Student Entrepreneur Fund

New Covid-Related Fellowship Funding

If you are talking with or working with a startup company dealing with Covid-related challenges, please get in touch with us. The Ain Center was awarded additional grant funds from the Economic Development Administration to support students who assist with this effort.  For more information, email kathy.driscoll@rochester.edu to schedule a consultation meeting.

Student Entrepreneur Fund

Applications for this program anticipated to reopen in spring 2021

This program, provided through the generosity of donors to the Ain Center for Entrepreneurship, provides financial support for students pursuing unpaid or low paid internships at local and regional not-for-profit organizations and start-up/early stage companies.

The program, which is open to Simon MBA and MS students in any discipline, MS Technical Entrepreneurship and Management students and undergraduate business students, is designed to help students build their skills, explore career options and connect classroom learning to the outside world of work.

The Ain Center is just one University of Rochester center that offers funding opportunities for summer projects. Here are links to others:

• Undergraduate DISCOVER Research Grant
• Summer Internship Funding 

Students are only eligible to receive funding from one of the UR funding programs.

Covid-Related Fellowship Eligibility

• Startup or company must be facing Covid-related challenges and duties performed by the student will address and/or mitigate those challenges by assisting with the company’s fiscal recovery or changes due to the pandemic.
• Funding is available to help students manage personal expenses (equivalent to a low paid experiential education opportunity) while pursuing an internship, volunteer work and/or research projects.
• Grant amount will range from $1,000 to $2,000, depending on the hours of work per week and duration of the internship.
• Actual amounts will be determined based on need, available funds, and proof of offer.
• Applications will be approved by the Vice Provost for Entrepreneurship and program administrators.

Student Entrepreneur Fund Eligibility

• The program is open to Simon MBA and Simon MS students in any discipline, MS Technical Entrepreneurship and Management students and undergraduate business students (rising juniors and seniors).
• Funding is available to help students manage personal expenses while they pursue unpaid and low paid experiential education opportunities including internships, volunteer work and research projects.
• Students may apply for funds to help cover living and travel costs, not outside registration fees for academic experiences.
• Grant amounts generally range from $1,000 to $4,000, depending on the hours of work per week and duration of the internship.
• Actual amounts will be determined based on need, available funds, and proof of offer.
• Applications will be approved by the Vice Provost for Entrepreneurship and program administrators.

Application Process

• To be eligible for funding for either program, students must consult with Kathy Driscoll of the Ain Center for Entrepreneurship.
• After meeting with Kathy Driscoll, students must complete the online application form and attach a resume. Included on the form is a description of the organization, the position, and how the experience would relate to educational objectives consistent with the students’ degree program. Contact information of the individual at the company or startup who will be supervising/mentoring the student is also required.
• Students applying for funds must be in good academic standing in their programs and not scheduled to complete their programs until at least the December after their internship.
• International students must complete the required documentation and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) forms.
• Students are required to complete a substantial written report (2 to 5 pages) outlining the results achieved and the progress made toward educational objectives.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.