CTNext Entrepreneur Innovation Awards

Global, virtual-first fellowship backing early-stage founders, run by a group of unicorn entrepreneurs. Two tracks: Ideation for founders without revenue traction, Traction for founders already generating revenue, users, pilots or patents. Roughly 35-40 startups accepted a year.

AWS Activate provides startups with promotional cloud credits, ranging from up to $5,000 for self-funded founders to up to $200,000 for pre-Series B startups backed by an Activate Provider (accelerator, angel investor, or VC firm). Invite-only additional credits beyond $200,000 are available for AI startups ready to scale post Activate Portfolio.

Alabama's longest-running business plan and pitch competition (since 2006) - up to $100,000 in non-dilutive funding for winning startups across technology, life sciences and consumer goods tracks, plus a 12-week mentorship program. Has invested over $6.6 million in 124 Alabama startups to date.

Free, equity-free 7-week accelerator program from gener8tor - no investment, no fees, no equity taken. Runs cohorts in 50+ US cities across a range of industry verticals, selecting up to 5 companies per cohort.

Government-backed non-dilutive grant (up to Rs 20 lakh, ~$24,000) for proof-of-concept, prototyping and product trials, applied for through DPIIT-approved incubators, plus optional convertible-debt funding for market entry.

TCA Venture Group, formerly Tech Coast Angels, is an angel investment organisation in Southern California with about 400 members and five angel funds. It supports startups through seed, bridge and early A-round funding, and provides connections, mentorship and operational support. Entrepreneurs can apply for funding through its website.