About this programme
Kickstart is a Wyoming Business Council (WBC) grant program for growth-oriented startups, built around a pitch competition. Awards are non-dilutive, meaning founders keep their equity and owe no repayment.
Beyond the money, WBC positions Kickstart as a way to connect founders with mentorship, investors and feedback on their business model and pitch through the competition process.
As of this listing, the program is paused until further notice; WBC's page tells applicants to check back for updates.
How it works
Kickstart runs one competition cycle per calendar quarter, though WBC accepts submissions year-round.
Selection happens in phases: five semi-finalists are chosen for a virtual pitch day in front of an investor panel, three of those advance to a Q&A round with the WBC team, and award amounts are announced only after the Governor's office signs off.
Awards range from $5,000 to $50,000 per recipient.
Who can apply
The startup must be founded in Wyoming and commit to staying in the state for at least three years after receiving an award.
At application, the company can have no more than 25 employees, and at least half must be Wyoming residents.
The company must show potential for high growth and market expansion beyond Wyoming.
At least one founder must have completed an accelerator program, been a pitch-competition finalist, successfully exited a previous business, or founded a venture-backed company (whether it succeeded or failed).
How to apply
- Prepare a pitch deck, a pre-recorded 5-minute pitch video (submitted as a private link), a W-9 form, a budget form, and an employee matrix and company growth projection form.
- Submit your application; WBC accepts submissions year-round with one competition cycle per calendar quarter.
- If selected as one of five semi-finalists, present at a virtual pitch day in front of an investor panel.
- If selected as one of three finalists, complete a Q&A round with the WBC team.
- Await award announcement, which follows approval from the Governor's office.
Documents you’ll typically need
- Pitch deck
- Pre-recorded 5-minute pitch video (private link)
- W-9 form
- Budget form
- Employee matrix and company growth projection form
Frequently asked
Is Kickstart currently open?
No. WBC's page states the program is paused until further notice and advises checking back for updates.
How much can a Kickstart award be?
Awards range from $5,000 to $50,000 per recipient, and the funding is non-dilutive with no repayment owed.
Do I need prior startup experience to qualify?
Yes. At least one founder must have completed an accelerator, been a pitch-competition finalist, exited a previous business, or founded a venture-backed company.
How does the selection process work?
Five semi-finalists pitch virtually to an investor panel, three of those advance to a Q&A with the WBC team, and awards are announced after Governor's office approval.
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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.