Innovator Starter Grant

THE INNOVATOR STARTER GRANT

This program is dedicated to empowering individuals from underserved communities, helping them gain access to pathways that were historically out of reach.

The Innovator Impact Grant is awarded quarterly. The maximum award amount for the Innovator Starter Grant is up to $2500.

All TPEG community members can apply for the Innovator Starter Grant.

Eligible uses of funds:

Trademark application
Patent application
Design document fees
Prototype creation/ sample orders

Apply For the Innovator Starter Grant

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE INNOVATOR STARTER GRANT BEFORE YOU APPLY

The Innovator Starter Grant does not need to be repaid to TPEG.

Innovator Starter Grant Award Will Be Disbursed Directly To The Vendor.

The purpose of the Innovator Starter Grant is to assist the student with creating, developing and/or producing a working prototype of their product idea. Therefore, all disbursements of the Innovator Starter Grant will be distributed directly to the vendor for services rendered and not directly to the student. Payments to the vendor(s) shall be made via check, ACH, or credit card with documentation stored for compliance.

STEP 1 —Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for the Innovator Starter Grant, you MUST:

Completed the Mind to Market Program and is an active member in the TPEG community.

Submit the following product development documentation:

a clear product concept document,
a market validation survey document (what problem are you solving or what gap are you filling)
comprehensive target customer research document
product price analysis document
potential earnings profile document
Business plan
Marketing plan
prototype/sample quote document

STEP 2 — Submit Vendor Invoice

Before the Innovator Starter Grant is disbursed:

The student must submit the official vendor invoice (TPEG reserves the right to validate that the vendor/business is legitimate)

Required Vendor Documentation/Information:

Vendor name
Vendor website
Contact info
Line-item invoice
Description of services (IP filing, prototyping, etc.)
Proof of student/awardee identity

STEP 3 —TPEG Reviews Submitted Documentation Prior to the Approval of Disbursement

TPEG evaluates:

Vendor legitimacy

Reality of costs (if vendor quote is above approval threshold the student/awardee) will be required to find a new vendor and submit a new quote that is within the threshold guidelines)

Note: If TPEG denies the disbursement request due to incomplete documentation or an unacceptable quote, the applicant must submit a new vendor quote, and/or must provide additional documentation.

If the new quote meets the threshold guidelines the services that are to be rendered, funds will be disbursed to the vendor as payment on behalf of the applicant/awardee for services rendered.

If approved, the funds will be disbursed directly to the vendor on the behalf of the applicant for services rendered.