Applications for the annual Springboard competition led by ACU’s Griggs Center for Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy are due by February 15.

The 2020 Springboard competition will award up to $40,000 in funding across three different award categories:

• Concept ($1,000 per team) – Provide entrepreneurs at the idea stage with funding and expert help to use for prototyping, testing customer demand, mentoring and other resources.

• Launch ($3,000-$5,000 per team) – Promote and reward aspiring entrepreneurs with an early stage venture (1 year or less) that has demonstrated customer traction and potential success.

• Grow ($10,000-$20,000 per team) – Support young companies (3 years or less), that have proven early success with funding to help scale their concept to the next level.

Each of these award categories is designed to support young companies at different stages and levels of success to date. As a result, some of the judging criteria is different for each award. The information packet available on the website above includes details to help aspiring entrepreneurs understand the competition requirements. For additional information, visit acuspringboard.com or email springboard@acu.edu.

About Springboard

Springboard began more than a decade ago as a competition to encourage and support entrepreneurship at Abilene Christian University, in the city of Abilene, and across the Big Country. Since its launch, Springboard has awarded more than $1 million to aspiring entrepreneurs across the region and served as a platform to connect, train, encourage and highlight our region’s startups. ACU’s Springboard is organized by the Griggs Center for Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy and made possible each year by a number of local organizations and businesses that sponsor the program.

About the Griggs Center

The Griggs Center for Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy at Abilene Christian University is focused on developing an entrepreneurial and giving spirit throughout the ACU community, including the Abilene area.  The center was launched in 2011 and has received national awards for its student programs and engagement on ACU’s campus. Through Springboard and other efforts, the center has also partnered with various organizations to promote, connect and equip the regional entrepreneurship community.