If you do not have an entrepreneurial idea to develop or are in the initial stages of considering entrepreneurialism as an option, you may want to consider attendance at one of the US colleges and universities which offer entrepreneurial programs.  A listing of these institutions appears below.

Many of these colleges and universities are spotlighted on our FundingSage University Entrepreneurial Program Spotlight.

Colleges and Universities with Entrepreneurial or Small Business Programs

Alfred University

Arizona State University

Babson College

Ball State University

Baruch College

Baylor University

Belmont University

Bentley College

Black Hills State

Boise State University

Boston University

Bradley University

Brigham Young University

Cal State, Fresno

Cal State, Hayward

California State University – Long Beach

California State University Monterey Bay

Canasius College

Carnegie Mellon University

Case Western Reserve University

Central Michigan University

Chapman

Chatham College

Claremont

Clarkson College

College of Charleston

Colorado State University

Columbia University

Columbia College (SC)

Community College of Indiana

Confederation

Cornell University

Council for Entrepreneurial Development

Creighton University

Davenport University

DeMontfort University

DePaul University

University of Dublin

East Tennessee State University

Eastern Michigan University

Fairleigh Dickinson University

Florida Atlantic University

Florida International University

Florida State University

Fordham

George Mason University

George Washington

Georgia State University

Georgia Institute of Technology

Grand Valley

Hampton University

Harvard

Hawaii Pacific University

Howard Paine University

Husson College

Idaho State University

Illinois State

Imperial College (UK)

India School of Business

Indiana University

Iowa State University

John Carroll University

Johnson & Wales University

Johnson County

Kendall College

Kennesaw State University

Lehigh University

Louisiana State

Loyola Marymount University

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Miami University

Michigan State

Middle Tennessee State University

MIT

Napier

Nazareth College

New England College

New Mexico State University

New York University

Norfolk State

Northeastern State University

Northeastern University

Northern Kentucky University

Northern Michigan University

Northwestern University

Notre Dame

Ohio University

Pace

Penn State

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Rice

Rider University

Robert Gordon

Rutgers

Saint Louis

Salem State

San Diego State University

San Francisco State University

Savannah State University

Seton Hall College

Sierra Nevada College

Southampton College

Southeastern Oklahoma

Southern Methodist

St. Mary’s University of Minnesota

St. Marys University of San Antonio

St. Cloud State

Stanford – Business

Stanford – Engineering

Sterling College

Stillman University

Suffolk University

Syracuse University

Temple University

Texas Christian University

Thomas College

Thomas Edison State College

Thunderbird

Trinity Christian College

Troy State University

Tulane

University of Akron

University of Alabama

University of Arizona

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

University of Baltimore

University of California Berkeley

University of California Riverside

University of Chicago

University of Cincinnati

University of Colorado- Boulder

University of Colorado, Denver

University of Dayton

University of Denver

University of Georgia

University of Hartford

University of Hawaii

University of Houston

University of Illinois Chicago

University of Iowa

University of Kentucky

University of Louisville

University of Maryland, College Park

University of Michigan

University of Minnesota

University of Massachusetts, Amherst

University of Missouri, Kansas City

University of Nebraska, Lincoln

University of North Carolina

University of North Dakota

University of North Texas

University of Oklahoma

University of Oregon

University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)

University of Portland

University of South

University of South Carolina

University of Southern California

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

University of Texas Austin

University of Texas at El Paso

University of Virginia

University of Washington

University of Wisconsin-Madison

UCLA

University of Virginia

University of Washington

University of Wyoming

Wake Forest

Washington State University

Washington University in St Louis

Western Carolina University

Wichita State University

Wright State University

Xavier University

The process of raising funds by obtaining small amounts of money from large groups of people, through the internet is known as crowdfunding.  Following are information, resources, and tools, related to this financing methodology.

Background Information

Crowdfunding is a process of raising funds for an opportunity by obtaining small amounts of money from large groups of people, generally through internet sites designed specifically for this purpose.  The internet facilitates crowdfunding through fundraising platforms, which, when leveraged with social media websites such as Facebook, Twitter and Linked-in are able to rapidly and efficiently attract vast numbers of potential investors resulting in successful fundraising campaigns for opportunities ranging from personal projects and social support to entrepreneurial ventures.

Crowdfunding, a recent phenomenon, has the potential to radically change the fundraising processes for individuals, non-profits and for profit entrepreneurial endeavors.

Crowdfunding can be utilized to obtain “Money for Goods”.  Under this funding model donations are solicited for creative personal projects, social welfare projects/non-profits, scientific and research and to a lesser extent, “for-profit” projects.  Monies obtained under this approach are generally categorized under one of the following three funding models:

1. All or Nothing (AON)
   Fund-raising pledges are pursued with a pre-determined minimum. If the minimum is not met, no money is collected.
2. Keep it All (KIA)
   Fund-raising is pursued without a pre-determined minimum. All of the funds collected (less commission) are provided to the entrepreneur. Even if the entrepreneur has insufficient funds to meet the objectives, he/she has the discretion as to whether or not to refund the funds.
3. Bounty
   Funds are raised for the purpose of creating a product or providing a solution to a particular problem (i.e.; a software bug). Funds are awarded when someone successfully provides the requested service.

Crowdfunding can raise equity or borrow money for entrepreneurial opportunities/business ventures. Under this model, crowdfunding platforms and social media websites are leveraged to expand the potential investor base providing significantly higher numbers of potential investors for entrepreneurial opportunities.

Currently, in the United States, the options here are somewhat limited as the processes generally continue to require “Accredited Investor” status and transparency. However, the regulators are reviewing current regulations based on the “Jobs Act” and some liberalization my result in expanding the pool of investors to include non-Accredited Investors use of the crowdfunding platforms and capabilities. The environment is dynamic and interested parties in all countries should monitor the environment on a continuing basis for change.

As described above, crowdfunding for equity and debt can be further defined as follows:

1. Debt crowdfunding – The start-up borrows money which must be repaid, usually with interest.
2. Equity crowdfunding – Equity is provided to investors for funds invested in start-ups raising funds.
3. Property crowdfunding – Owners raising funds provide investors an interest in the underlying property.
4. Other crowdfunding – Various structures generally unique to particular services, (i.e.; perqs, publication, or rewards).

Resources

Crowdfunding Professional Association
The Crowdfunding Professional Association (CfPA) is a 501 (c)(6) nonprofit trade organization that was established following the signing of the Jumpstart Our Business Startup Act (“JOBS Act”) in April of 2012. The association is dedicated to representing the Crowdfunding industry, engaging the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and providing the industry with education, a professional network, and tools that will accelerate the capital formation and ensure investor protection.

JOBS Act
The Full Text of the America JOBS Act posted on the White House website.

SEC Press Release (SEC Issues Proposal on Crowdfunding)
The Securities and Exchange Commission, (SEC) press release related to the commissions proposed rules on crowdfunding.

Proposed SEC Rule on Crowdfunding
The Securities and Exchange Commission, (SEC) proposed rules on crowdfunding.

SMALL BUSINESS GRANT FUNDING

Introduction

Grants are funds, provided by a party, (grantmaker) such as a governmental agency, foundation, corporation, trust or industry association to the benefit of the recipient, which are not required to be repaid.  Such grants are usually based on an application or another form of written proposal or grant request.  Grants are usually provided to fund specific projects or objectives and typically require certain compliance and reporting to the grant maker. 

Information

Despite media and internet marketing to the contrary, small businesses grants are few and far between.

Grants that are available tend to be focused on very specific areas, typically in technological research and innovation or technology transfer and development. Other limiting factors include types of companies (i.e., non-profits) or specific classifications like women or minority-owned businesses.

There are numerous websites that seek to lure the entrepreneur into believing they will guide them to grant funding. They tend to lead to either a sponsored loan program or to a fee for service program. The bottom line is that pursuing grants as a means of funding start-up businesses general has a low probability of return.

There are some unbiased government sources of information related to grant funding:

Resources

WEBSITES – GOVERNMENT GRANT FUNDING

Small Business Administration: The SBA has a good introduction and description of the limited grant programs available through the Federal Government.

There are two types of grants that are available:

1. Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR)
   SBIR is a highly competitive program that encourages small business to explore their technological potential and provides the incentive to profit from its commercialization.
2. Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR)
   STTR is an important small business program that expands funding opportunities in the federal innovation research and development arena. Central to the program is expansion of the public/private sector partnership to include the joint venture opportunities for small business and the nation’s premier nonprofit research institutions.

Grants.gov
Grants.gov is your place to FIND and APPLY for federal grants. The United States Department of Health and Human Services is the managing partner for www.grants.gov/.

There is a search tool that allows a search for Federal grants by keywords or more specific criteria. All discretionary grants offered by the 26 federal grant-making agencies can be found on Grants.gov. You do not have to register with Grants.gov to find grant opportunities.

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)
DARPA issues solicitations for research grants. These are exceptionally competitive.

The DARPA Small Business Programs Office has developed a tool to help small businesses define and prioritize the most important next steps in their path towards technology transition.

DARPA considers small business concerns as a primary source of innovative solutions. It seeks to expand small business relationships and training opportunities within DOD and other federal agencies and enable the small business community to create and transition radical, game-changing technologies that benefit the Warfighter, the federal government, and the commercial marketplace.

Accelerators, also known as seed accelerators, are organizations which support seed and early-stage startups through a formal, defined mentoring program from experts with experience across the startup spectrum. Typically organized as a cohort program lasting twelve to sixteen weeks, the programs end in a public pitch event or demo day presentation to investors.

Background Information

Accelerators provide defined cohort programs, for entrepreneurs and startups. The programs typically last 12 to 16 weeks, although the duration may vary.  They generally occur on-site at locations provided by the accelerator. Most include continuing mentorship during the course of the program led by multiple experienced mentors who have been trained for this purpose.

Most accelerators require attendees to be on-site and a few require the attendees to relocate their companies to the region in order to be accepted into the program. Most require a full-time effort by the entrepreneurial teams as opposed to the individual entrepreneur.

Accelerators are designed to address all the key issues from identification of the idea or concept, to building a prototype, conducting market surveys/tests/validating the market, building teams, creating and documenting the company infrastructure and ultimately obtaining third-party financing.

Other resources may include:

• Startup stipends which could range from $10K – $100K
• Office space during the program
• Special events and/or dinners with guest speakers
• Entertainment events
• Specified professional services from accounting, legal, marketing and other professionals are provided to participants free of charge by some accelerators and their professional partners
• Free access for defined periods to select web-hosting, software and SAAS tools supporting the development, growth, and operations of the startup
• Occasional housing for the cohort participants (but this is usually the exception)
• Post Demo-day mentoring

The culminating event is usually a Demo-day in which the entrepreneurs pitch their companies to the public and investors such as angel and VC groups. The value of the process for the entrepreneur includes a network of connections, the experience of participating in the cohort with peer companies, and recognition for having been chosen and participated in the program.

It is not typical for entrepreneurs or startups to be charged fees for these programs. Instead, the accelerators typically require equity in the startup, ranging from 6% – 10% depending on the accelerator.

Resources 

Accelerator Assembly
A European based industry-led network that connects accelerators, entrepreneurs and policymakers to strengthen the support afforded to internet-based startups on the continent.

Business Innovation & Incubation Australia
Business Innovation & Incubation Australia, (BIIA) is an association of Australian business incubators which sets the practice standards for the incubator industry in Australia.

Canadian Association of Business Incubation
The Canadian Association of Business Incubation, (CABI) is a Canadian association dedicated to supporting the growth of new and early-stage businesses in Canada.  Their mission is “to advance the success of business incubators and accelerators across Canada while enhancing the knowledge and skills of incubator and accelerator professionals and promoting a better understanding of business incubation/ acceleration’s role in economic development.” 

National Business Incubation Association
The National Business Incubation Association, (NBIA) was established to advance business incubation and entrepreneurship in the United States.  It is a provider of information, education, advocacy, and networking resources to its members and partners to bring excellence to the process of assisting early stage companies.

Accelerator Listing

Many of these accelerators are spotlighted on our FundingSage Startup Accelerator Spotlight. Learn more about your favorite accelerator there!

01 Booster

406 Labs

500 Startups

757 Accelerate

Aarambh Ventures

ABQid, Inc.

Accelerate Baltimore

Acceleration Business City

Accelerator of Merck KGaA

Accelerprise

AccelNow

AeroInnovate

AgLaunch

Alchemist Accelerator

AlphaLab

AltCity Bootcamp

Ampersand-et

Aviatra Accelerators

autoxlr8r

Betaspring

Better Ventures

Bisite Accelerator

Bizdom Cleveland

Bizdom Detroit

Blue Ridge Labs @ Robin Hood

Blue Startups

Blueprint Health

Boom Startup

Boomtown Accelerator

BR Intelligence Innovation Accelerator (BRIIA)

Canopy

Capital Factory

Capital Innovators

Carao Ventures

Cherokee McDonough Challenge

China Accelerator

Co Lab Gig Tank

Collider

Coolhouse Labs

Creww Japan Accelerator

DAI Accelerator

Dcode

Desai Accelerator

DFS Lab

DreamIt Ventures

Elevator Programme

Eleven

Elmspring Accelerator

Engage Ventures

Entrepreneurs Roundtable

Envestnet | Yodlee Incubator

EO Sydney

EVC Ventures

Excelerate Labs

Explorer Accelerator

Exponential Impact

F10 Fintech Incubator & Accelerator

FHI Ventures

Fintech Innovation Lab

Flat 6 Labs

FlashStarts

Fledge

FounderFuel

gener8tor

Generation

GIGTANK

Groundwork Labs

H-Camp

H-Farm

HACKcelerator

HackMind

The Harbor Accelerator

Hatch

HAX

Health Wildcatters

Healthbox

Healthbox Studios

Hillman Accelerator

Ice Lab Accelerator

Idea Boost

Idea Foundry

IDEA – Northeastern University Accelerator

IGNITE

Imagine K12

Impact Engine

imec.istart

India Accelerator

Innovation Crossroads

Iowa Agritech Accelerator

Iowa Startup Accelerator

Jaarvis Accelerator

Jumpstart foundry

Kickstart Accelerator

Knoxville Entrepreneur Center

Launch Alaska

Launch Chapel Hill

LaunchPad LA

Lighthouse Labs

Lightning Lab

Lightspeed Innovations

LUISS Enlabs

Microsoft Accelerator

MuckerLab

Nex Cubed

Next Media Accelerator

NEST’up

NMotion

Northeast Indiana Innovation Center

NXTP Labs

NYC Seedstart

OCEAN Accelerator

Orion Startups

Oxygen

Pioneer Square Labs

PlayLabs @ MIT

Portland Incubator Experiment

Portland Seed Fund

Project Music

Prosper Women Entrepreneurs

R/GA Ventures

RetailXelerator

RevTech Labs

Rock Health

SaltMines Group

Scratchpad Accelerator

Seamless Accelerator

Seed Fuel – Rowad

Seed Hatchery

SEED SPOT

SeedSumo

SEKLAB

Sevna Startups

The South Florida Accelerator

Speed@BDD

Spark* Accelerator

Sparkgap

Spark Labs

Spark labs Cultiv8

Speed@BDD

Sprint Accelerator

Start Co.

Startfast Accelerator

Start It @ KBC

StartPlanetNI

StartPlatz Accelerator

Startup Bootcamp

Startup Chile

Startup Health

Startup Studio Monterrey

Startup Reykjavik

Startup Yard

Start Zone

StartX

Sting Accelerate

Straight Shot

StichCrew

Summer Institute

Surge Accelerator

Swiss Startup Factory

Tampa Bay WaVE

Tech Ranch

Tech Wildcatters

TechrIoT XLR8

TechStars

Telluride Venture Accelerator

Ten Habitat

Ten50

TETUAN VALLEY

The ARK Challenge

The Biz Foundry

The Brandery

The Edge

The Factory

The Hive by Gvahim

The Idea Village

The Seeds Lab

The Startup Factory

Thrive AgTech

TLV Global Launchpad

UpRamp

UpTech, Inc.

UTEC Ventures

Valley Venture Mentors Startup Accelerator

Velocity

VentureHive

Vocus Upstart – Offbaorded

We Sprint

The Works

xEdu

XLerateHealth

Y Combinator

The Yield Lab

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