LiftOff: Strategic funding
First flight helps our members secure critical funding
Grants are a key source of non-dilutive funding for science-based startups. Unfortunately, the grant writing and application process can be challenging and cumbersome. It requires a specialized skillset to navigate the process and submit competitive grants.
First Flight recognizes that our members are entrepreneurs and scientists first, that’s why we developed the LiftOff program to help with identifying and securing non-dilutive funding.
LiftOff: AN Innovative Approach to Helping Startups Secure Grants
First Flight developed the LiftOff program with the Eva Garland Consulting (EGC) firm. EGC has a team of Scientific Consultants that specialize in identifying and securing resources to support science-focused startups. LiftOff provides customized strategies for obtaining non-dilutive grant funding through federal agencies including NIH, DoD, NSF, as well as other government and private non-dilutive funding sources.
FAST SBIR Education Program Attendee (left) Vicky Cattani of EGC (right)
“We are thrilled to be partnering with First Flight to help NC companies advance their scientific development through the LiftOff program. Through LiftOff, over $16 million in non-dilutive funding has been leveraged to help companies achieve early R&D milestones and de-risk their technology to be more attractive for follow-on funding and successful commercialization.”
Eva R. Garland, Ph.D.
CEO, Eva Garland Consulting, LLC
More than $16 million in grants secured through liftoff since 2016
We don’t guarantee grant access, but we do need to brag about our success rate. Since its inception, the LiftOff program has helped our members secure more than $16 million in non-dilutive funding, and 100% of First Flight LiftOff participants have received grant funding within two and a half years.
How do I become a part of the LiftOff program?
The LiftOff program is an excellent opportunity for science-focused early
stage companies to pursue non-dilutive funding. Learn about eligibility,
program requirements and the details of the LiftOff program.
Have more questions? Contact a LiftOff team member.
We would like to thank the organizations and companies whose generosity make the LiftOff program a grant-writing asset for early stage companies:
Eva Garland Consulting, Hutchison PLLC, NC Biotechnology Center, NC Idea, NK Patent Law & The Small Business Administration