Founder Funder Scholarship Fund 

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The Founder Funder Scholarship Fund is an initiative by Startup Sioux Falls designed to eliminate financial barriers for aspiring and established entrepreneurs in our community. By providing financial support, the fund enables more individuals to access vital resources, participate in accelerator programs, and seize growth opportunities that drive their entrepreneurial journeys forward.

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Key Objectives

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Increase Accessibility

Ensure that financial challenges do not prevent talented entrepreneurs from participating in Startup Sioux Falls’ programs.

Reward Excellence

Provide micro-grants to help accelerator graduates implement their business ideas.

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Support Growth

Empower founders with the resources, mentorship, and connections needed to accelerate their ventures.

Foster Equity

Create a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem by supporting underrepresented and underserved founders.

How it Works

The Founder Funder Scholarship Fund operates in three key areas:

  1. Program Scholarships: Covers program fees for founders in need, enabling them to join Startup Sioux Falls’ accelerator programs such as CO.STARTERS and Growco.
  2. Pitch Grants: Funds micro-grants for participants of Startup Pitch Night, rewarding innovative ideas and inspiring community-driven entrepreneurship.
  3. Micro-Grants for Accelerator Graduates: Provides small grants to help accelerator alumni implement business solutions, test prototypes, or scale operations.

Impact

  • Empowers Founders in Need: By reducing financial burdens, the fund allows founders to focus on growing their ventures and building sustainable businesses.
  • Strengthens the Community: A thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem benefits the entire Sioux Falls region by creating jobs, fostering innovation, and supporting economic growth.
  • Encourages Innovation: Direct financial support through scholarships and grants provides founders with the means to experiment, iterate, and pursue bold ideas.

How to Support:

  • Individual Donations: Every contribution, no matter the size, directly supports local entrepreneurs.
  • Corporate Sponsorships: Businesses can amplify their community impact by funding scholarships or matching donations during campaigns.
  • Event Participation: Donations collected during events like Startup Pitch Night help sustain the fund.
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Please click the button below if you plan to donate $250 or more, or if you would prefer to be invoiced.

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