June 18, 2024

Dyer Center Innovation Grant

Only actively enrolled Lafayette students are eligible to apply for grant funding.

The Dyer Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship offers grants of up to $3,000 to empower students at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey. Whether you’re creating a prototype, conducting customer discovery, building an early business model, or preparing to launch a venture, this grant is here to help you move forward in meaningful ways. Open to all types of entrepreneurial pursuits, including tech startups, social enterprises, creative businesses, non-profits, and community projects, this funding supports your drive to innovate and make an impact.

Our goal is to help you take real, impactful steps to turn your ideas into a reality. Whether you are diving into market research, validating concepts, working on a proof of concept, or fine-tuning your launch strategy, we are committed to supporting you in building a venture that reflects your passion and purpose.

All Lafayette students are encouraged to apply. Venture ideas can be for-profit, non-profit, or hybrid models.

SUBMISSION DETAILS

Eligible Ventures:

  • Only currently enrolled Lafayette students may apply. For student teams, a majority of members must be Lafayette students.
  • Dyer Fellows may not apply for funding until they have fully used all Dyer Fellowship funds.
  • Each Venture may receive up to a maximum of $3,000.
  • Bergh Summer Accelerator Ventures may only apply after they have used all of their BSA funding.

Application Requirements:

  • Submit your proposal via the online application system.
  • Proposals will be evaluated on feasibility, innovation, potential for impact, and impact on the student’s entrepreneurial development.
  • Selected applicants will sign an agreement outlining funding distribution, requirements attached to the grant, and reporting requirements.

Evaluation:

An ad hoc committee of Lafayette alumni and Dyer Center staff will review applications based on:

  • Venture feasibility and innovation.
  • Potential impact on the student’s entrepreneurial development.

Grant Distribution and Reporting:

  • Funds will only be distributed with proper documentation (receipts, etc).
  • Students must meet regularly with Dyer staff and mentors during the grant period.
  • Following the grant period, students must submit an impact report outlining what they were able to achieve with the grant funds.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:

At the Dyer Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, we are committed to fostering a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our programs, including grant requests. We believe that every student, regardless of their background, identity, or experiences, should have equitable access to opportunities for growth and innovation. Our grant request process is designed to be inclusive, welcoming, and fair to all, ensuring that underrepresented voices are heard and valued. We actively encourage and support applicants from diverse backgrounds, and we are dedicated to removing any barriers that may impede access to funding. We strive to create an environment where every student can thrive, bring their unique perspectives to the forefront, and contribute to a vibrant and inclusive entrepreneurial community. In this spirit, we embrace the principle that diversity fuels innovation and are committed to promoting a more equitable future for all our grant applicants.