Startups Can Apply For $25K Investment From Bucks County

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — Do you have a growing startup company that's looking for funding? If so, you'll be interested to learn that Bucks County officials are offering $25,000 in investments through the Bucks Built Startup Fund.

The county program provides $250,000 each year in two separate rounds, selecting five eligible startups in each round. The initiative was developed and is administered by Startup Bucks, a local nonprofit organization.

While companies don't need to be based in Bucks County to apply, they have to meet certain criteria, including having one of its founders or some of its employees live in Bucks County, or else base some of the company's operations there.

“This program is a wonderful example of how business and government can work together,” said Bob Harvie, vice chair of the Board of Bucks County Commissioners. “Startup Bucks is doing great work helping entrepreneurs get started and connecting seasoned business owners with people just beginning. Those kinds of interactions help everyone succeed, and the county commissioners are excited about the role we can play in that small business development.”

The startup fund began in February, when it announced investments in five startup companies, including:

• EmployeeCycle, a software application to streamline human-resources reporting;
• Neuralert, a medical device for early stroke detection;
• PupCamp, an online dog-training platform;
• Tozuda, a head-impact indicator for concussion awareness; and
• Naturaz, a vegan, non-GMO hair care system for curly hair.

In addition to the $25,000 investment, each selected startup receives 12 months of partnered advising, resources, connections and programming.

Interested startup companies can learn more and apply at bucksbuilt.com. The application window for this year’s second round of funding runs from June 1 through June 30, though early interest submissions are accepted year-round.

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