Original article: Growth Grants Program: Supporting the builders that are growing the Starknet ecosystem
Translation and proofreading: Starknet Chinese Community
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What is the Starknet Growth Grant Program?
The Growth Grant Program is designed to provide up to $1 million in non-dilutive grants to teams actively developing the Starknet ecosystem.
Accelerate the growth of mature projects
The Growth Grant Program supports mature projects to build applications in the Starknet ecosystem. These teams are usually mature, have launched attractive products, and are highly compatible with the ecosystem.
The Growth Grant Program is designed to support mature teams that meet the needs of the ecosystem.
The team must have an attractive and reliable product.
Teams must go through a rigorous review process.
Teams can receive up to $1 million in funding.
Eligibility
The following are the eligibility criteria to determine if you are suitable for the Growth Grant Program:
Previous participation in the Starknet network
You should be actively involved in the Starknet community and have a live, reliable product with a large number of users.
Created strategic value for Starknet
Your product builds on existing Starknet tools and infrastructure and introduces important new use cases, thus bringing significant value to Starknet.
Significant influence
Your application/project demonstrates significant market appeal on-chain and is driven by significant application scenarios.
How to apply for the Growth Grant Scheme?
Below is an overview of the application process. We aim to respond to your application within one month of submitting it.
1. Submit an application
Submit your project application via the Grant Application Form. All teams will be required to submit a clear plan detailing how the grant will be used over the next three months.
2. Internal evaluation
An internal committee will evaluate each application based on the project’s potential impact, innovation, milestones, community engagement, past performance, and fit with the Starknet ecosystem.
3. Interview
Teams go through a rigorous interview process so we can gain a deep understanding of their goals and needs within the ecosystem.
4. Result Notification
We aim to provide you with feedback on your application outcome within approximately one month.
5. Join the program
After completing the KYC process and signing the funding agreement, you will receive the funding.
6. Follow-up after funding
After three months, the Foundation will communicate with grantees and evaluate the results. Grantees should regularly share project updates (such as blog posts, videos, AMAs, etc.) with the team to assist in this process.
Apply for the Growth Grant Program now .
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the purpose of the Starknet Grant Program?
The goal of the Starknet Grant Program is to support developers, strengthen the community, increase adoption, and make the Starknet ecosystem more open and accessible to everyone.
2. What is the Starknet Growth Grant Program?
The Growth Grant Program is designed for mature project teams that have launched compelling products in the market. It aims to provide up to $1 million in non-dilutive grants to teams that are actively developing the Starknet ecosystem.
3. What is the difference between Starknet’s “Seed Grant Program” and “Growth Grant Program”?
The Seed Grant Program is designed to support early-stage teams that have developed a minimum viable product (MVP) or proof of concept but have not yet entered the market, providing them with non-dilutive funds of up to $25,000. The Growth Grant Program is designed to support early-stage teams that have developed a minimum viable product (MVP) or proof of concept but have not yet entered the market. Established to provide up to $1 million in non-dilutive funding to mature projects that have already launched compelling products in the market
You can use the following criteria to determine which funding scheme you are suitable for:
Criteria for the Seed Grant Program:
Are you actively involved in the Starknet community, or have you participated in a Starknet hackathon, developer program, or other entry-level program?
Have you developed an MVP (minimum viable product) or proof of concept?
Do you plan to use or build upon existing Starknet tools and integrations?
Criteria for the Growth Funding Program:
Are you actively involved in the Starknet community, or have you participated in a Starknet hackathon, developer program, or other entry-level program?
Have you ever received support from the Seed Grant Program and performed well?
Do you have a product that is live, production-ready, and reliable?
Do you plan to use or build upon existing Starknet tools and integrations?
Your project meets the requirements of the Request for Proposal (RFP)
4. What if my project is in the early stages?
We recommend that you apply for the Seed Grant Scheme.
5. In what currency will the grant be paid?
Grants are paid in STRK tokens.
6. How long will it take to receive a response to my application?
There is no set time frame, however, our goal is to process and complete the review process once a month.
7. What types of projects do you fund?
We have no restrictions on product types. Any project developed based on Starknet (unless it is not eligible for application) can apply for funding.
8. Who is responsible for reviewing funding applications?
The committee will evaluate each application.
9. Will my application remain confidential?
Applications will not be made public and will only be shared internally within the Starknet Foundation and StarkWare teams.
10. If my application is rejected, will I hear back?
Yes, you will receive a response if your application is not accepted.
11. Is there an application deadline?
No, you can continue to apply for the Growth Grant Program. Applications will be reviewed in rounds.
12. How to apply for funding?
Please apply through this link, you will need to fill out the application form: https://forms.monday.com/forms/8f4b9d9bdc8f09c2ffefa2cb86d4cb0e?r=apse2
13. How will the reviewers evaluate my application?
The review committee will evaluate each application based on the following criteria: potential impact, innovation, milestones, community engagement and past performance, and fit with the Starknet ecosystem. A rigorous interview will follow. Designed for mature projects that have already launched compelling products in the market. Please check if you qualify based on the following criteria:
Are you actively involved in the Starknet community, or have you participated in a Starknet hackathon, developer program, or other entry-level program?
Have you ever received support from the Seed Grant Program and performed well?
Do you have a product that is live, production-ready, and reliable?
Do you plan to use or build upon existing Starknet tools and integrations?
Your project meets the requirements of the Request for Proposal (RFP)
14. Can a candidate apply multiple times?
Yes, but we will ask if you have applied for the Seed Grant or Growth Grant before. If so, please provide details on how your project has developed and improved since your last application and why it is relevant to your project. indicators deserve more funding.
15. Can applicants who have received funding from StarkWare or the Starknet Foundation apply again?
If you have been funded before, we expect to see significant progress. We will evaluate the project's adoption metrics.
16. Is KYC/KYB process involved?
Yes, we are legally required to conduct KYC (Know Your Customer) / KYB (Know Your Business) processes to verify identities and ensure the correct allocation of funds. Any project that is not willing to complete the necessary KYC/KYB procedures will not be eligible.
17. What are the application tips?
When filling out an application, it is critical to provide a comprehensive overview of your project, including clarity on your project’s goals, potential impact, and fit with the Starknet ecosystem. Clearly articulate your project’s unique value proposition and how it addresses a problem in the ecosystem. Existing challenges or how to seize ecological opportunities. In addition, detail the team's professional capabilities, experience and contributions to show why your team is the best choice to advance the project. A plan for the use of funding is also essential. This is important because it will demonstrate that you have a clear understanding of how to allocate funds to drive project success. The Growth Grant Program is designed for mature projects that have already launched compelling products on the market. Please self-check according to the following criteria Are you eligible:
Are you actively involved in the Starknet community, or have you participated in a Starknet hackathon, developer program, or other entry-level program?
Have you ever received support from the Seed Grant Program and performed well?
Do you have a product that is live, production-ready, and reliable?
Do you plan to use or build upon existing Starknet tools and integrations?
Your project meets the requirements of the Request for Proposal (RFP)
18. Are there any specific industries you are focusing on?
We welcome applications from all industries and we have no restrictions on project types. Please view the Request for Proposal (RFP) here. The Growth Grant Program is designed for mature projects that have already launched a compelling product in the market. You only need to check if you are eligible based on the following criteria:
Are you actively involved in the Starknet community, or have you participated in a Starknet hackathon, developer program, or other entry-level program?
Have you ever received support from the Seed Grant Program and performed well?
Do you have a product that is live, production-ready, and reliable?
Do you plan to use or build upon existing Starknet tools and integrations?
Your project meets the requirements of the Request for Proposal (RFP)
19. Will priority be given to projects that are already developing and participating on Starknet?
While any project can apply, your project is more likely to stand out if you can show how your previous project or team fits in with and participates in Starknet. The adoption metric is probably the most important factor.
20. What types of funding applications will not be accepted?
We do not accept applications related to the following:
gamble
poison
firearms
Illegal trade
Money Laundering
Any criminal activity
