Made In NY Entrepreneur Innovation Grant

$5,000- $10,000 in equity-free funding for innovative media and tech entrepreneurs.  Applications due October 13       The Made in NY Media Center by IFP was developed through a unique partnership between Independent Filmmaker Project, The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment and the New York City Economic Development Corporation. The Made in NY Media Center by IFP is where storytellers from multiple disciplines, industries and platforms create, collaborate, connect and incubate across a spectrum of programs, events, and experiences. The Media Center brings together innovators in film, video, gaming, technology and more through education, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and content creation. Since opening its doors the Media Center has held more than 100 classes and 300 events serving more than 25,000 people in its classrooms, media gallery, theater, café, incubator and community member spaces.

 

OPPORTUNITY:

Awards are from $5,000 – $10,000 dollars open to all New York City – based media and technology projects (Non-profits, individuals, and small businesses) including content creators, independent filmmakers, documentarians and fledging media and entertainment businesses that hold great promise in creating innovative content and products that contribute to the overall development in the field. *A range of projects will be considered, for example, from new ways to create and distribute virtual reality to new platforms and media projects leveraging mobile devices to innovative films and interactive documentaries.

PROGRAM PRIORITIES: 
(In no particular order)

• Innovative | Unique | Multi-disciplinary projects across platforms
• Media Entrepreneurs and innovation
• Incubators with 1-5 employees
• Early stage technology companies
• Demonstrated financial plan for beginning phase of project
• Multi-disciplinary projects across platforms
• Documentary filmmaking
• Narrative filmmaking
• Gaming
• Post-production
• Animation
• Virtual Reality (VR)

 

ELIGIBILTY REQUIRMENTS:
(Please note all applicants must meet the basic eligibility requirements to apply)

• Projects MUST be in the Media and Technology industries
• Media + Technology companies MUST be in the beginning funding stages at the time of application. (Note: companies at funding stage Series A and greater are not eligible for grant funds.)
• Incubation companies with 1-5 employees are eligible. (Note: companies with more than five fulltime employees are not eligible for funding.)
• Companies operating under a D/B/A MUST have a Certificate of Authority
• Companies MUST provide proof of business registration (AG registration and / or tax-filings are accepted.)
• Individuals MUST be a New York City resident at time of the award (Proof of residency in the form of a current rental agreement, utility bill, ID card, Driver’s License or voter registration card are acceptable.)
• Non-Profit Organizations MUST be a NYS registered 501c3 (Note: New York State Tax Exemption Certificate from the Department of Taxation + Finance is Not considered proof of non-profit status and Not accepted.)
• Companies primary place of business MUST be in New York City
• Companies MUST provide proof of a business registration form (AG registration and / or tax-filings are accepted.)
• The majority of the team MUST be New York City-based

 

GRANT RESTRICTIONS: 
Made in NY Entrepreneur Innovation Grants are not awarded to the following

• Public school districts and their affiliates
• Public Universities and/or Colleges
• Federal, New York State Agencies and local agencies-departments and municipalities
• Companies that are not New York City- based
• Majority of the team is not New York City – based
• Non-profits without a NYS 501c3
• Incubators with more than five fulltime employees
• Technology companies in Series A funding or greater
• Capital expenditures, i.e. purchasing general office equipment – computers, copiers, etc.
• Major expenditures for the establishment of new business/organizations
• General operating expenses
• Fellowships at professional training schools
• Lobbying expenses
• Contingency funds
• Scholarships
• Re-granting Made in NY Entrepreneur Innovation funds
• Entertainment costs including theater parties, galas, openings, receptions, and fund-raising benefits
• Any good, service, or fee not outlined / specified in the grant proposal

REVIEW CRITERIA:
Strength of applications will be judged on the following

• Projects that fall within the program priorities
• Quality, strength and novelty of the project
• Evidence that the project’s phase in the application has potential to be completed during the grant cycle
• Feasibility of the project – fulfillment of estimated time frame and expectations
• Professionalism of overall application, initial budget and required proof of residency/status/certificate

RESPONSIBILITES: 
All Made in NY Entrepreneur Innovation Grant awardees are required to adhere to the following

• All grantees are required to adhere to a contract during the grant cycle with the Made In NY Media Center by IFP, which outlines the terms of their grant. Please note that The Media Center will include provisions that allow for cancellation of the grant / return of funds for non-compliance.
• Must become an Incubator Member for one year (12 months) with the Made in NY Media Center by IFP.
• All grantees must print the following credit line in all programs or printed materials describing the funded project.
  “ This project _insert name___is incubating in the Made in NY Media Center by IFP”
• Must submit an initial budget and outline the project
• Must be present for a follow-up with a mid-term budget and project report
• Must submit a final report and final budget no later than November 2, 2016
• Must document and retain all receipts pertaining to the project and complete (2) evaluations

 

APPLICATION PROCESS: 
Applications are submitted online. However, certain documents must be e-mailed and received by the deadline, Tuesday, October 13, 2015 at 11:59 EST. to be considered complete.

1.) Applications are submitted online. However, certain documents must be e-mailed and received by the deadline, Tuesday, October 13, 2015 at 11:59 EST. to be considered complete. All applications must be typed and submitted electronically via the Made in NY Media Center by IFP website. Applications cannot be saved, once the submit button is pressed you cannot go back to change or edit your application. Application here.
2.) Use Code MINYGRANT
3.) Email initial budget form and proof of residency, either copy of license, ID card, rental agreement, utility bill, AG registration, Certificate of Authority or registered NYS 501c3 to Michelle Carollo, Community Engagement Manager.