Most founders hear about one way to fund a startup: venture capital.

But VC isn’t built for every business. And even when it fits the business, it doesn’t always fit the founder.

So what else is out there? Grants. Crowdfunding. State investment programs. Real money that Illinois founders are raising right now, and that most founders never go after.

On Thursday, November 19, we’re putting the people who know it best on one stage.

• Ayesha Kazi, Co-Founder & COO of ASL Aspire, has raised over $600,000 in grants and non-dilutive funding. She’ll share what it takes to get good at winning grants, and what to think about before you chase one.

• Shivani Chokshi of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) brings the state’s side: what programs like INVENT are built to do, who they’re for, and how to get in the door.

• Rajiv Nathan, Founder of Startup Hypeman, has worked alongside startups on just about every funding path. He’ll bring the wide view of the tradeoffs, the good and the bad.

Moderated by Brittany Canty.

You’ll hear what each path looks like in practice: how much time it takes, what it costs you beyond money, what went well and what didn’t. You’ll leave knowing which path makes sense for your business, and what to do first.

Then stick around. The open floor after the panel is where you find the person whose path sounds like yours.

Event presented in part by Carta - FREE Cap Table Management for companies with less than 25 stakeholders and $1M in funding. Use 'startupgrind' code to get 20% off your first year when you upgrade.