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Key Dates
Keep track of deadlines, links, and files that are part of the ELF process.
APPLICATIONS OPEN JANUARY 5TH
Student and Alumni Applications Due
Dominican University has created an Entrepreneurs LaunchPad Fund (ELF) to help underserved student entrepreneurs launch new businesses by assisting in funding startup costs either through debt financing or reimbursement grants. Alumni from the class of 2023, 2024 and 2025 to current students may apply starting Jan 1st, 2026.
SUBMIT BY MARCH 25TH
Business Executive
Overview Due
Business Executive Summary (2-3 pages) that includes:
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Problem/Need Being Addressed
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Target Customer Audience
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Proposed Solution/Products/Services
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Basic Operational Overview & Flow
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3 Year Financial Summary
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Key Performance Indicators & Metrics
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Amount Requested and Proposed Usage
Please email your completed summary to Aya Deiri at adeiri@my.dom.edu as a PDF attachment.
FINALISTS SELECTED BY APRIL 3RD
Final Presentation Due
Finalists will be announced by April 3, 2026.
If selected to be one of five Finalists, you will need to prepare a full presentation (a template will be provided) and an updated Business Executive Summary must be submitted by April 2026.
April 30, 2026
Launchpad 2026 Pitch
Dominican University, Springer Suite
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Students will present their businesses to the Investment Committee (10 minutes plus 5 minutes of Q&A per presentation). All Pitches & Business Plans are reviewed by a Mentor and the Investment Committee makes investment recommendations.
