I-Start Accelerator Program
The I-Start Accelerator Program benefits the University of Illinois-affiliated entrepreneurs with strong potential for technology commercialization through new company formation.
I-Start awardees have access to a suite of professional services including business development, legal setup, SBIR applications, and bookkeeping and marketing assistance. EnterpriseWorks maintains a list of professional service providers and pricing for I-Start clients.
I-Start award recipients are required to become tenants of the EnterpriseWorks incubator.
| Legal Services | Business Planning | SBIR Assistance | Financial & Payroll Services | Student Shared Services Center | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope of Services | • Initial Company Formation, bylaws, application for FEIN (filing fees paid by entrepreneur) • Stockholder agreements and certificates • Stock option plan • Employment Agreement and student immigration assistance (match up to $5,000) • Non disclosure agreements | • Write Business Plan with inventor input • Market Research • Financial Projections • Recommendation on sources of capital • Assistance with hiring and incorporation decisions | • Finding solicitation and agency fit • SBIR process guidance • Draft budget • Writing assistance • Help with letters of support • Project Management • Registrations and Submission | • Payroll admin • Quarterly Financial Statements • Assistance with Quickbooks setup for the business | • Market research • Presentation assistance • Initial template website • Logo assistance • Social media, adwords • IT/Computer system setup (up to 100 hours of student work) |
Through the program, EnterpriseWorks competitively awards companies 80% of the cost of the services. Funding and resources are available for one year. Lastly, services are expected to be completed within the budget allocations for each category.
Apply to the I-Start Program
Service Providers
If your firm wishes to provide services for I-Start, please submit a one-page scope of services on any of the packages listed on the table, including prices and contact information on company letterhead, to research-park@illinois.edu.
I-Start Program
I-Start provides university-affiliated startups with access to professional services.