$5,000 and supply students with the hands-on experience of managing, investing and tracking investments in a controlled environment.
A program of this nature equips tomorrow’s leaders with the skills necessary to run revenue-generating companies. From interacting with student companies to managing and considering investments, this organization offers a lot of hands-on and valuable experience that can propel students in any career.
Mission
The mission of the Georgia Kickstart Fund is as follows: To promote interconnectivity amongst the University of Georgia and the greater Athens community, to provide unique and stimulating educational experiences to the members of the fund, and help promote Athens and the University of Georgia as entrepreneurial hubs on a regional and national scale.
How to Get Involved?
UGA Startups: How to Apply for Funding
Interested student and faculty startups can apply for funding through our application. After this initial screening, members from the Fund will reach out to you to schedule an interview and get the process started
Partners and Associates
The Fund is a student-managed initiative. Applications are open to become members of the Fund.
Sponsors
The Fund is generously supported by the Truist Foundation, the Truist Trusteed Foundations, and other private donors as part of a gift to support UGA’s Entrepreneurship Program.
What We’ve Done So Far
The Fund has already supported the growth of many student and faculty startups, through the support of generous gifts from our sponsors. Since 2019, 35 companies have been funded across multiple sectors.