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Overview

The 1789 Student Venture Fund is a UNC-Chapel Hill student startup funding program operated through Innovate Carolina and the 1789Hub ecosystem. It provides early, non-dilutive seed funding to Carolina students building commercial startups or social ventures, helping teams test products, launch websites, market ideas, and move early concepts toward impact.

Investment focus

The 1789 Student Venture Fund aims to support student entrepreneurs at UNC Chapel Hill by providing non-dilutive funding to help them launch their ventures. The program focuses on empowering students to develop their ideas into viable businesses without the burden of equity dilution, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the university community.

Program details

Designed for Students, Founders. The program is in person. Participation is generally part time.

Who it is for

Open to current undergraduate and graduate students at UNC Chapel Hill who have an existing venture or an idea for one they want to create.

Check if you are eligible

Check your eligibility for 1789 Student Venture Fund

Admissions and application

Open to current undergraduate and graduate students at UNC Chapel Hill who have an existing venture or an idea for one they want to create. At least one member of each application team must be a currently enrolled UNC Chapel Hill student. Teams can apply once per academic year for up to four consecutive years.

Benefits

Recipients gain access to UNC's broader entrepreneurship resources including the 1789 Hub, Innovate Carolina mentorship networks, and connections to follow-on funding opportunities within the university system.

Timeline

The fund opens applications twice per academic year: the fall cycle runs from August 15 to October 1, and the spring cycle runs from January 1 to February 15.

What came of it

Since 2020, the fund has supported 137 student startups through 163 funding awards. Of those startups, 67 remain active as of FY2025, collectively generating $7.9 million in annual revenue and creating 5,676 jobs. This 49% survival rate and significant job creation demonstrate the fund's effectiveness as a launchpad for student ventures.

How to go about it

  1. Read what it asks for

    Who can apply, how people get in and whether it is open right now.

  2. Have something to show

    Programs pick people whose work they can already point to. Put yours where it can be found.

  3. Apply the way the program asks

    The program has not published how to apply. Terms and dates change. Check the official page before you act.

What it pays

Non-dilutive grant funding (no equity taken). Award amounts vary based on venture stage and project needs. The fall 2025 cycle distributed $27,000 across 18 teams.

Questions about this program

Who can apply?

Current UNC-Chapel Hill undergraduate and graduate students may apply with an existing venture or an idea. A team must include at least one current UNC-Chapel Hill student.

What does the fund provide?

The fund offers venture funding and advertises access to entrepreneurial mentors, professional service providers, and networking opportunities. No specific award amount is established by the published claims.

When are applications scheduled, and is the form open now?

The official page lists recurring fall dates of August 15 to October 1 and spring dates of January 1 to February 15, without years. The linked form stated on October 2, 2026, that it was not accepting applications; that dated status does not establish whether a later cycle is open.

How are applications reviewed?

The committee considers customer discovery and prototype progress, potential revenue or social impact, and the team's passion and commitment. Teams must submit a budget and explain how funds would advance the venture.

Can a team apply in both fall and spring?

A team funded in fall cannot receive spring funding in the same academic year. A team that applies unsuccessfully in fall may reapply in spring with an updated application.

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