Vogt Awards
The Community Foundation of Louisville’s Vogt Invention & Innovation Awards offers entrepreneurs in the Louisville region a unique and exciting opportunity to take their startups to the next level. Each year, up to six early-stage businesses receive $25,000 in non-dilutive grant funding, participation in a 10-week startup accelerator program, coaching, mentorship from industry veterans, strategic introductions and recognition, all designed to boost their companies’ growth. Unlike other business accelerator programs, the Vogt Awards allows founders to retain full ownership of their startups.
Applications for the 2022 Vogt Invention & Innovation Awards are now open!
If you’re an industry disruptor who is developing an innovative product or service that creates customer demand, and you have received less than $500,000 in total funding to date, don’t miss this incredible chance to grow your business!
NEW THIS YEAR: We’ve expanded the eligibility guidelines for this competitive program, removing some of the most common barriers facing today’s startups. For example, founders are no longer required to work full-time in their business at this stage.
Join us for our Virtual Information Session
Wondering if you should apply for the Community Foundation of Louisville’s Vogt Awards grant funding and accelerator program? Would you like some tips on how to write an outstanding application? Want to know more about how the program works?
If you are an entrepreneur or founder that meets our eligibility criteria, we encourage you to join us for our Virtual Information Session on Thursday, May 12 at 12 PM.
Grab your lunch and learn what you need to know from Lisa Bajorinas, Program Director for the Vogt Awards. Register for our information session today.
Why Should You Apply for the Vogt Awards?
Join this diverse and esteemed group of entrepreneurs. Nearly 100 founders have been a part of the prestigious Vogt Invention & Innovation Awards since 2000. The Vogt Awards play a critical role in Louisville’s ecosystem, ensuring the support and success of new and future businesses, and helping to position the city as a break-out for startups.
We’re still finalizing a few things before the application opens but you can take a look at the requirements and selection criteria now.
Meet the 2021 Vogt Awards Cohort
Pictured left to right: Brian Olivier, Tanner Wilcox, Ryan Harris, Kendall Weihe, Evan Knowles, Maya McClendon, Hishem Alsalman, Carlos Acevedo, and Amber Fields. Not pictured: Michael Brizendine | Photo credit: Creative Photography LLC
The Vogt Awards brings a strong history of diverse entrepreneurs and supports talented inventors and innovators who are developing big solutions to large-scale problems.
The recipients for the 21st annual Vogt Invention and Innovation Awards were selected chosen by a selection committee made up of leading entrepreneurs and investors in the startup community and past Vogt Award recipients.
Learn about the Vogt Awards Alumni.
The Tremendous Legacy behind the Vogt Awards
The Vogt Invention & Innovation Fund and Awards was established in 1999 through an endowment generously created by Henry V. Heuser Sr. This long-standing and prestigious program aims to strengthen Louisville’s economic health by supporting innovative startups and inspiring entrepreneurship.
It’s an incredible story of generosity supporting a long-term vision that benefits economic development in our community.
We're here to answer your questions!
