Bobcat Seed Fund
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.
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So In Hair Extensions Co.Payton GrigsbyOHIO 2022
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Turner Hockey DevelopmentSam TurnerOHIO 2023
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Leanna's LensLeanna SiupinysOHIO 2021
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Mullinberg LandscapingCooper MullenOHIO 2024
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Anderson Automotive and FabricationEric AndersonOHIO 2023
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Swartz Fabrication & RepairGage SwartzOHIO 2022
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Social RoarBryce RohrerOHIO 2022
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VR Medical SolutionsAbolfazl JarrahiOHIO 2023
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Isaac AblemanAccounting & Finance
OHIO 2022
Hometown: Dallas, TX -
Chase McCorkleMarketing & Business Analytics with Global Leadership certificate
OHIO 2022
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA -
Reece Mclanahan-SchluepFinance & Business Analytics
OHIO 2023
Hometown: Greenfield, OH -
Jillian MoormanFinance & Business Analytics
OHIO 2023
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio -
Kodjo HughesEngineering, Technology & Management
OHIO 2022
Hometown: Athens, OH -
Emily DenglerCommunications Studies
OHIO 2022
Hometown: Circleville, OH
About the Bobcat Seed Fund
ALL current Ohio University students are invited to apply for the Bobcat Seed Fund!! The Fund Provides grants to current Ohio University students or student teams who have an idea for or have started a business and can demonstrate the following:
- Business Description: A clear and concise statement of the business opportunity and idea
- Team: A talented founder or team of founders who can demonstrate commitment, relevant experience and skills, and passion for their business idea or proposal
- Value Proposition: A compelling statement of the business “value proposition.” Why should a customer buy this particular good or service? What is the unique or differentiating benefit to the target customer or market?
- Target Market: Description of the target customer or user and the size of the need or problem being addressed by the business. Why is this an attractive market (segment of users)? What market segments will you pursue?
- Goals: What are the short-term and long-term goals for the business? What milestones do you hope to achieve?
- Use of Funds: What is the proposed use of funds and what would the money, goods, or services help the team achieve? Examples might include legal or accounting services, creation of a prototype, website, or software development.
- Development to Date: What steps have you taken so far in developing this idea? Maybe you've launched a survey, made a rough prototype, or researched competitors. It's also okay if you're still in the idea phase!
Bobcat Seed Fund Investment Committee members have gone on to continue doing amazing things. Check them out!