Catalyst Seed Fund
Catalyst Seed Funding supports University of Memphis student-led ventures that are actively scaling and can demonstrate proof of customer traction and market fit. The fund is designed to help founders overcome key obstacles that directly impact customer discovery, acquisition, and retention, enabling measurable progress toward business growth and sustainability.
What Will You Fund?
While eligibility criteria are open to ventures in many different industries, funding decisions prioritize ventures that can demonstrate:
- innovation-led ventures,
- validated demand,
- paying customers, or
- clear evidence of traction.
Average award amount: $1,000. Requests above $1,000 require Crews Center for Entrepreneurship Advisory Board review and approval.
How Do I Apply for Funding?
You must have a legitimate need and a compelling case for funding. It is important to express what impact the funding will have on your business as well as a proven track record of execution. "Execution" does not necessarily mean generating revenue. It means you have proven that you have the commitment and work ethic it takes to move a startup forward.
Applicants must upload the following materials with their Catalyst Seed Fund application.
- Presentation Slide Deck: A concise visual overview of your business, market traction, customer validation, and growth strategy.
- Business Plan: A summary of your business model, operations, and market strategy that demonstrates scalability and a clear path to sustainability.
- Funding Plan: A detailed explanation of how the requested funds will be used to achieve specific milestones tied to customer traction, discovery, or retention.
- Awarded Applicants must also participate in one of the following:
- Work with a designated Crews Center for Entrepreneurship Mentor for 2 semesters
- Participate in bi-monthly Launchpad and/or venture development
- Enroll in advisor approved Independent Studies related to the venture
Applicants will be required to present their business proposal to a review audience, which may include mentors, advisors, and fellow entrepreneurs. Following the presentation, students must participate in a Q&A session to discuss their business model, customer traction, use of funds, and expected outcomes.
We recommend that applicants meet with Crews Center Entrepreneurship Coach prior to submitting their application.
Application
Applications are open for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Before submitting your proposal, consider previewing the application questions to ensure your submission meets all requirements.