Dorfman Incubator Grants
Steven Dorfman Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Non-dilutive funding for startups that educates.
Housed within the Steven Dorfman Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at California Lutheran University, Dorfman Incubator Grants (DIG) support promising early-stage startups while creating meaningful, real-world learning opportunities for students.
What makes the grants unique:
- Non-dilutive funding — grantees keep their equity
- For-profit startups are welcome — not limited to nonprofits
- Education-first model — grantees involve Cal Lutheran students/alumni and return to share lessons learned
Applicants and grant recipients have access to Hub101, Cal Lutheran’s coworking space, startup incubator, and entrepreneurial community, which offers workspace, mentorship, programs, and events that support founders at all stages.
Step 1
Check eligibility criteria
Confirm your startup meets the grant requirements, including Cal Lutheran connection, stage of progress, and use of funds.
Step 2
Review guidelines
Download the grant and pitch deck guidelines to understand required materials, allowable expenses, and educational expectations.
Step 3
Submit your application
Complete the online application, upload your pitch deck, and agree to the grant terms and conditions before submitting.
This grant allows us to implement vital elements to our growth plan and is key to helping us get off the ground. What’s most important for us though, is the display of conviction in our vision, our product, our team and our purpose.
Tyler Lucas '17, Founder, AltSpot
