Avinger Impact Fund

Avinger Impact Fund

Apply to receive funding of up to $10,000 to assist in accelerating your proposed business idea. We are seeking visionary, passionate innovators!

Fund Info

Established in honor of Robert L. Avinger, Jr., a member of the Davidson Class of 1960 and professor of Economics from 1967-1980, the Avinger Impact Fund fuels the vision, qualities, and passions of an innovator, giving evidence of creativity, energy, and initiative that will lead to success in future endeavors. (The Avinger Impact Fund was formerly known as the Avinger Scholars Program.)

Through small, project-based grants, the Avinger Impact Fund awards microgrants up to $10,000 to Davidson College Student entrepreneurs looking to validate and advance their idea. We have found that funding, paired with mentorship and guidance, early in a company’s lifecycle, can make a significant impact on future success.

Successful Davidson College applicants should demonstrate a serious commitment to their proposed idea, issue, project, or venture — even if they still have unanswered questions or unvalidated assumptions. That is fully acceptable! However, they must be willing to work hard, think critically, take smart risks, and learn from failure.

Finalists are chosen on the merits of their written application (to be submitted via an online webform). Finalists are notified if they are selected for an in-person interview. Interviews will be conducted by members of the Avinger Impact Fund Advisory Team, in partnership with the Hurt Hub@Davidson faculty and staff.

If you are selected to receive an Avinger Impact Fund microgrant, you will be asked to review your initial budget with a mentor – and submit a final budget before any funds are disbursed. You will also be required to enroll in our mentoring program, which matches you with a local team of experienced mentors who can help you grow and shape your business idea.

The Avinger Impact Fund microgrants are considered taxable income, not scholarships. Please consult with a tax adviser if you have questions about how this may impact your personal tax situation.
Congratulations to our

Fall 2022

Avinger Impact Fund Winners!
Constantine Desjardins
Direct Camp
picture of a female smiling.
Lily Korir
KK Dairy Solutions
Heidi Meyer
Careers Explained
Tasos Pagounas
Rise Together
Christos Koumpotis
Rise Together

CHECK OUT PAST WINNERS

Nathan Engstrom (’21) and Zane Libke (’21) of SowChange
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Avinger Winners

Add your name to the list!

Thomas Athey (’24) 
Portfolio Kings

Sandro Chumashvili (’24) 
US – Georgia Wines

Carson Crochet (’22) 
CA’Buddy

Sebastian Charmot (’22) + Oğuzhan Çölkesen (’22)
FundNet

Emre Koc (’20) + Altan Tutar (’20) + Huseyin Altinisik (’21)
Impact Network

Mariem Bchir (’20)
LEAPS Academy

Nathan Engstrom (’21) + Zane Libke (’21)
SowChange

Kim Bako (’21) + Patrick Sullivan (’21)
JustPlay

Lorena James (’21)
ZSpools

Andrew Wright (’20) + Jackson Miller (’20)
UWAVES

Arianna Montero-Colbert (’19)
Anakracy

Houston Downes (’18)
Pokadot

Charlie Goldberg (’19)
Get it Poppin’ Clothing Line

Peter (Andy) Baay (’17)
Data Engineer at Tresata, Armfield Capital Management, LLC

Violet Degnan (’17)
Topstone Projects

Scott Cunningham (16’)
Digital Storyteller

Tori Mayernick (’14)
Hives for Lives

Jared Blakney (’14)
Generations Tee Shirt Co.

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Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Davidson College

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