How does the program work?
If you’re a current USC student and are part of a founding team, you’re eligible to apply as many times as you would like, for up to, but not more than a total of $5,000 in microgrant funding to support your new venture. These grants are non-dilutive.
How do I apply?
Applying for Catalyst is as simple as 1 – 2 – 3 … You just need to fill out and submit a brief online application in which you:
1. Provide basic new venture information (e.g., your role, venture name, venture results)
2. Indicate the total amount of money that you’re seeking.
3. Clarify, specifically, how those funds will be used to advance your venture.
What if I need funds to help subsidize my participation in a startup competition or involvement in an educational program that provides unique instruction beyond what USC offers?
The existing application will allow for some variability in entry to accommodate these requests. Note: in most circumstances, we will not fund more than two students for the same external event or competition. We also will not use Catalyst funds to support RSO-related travel or external education; if you are part of an RSO seeking this support, please contact us regarding our eCouncil grants.
Are there specific application deadlines?
Applications are accepted once a semester from October 5th through October 15th. The next grant period will be Spring 2026.
What happens after I submit my application?
If your application is advanced for consideration, you will be asked to meet with the Catalyst Review Committee, who will (1) interview you briefly about your proposal and then (2) make a funding determination. In some cases, additional information will be required prior to determining if an application advances to the interview stage.
How long will it take for me to hear back after I submit my application?
You should receive an initial response from the Catalyst Review Committee within two to three weeks of submitting your complete application.
What happens after I meet with the Catalyst Review Committee?
If you are approved for funding, you will be notified and assigned an Expert-in-Residence who will work with you to finalize an agreed milestone for funds use. Funding will only be processed after your Expert-in-Residence meeting.
How am I expected to work with my Catalyst Mentor?
At your initial Expert-in-Residence meeting, you will be asked to schedule at least two additional Expert-in-Residence meetings over the ensuing months. During these meetings, you will discuss progress toward milestone achievement, debrief on your experience, and consider future funding (“next milestone”) needs.
Are there any other program requirements?
Microgrant recipients will be required to provide a one-page summary of your grant-funded activity (including use of funds) to the Committee by the end of the academic year (May 1, 2026). Failure to file this report on time may disqualify you from future Greif Center funding.
Can I apply to this program more than once?
This program is designed to provide multiple small grants (microgrants) of up to $5,000 in total. Multiple, consecutive applications are therefore acceptable – with a new application welcome after successful use of a prior grant. Note: the funds total is per student or per venture.
Who is eligible to apply for this funding?
You are eligible to apply if you:
• are a full-time student and an active or aspiring founder/co-founder of a for-profit or non-profit venture that is new and conceived and/or launched while at USC
• are in good academic standing at USC
• have taken a Greif Center course (BAEP, BUAD201x, BUAD301) or participated actively in other entrepreneurship programming at Marshall
• commit to using the funds, as promised, prior to degree completion
• have at least one additional semester remaining prior to degree completion
• have a venture that has received less than $50,000 in personal or institutional funding at the point of application
Recipients will not be chosen on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic identified under applicable law or that may from time to time be specified in USC's non-discrimination policy.
Recipients cannot be related to anyone on the review committee (i.e., not an immediate or extended family member, dependent, or relative).
Can I apply if my ventures is being launched outside of the United States?
For now, because we can more easily navigate domestic funding, we will only be providing grants for US-based startups (founded by students from the US or from other countries).
Can I apply if one or more of my co-founders are not USC students?
Yes. The applicant must be a current USC student who is actively engaged as a part of the founding team. But other team members can come from elsewhere. Remember though: if funds are approved, the applicant / USC student will be wholly responsible for all aspects of grant receipt and management (including mentor meetings).
Who reviews the applications?
Funding applications will be evaluated by a Catalyst Committee chosen from (faculty, faculty). An application does not guarantee a funding award. Decisions are final.
How can Catalyst funds be used?
Microgrants can be used to purchase resources that are required to develop an idea or venture, or to build, test, and develop prototypes. In specific instances, they can also be used to hire short-term contractor support on an as needed basis. Microgrants cannot be used for regular team or new hire salaries (excluding agreed, short-term contractor hires), rent, or to reimburse a student's other personal expenses (e.g., time).
