IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR AY 2022-2023: Due to an influx of seed fund applications (which is awesome!!), the Bobcat Seed Fund committee must limit incoming applications to ensure there is time to hear from current applicants before the end of the academic year. To be considered for funding for the 2023 school year, applications must be submitted by April 1, 2023. Application review will begin again in September 2023.

The Bobcat Seed Fund was created in 2018 to enable entrepreneurial minded students to take their ideas to the next level. Finding extra funds to build prototypes, secure a web domain, pursue intellectual property, or conduct customer validation can be hard on a college student’s budget. The Bobcat Seed Fund eliminates that barrier!

Seed funds, available in grants of up to $3,000, do not need to be paid back – these are for you to invest in your business! The Center for Entrepreneurship will not take equity in or ownership of your idea, either. We are here to help and support, not profit.

There are no limitations or preferences on the idea, type of business, or targeted industry. If you have an idea and a dream, you’re a perfect candidate. 

To apply, all you need is an idea, a feel for your target market and its size, some goals, and a description of how funds will be used. After you submit your application, the student-run Investment Committee will determine if your idea is a good fit for funding. If so, you will be invited to meet with the committee where you will pitch your idea and answer some clarifying questions. If not, you’ll receive feedback on how to improve your application and are encouraged to reapply.

The Bobcat Seed Fund is open to ANY Ohio University student and all are encouraged to apply. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, meaning you can apply at any point in the year! If you have questions, think you could benefit from coaching, or need help filling out the application, email Krystal at krystal@ohio.edu.

Still unsure? Click here to see a sample application.