Opell Seed Funding
Turn Your Idea into Action
Opell Seed Funding Pitches
Thursday, December 3, 2026
Bozzuto Center for Entrepreneurship
Have an idea you're ready to test, build, or launch? Opell Seed Funding provides HWS students with small-dollar funding to take the next step.
Students can seek support for businesses, nonprofits, social innovations, prototypes, creative projects, community initiatives, and other ideas that need resources to move forward.
How Does It Work?
Opell Seed Funding creates an educational experience modeled after early-stage venture capital funding.
Students pitch their ideas and funding needs to a trained team of HWS student reviewers working under faculty supervision. The student team evaluates proposals, asks questions, provides feedback, and recommends funding.
Students seeking funding learn to:
- Explain what they are trying to accomplish and why it matters.
- Develop and defend a realistic budget.
- Respond to questions and feedback.
- Make responsible decisions about limited resources.
- Report back on what they learned and accomplished.
The goal is not simply to award money. Both the students seeking funding and the students evaluating proposals learn through the experience.
Who Can Apply?
Any HWS student with an idea that is ready for resources. You don't need to have participated in IdeaLab or the Elevator Pitch Competition, and your idea doesn't have to be a traditional business. You are simply asked to meet with a member of the Bozzuto Center team prior to and after you pitch. It's okay if you're not sure whether you're ready. Our team can help you determine what your idea needs next.