Dorfman Incubator Grants
Steven Dorfman Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Non-dilutive funding for startups that educates.
Housed within the Steven Dorfman Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at California Lutheran University, the Dorfman Incubator Grants support promising early-stage startups while creating meaningful, real-world learning opportunities for students.
Why the Dorfman Incubator Grants Are Different
- Non-dilutive funding — grantees keep their equity
- For-profit startups welcome — not limited to nonprofits
- Education-first model — grantees involve Cal Lutheran students/alumni and return to share lessons learned
How the Program Works
The Dorfman Incubator Grants provide $5,000-$50,000 in non-dilutive funding to U.S.-based, early-stage startups with a connection to Cal Lutheran — through founders (students, alumni, faculty, staff, Hub101 members) and/or participation in programs like the New Venture Fair, Hub101, IdeaToDo, Startup Weekends, and others.
Because DIG is designed as startup funding with an educational twist, all grantees are required to incorporate two educational components:
- Engage Cal Lutheran students or alumni in grant-funded work (e.g., as interns, apprentices, project team members, research assistants, etc.)
- Return to Cal Lutheran to share outcomes and lessons learned
Grant funds may be used for most startup expenses, provided these educational requirements are met.
Made Possible Through Philanthropy
The Dorfman Incubator Grants were established in 2022 through a generous $1 million gift from Steven Dorfman, a longtime supporter of entrepreneurship, education, and innovation at Cal Lutheran. His investment makes it possible for founders to access early-stage capital without giving up equity, while creating real-world learning experiences for students.
This grant allows us to implement vital elements to our growth plan and is key to helping us get off the ground. What’s most important for us though, is the display of conviction in our vision, our product, our team and our purpose.
Tyler Lucas ('17), Founder, AltSpot
The most recent grant application deadline closes on Friday, May 16, 2025.
Learn more about eligibility requirements
Questions? Contact us at dig@CalLutheran.edu
