Dyer Innovation Spark Grants

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

Each year, the Dyer Center can fund up to 4 student grant requests for up to $500 per venture. These grants are provided for students with early-stage venture ideas who still need to complete customer discovery research, develop prototypes, acquire early customers, or engage relevant stakeholders. These grants were created to help students take the first steps on their entrepreneurial journey. 

In exchange for the award, students must prepare and give a presentation for the Dyer Center that outlines what they accomplished and what lessons they learned from the activities facilitated by their Dyer Innovation Spark Grant. 

All Lafayette students are encouraged to apply. Venture ideas can be for-profit, non-profit, or hybrid models. Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received, and notice will be provided when funds are no longer available for the semester. 

Process:

1. Students must submit a proposal using the online application.
2. Funding requests are granted in the order they are received. Once all funds are distributed, funding requests will no longer be accepted.
3. If proposals are accepted, the Dyer Center will send you an agreement outlining funding totals, distribution methods, and presentation due dates for you to sign.  
4. Students who fail to meet presentation requirements must repay the Dyer Center for all funds and will be restricted from requesting further funds from the Dyer Center.  

Rules & Requirements:

Purpose & Relevance Statement:

Applicants must provide a comprehensive statement that clearly articulates the following:

• The proposed venture and/or the problem/opportunity being addressed.

• A delineation of the goals and objectives you hope to achieve through the project and any deadlines or dates relevant to the timing of the award.

Budget Justification:

A comprehensive budget breakdown must accompany the funding request. The budget should be transparent, reasonable, and directly related to the proposed activity.

Evaluation 

An ad hoc committee composed of Lafayette Alumni and at least one member of the Dyer Center Staff will review the proposals as they are received. Awards will be made based on the proposal’s feasibility and the potential impact on the student’s entrepreneurial development. 

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.