FY26 Concept Capital - Application

TEDCO Concept Capital Application

Concept Capital is an early-stage funding initiative designed to help socially and economically disadvantaged founders and rural entrepreneurs in Maryland accelerate their startups. By providing grants, convertible notes, and specialized support, we aim to prepare your venture for investment and long-term success. Eligibility Requirements: Your business must be based in Maryland, with its principal office and at least 51% of its workforce in the state. It should be technology-driven, focusing on innovative applications of technology rather than retail.It must be less than seven years old. The founder should identify as a minority, female, disabled, or socially and economically disadvantaged (SEDI), or the business should be located in a rural or disadvantaged area. Next Steps: All applicants will be notified of their status after review. If you are not selected, you are welcome to apply again when our next cycle opens. Selected applicants are then provided access to our FounderTrac x TEDCO platform to receive tailored mentorship and education. The application window for this cycle closes on January 31st, 2026.

Contact Information
Company Name*
If your company doesn't exist yet, you can make up a name. You can always change it later.
Company TEDCO ID*
If your company is not currently registered with a TEDCO ID, please register here: https://tedco.tfaforms.net/57 If you have registered and don't know your TEDCO ID, email jferguson@tedcomd.com.
Primary Location*
This is where your company is headquartered. If your company is not in Maryland, then you are not eligible for the Concept Capital program. If you have not formed your company yet, select the location you intend to headquarter (you can update this information later if you change locations).
CEO/Founder*

First NameLast Name
Email*
example@example.com
Phone Number*
The best number to reach you directly.
Are at least 51% of your founders/employees in MD?*
Does your product have an proprietary technology you want to scale?*

About Your Team
Team Background*
Tell us about your team's background and experience as it relates to your startup. Why is your team the best people to work on this? In 2-3 sentences, highlight your expertise, relevant experience, or skills that will help you execute your idea. Your team can include yourself, co-founders, staff / contractors, advisors, board members, and investors, if any.

Your Commitment
What inspired you to work on this startup?*
Feel free to tell a story or something else. Help us understand what made you want to start this startup.
How much time do you currently spend on your startup per week?*
Have you received investment in this startup?*

Yes, from myself / co-founder(s)Yes, from family & friendsYes, from a private investorYes, from grantsNo
If yes, please provide more details.
How much investment / funding have you received?
In the Concept Capital Program, our goal is to not only provide capital but infrastructural support through mentorship, resource identification and connection, along with education. Do you agree to receive this support?*

YesNo

Support & Goals
What type of support are you seeking from the Concept Capital program?*

Financial assistance to develop the conceptNetworking opportunities and connectionsMentorship and guidanceOther
What is your immediate goal in the next 6-12 months?*
Major milestones you'd like your startup to achieve, such as: prototype built, prototype tested/validated, customer discovery, problem-solution validation, business model refined, MVP developed, pitch refinement, etc.

Validation and Feasibility
Have you shared your idea with potential customers, advisors, or experts?*

Yes, Potential CustomersYes, AdvisorsYes, ExpertsNo
If yes, please briefly describe their feedback, if any.

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Do you currently have any co-founders, partners, or a team working on this idea?*
This can include advisors, board members, consultants, contractors, etc.

Additional Information
How did you hear about TEDCO's Concept Capital program?*

TEDCO Staff or AdvisorsTEDCO NewsletterTEDCO EventTEDCO Social MediaTEDCO WebsiteOther
Would you like to receive updates via TEDCO's newsletter?

If yes, check this box to be subscribed to our newsletter
Upload Executive Summary (Reference 1 page template below)*

Please limit to 1 page. PDF preferred.
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Pitch Deck Examples Here:

Other Resources below:
Upload Pitch Deck*

Powerpoint or PDF preferred.
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Anything else you'd like us to know about you or your startup?

Feel free to mention anything you think we should know and have not already asked.0/250
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