Question 1

Who is eligible?

Accepted Answer

We encourage you to apply if you are a current Dominican University student, including undergraduate and graduate levels within any major. We also encourage Alumni from the Class of 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Question 2

How much funding is available?

Accepted Answer

There are five awards that will be granted. Awards will consist of $10,000, $5,000, and three awards of $2,500 to be applied towards your business.

Question 3

Do I have to pay the money back?

Accepted Answer

No. Funding is awarded in the form of a grant to be used solely for business purposes. The grants do not need to be paid back, but require the submission of an annual impact statement for 3 years.

Question 4

Can someone help mentor me through the process and provide some coaching assistance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, please make sure you select 'yes' for the last question on the application form here if you would like a mentor/coach and we will assign one to you.

Question 5

What is the process?

Accepted Answer

Step 1 - Register your intention to participate in Launchpad 2027 by completing the application. Applications open January 4th, 2027 and can be submitted anytime before March 19th, 2027.
 
Step 2 - Prepare and submit Business Executive Summary by March 26th, 2027. This 2–3-page document should include the following:

Problem/need being addressed
Target customer audience
Proposed solution/products/services
Basic operational overview & flow
3 year financial summary
Key performance indicators & metrics
Amount requested and proposed usage

Step 3 - If selected to be one of five Finalists, you will need to prepare a full presentation (template will be provided) and updated Business Executive Summary by April 25, 2027.

Step 4 - Present your business to an investment committee at the Launchpad 2027 event on April 29, 2027, from 3:30-5:30PM.

Question 6

What is a Founders Circle Donor?

Accepted Answer

Commits to $10K donation to the ELF Fund at DU
Is invited to participate in Launchpad 2026 event
Willing to mentor/coach student business as needed
Option to co-invest in student businesses separately

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible?

How much funding is available?

Do I have to pay the money back?

Can someone help mentor me through the process and provide some coaching assistance?

What is the process?

What is a Founders Circle Donor?

For More Information
Contact ELF Project Coordinator:

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible?

How much funding is available?

Do I have to pay the money back?

Can someone help mentor me through the process and provide some coaching assistance?

What is the process?

What is a Founders Circle Donor?

For More Information Contact ELF Project Coordinator:

For More Information
Contact ELF Project Coordinator: