Frequently asked questions
WILL SOMEONE REVIEW MY GRANT APPLICATION BEFORE I SUBMIT?
We cannot review your application prior to submission. However, we can answer questions during office hours, which are held on the first Monday of each week until September 25.
IF I LIVE IN A RURAL COUNTY BUT WORK IN WICHITA, AM I CONSIDERED RURAL?
Yes. Rural status is based on your home address, not your work address.
I’VE SUBMITTED MY APPLICATION. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
See the Guidelines (need link) for details on the review process.
WHO IS ON THE REVIEW COMMITTEE?
We’re keeping those names private, but we selected a team with a broad range of startup experience, including an experienced Angel Investor, a wide-ranging and influential technologist, a senior software developer at a multi-billion dollar technology company, an intellectual property and commercialization expert, a hardware expert, and an accomplished tech founder.
IF I ALREADY HAVE A MANUFACTURER, DOES THAT AFFECT MY ELIGIBILITY?
Already having a manufacturer means you’re well on your way. We and our network can help with design iterations, product validation, or other paths to commercialization.
HOW DO YOU DEFINE “NON-TECH-INFUSED”? WHAT IF MY RETAIL IDEA USES CUSTOM SOFTWARE? WHAT IF MY STOREFRONT USES AN ECOMMERCE SOLUTION?
Non-tech-infused means there is no new technology being developed or proven out. For example, a basic retail or storefront wouldn’t qualify. But if your project involves proprietary technology, or you are building a technical prototype, you may be eligible.
WHAT ARE THE TRANCHE ALLOCATIONS? WHAT IS A TRANCHE?
A tranche is one of a series of payments to be paid out over a specified period, subject to certain performance metrics being achieved. It is commonly used in venture capital circles to refer to fundraising rounds used to fund startup companies.
All startups are different, but here are some examples of tranche allocations for the ACCEL-KS grant program:
$10,000 = $5,000 for the first distribution; $5,000 for the second distribution.
$15,000 = $7,500 for the first distribution; $7,500 for the second.
$20,000 = $10,00 for the first distribution; $10,000 for the second.
$25,000 = $12,500 for the first distribution; $12,500 for the second.
WHY DON’T YOU AWARD THE $25,000 UPFRONT?
The grant to Groover Labs is being released in tranches, so we can’t release all of the funds at once to grantees. The grant is also milestone-based to reduce risk.
IF MY PROJECT RUNS INTO PROBLEMS, CAN I CHANGE MY MILESTONES?
Yes. If you encounter problems or roadblocks, you can change your milestones and/or budget. Contact the Groover Labs team as soon as possible so we can ensure the change aligns with the mission.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I KNOW SOMEONE ON THE REVIEW COMMITTEE? IS THERE A CONFLICT OF INTEREST?
Wichita is a small pond, and reviewers will disclose their relationships to founders during the discussion. Conflicts are determined if the reviewer or an organization the reviewer is directly connected to would financially benefit from the application or if the reviewer is a relative, employee, or board member of the applicant.
IF I’M AWARDED $25,000 BUT DON’T USE ALL THE FUNDS, WHAT HAPPENS?
We will consult with the Kansas Department of Commerce for guidance.
WHY DIDN’T MY PROJECT RECEIVE FUNDING?
We anticipate receiving a large number of strong applications, and the funds available are limited. The Review Committee will have to make difficult decisions to balance the number of projects that could be supported with the amount of funding available. The committee also feels a responsibility to use funds in a way that would maximize statewide impact by supporting as many feasible projects as possible.
Funding is generally prioritized for projects that are most closely aligned with the goals of ACCEL-KS by advancing product innovation, demonstrating a clear path to commercialization, and showing measurable technical progress throughout the lifespan of the grant.
WHY DIDN’T I RECEIVE THE FULL AMOUNT I REQUESTED?
Some projects will receive partial funding following a detailed review of their budgets and milestones. This approach allows the ACCEL-KS program to support a wider range of projects while ensuring alignment with program goals and funding guidelines.
Funding will be directed toward the most innovation-focused, prototype-oriented, and development-related aspects of each project.
WHAT FACTORS DID THE REVIEW COMMITTEE CONSIDER WHEN MAKING FUNDING DECISIONS?
Funding decisions will be based on how well the project aligned with the program goals, as well as the proposal’s strength. Questions the committee will consider:
Did the project have a clear focus on core product innovation?
What was the technical feasibility and readiness for prototype development?
Did the project have potential for commercial impact and scalability?
Did the project demonstrate efficient use of funds?
WHAT TYPES OF EXPENSES WERE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING?
See the Guidelines (need link) for details on allowable project expenses.
WHAT SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE IF MY PROJECT WAS NOT FUNDED?
All applicants will receive access to the Ecosystem Support Package, which will include consulting and resources. Click HERE (check link) to learn more.
CAN I RECEIVE SPECIFIC FEEDBACK ON MY APPLICATION?
Due to the large number of submissions, the Review Committee cannot provide individual feedback on applications.
We encourage applicants to participate in CAMPFIRE and other ecosystem programs, where they can receive guidance and mentorship to strengthen future proposals.
WHAT WAS THE REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS?
See the Guidelines (need link) for details on the review process.
WILL THERE BE ANOTHER ROUND OF ACCEL-KS FUNDING?
There are no confirmed plans for a second round. Updates will be announced through Groover Labs newsletter. Subscribe HERE.
WHEN WILL THE FUNDED APPLICANTS RECEIVE THEIR SECOND TRANCHE OF FUNDS?
If applicable milestones are met and approved, second tranche payments are expected to be distributed by early February 2027, pending Groover Labs’ receipt of its second tranche from the Kansas Department of Commerce.
WHAT ARE MY DELIVERABLES ONCE I RECEIVE FUNDING AND START WORK?
Groover Labs staff is well aware that you are working hard on your project, and we want to keep grant obligations to a minimum. But we have to ask for information or participation occasionally, to comply with our grant requirements, and to help you as best we can. Here’s our best guess:
Early to mid November - Announcement event and speed dating (access to ecosystem support partners).
Mid January - Milestone report to evaluate the second tranche of funds to you, if applicable.
Late April-early May - Video qualifier questionnaire we’ll use to decide which projects are the subject of a video, if any.
Mid June - Close-out event.
June 30 - Final report.