Dorfman Incubator Grants

We’re now accepting applications for the 2026 Dorfman Incubator Grants (DIG). Startups can apply for $5,000 to $50,000 in non-dilutive grant funding. Ideal candidates have a connection to Cal Lutheran as a student, alum, startup affiliated with Hub101 programs, employee or employer of Cal Lutheran students.

2025 Dorfman Incubator Grant Recipients with Steve Dorfman

From left to right: Jose Duenas, Carmen D Lamp, Cecilia Duenas, Terrisa Duenas (ESTE Leverage), Steven Dorfman, George Owens, Mike Cooperman (Guidant), Tyler Lucas (AltSpot Capital).

Not pictured: Rosie Baker & Princesa Martinez (UpPup)

The Dorfman Incubator Grants—funded by a generous gift from Steven Dorfman—are designed to help launch promising early-stage companies that involve Cal Lutheran students and recent alumni (as founders, employees, interns, apprentices, research assistants, etc.).

This grant program seeks to advance our understanding of early-stage startups by learning from their use of the grant. Grant recipients agree to sit for an interview about their startup experiences, and explain how the grant funding was utilized. The interviews will be used as case studies in class.

Applications are due by Friday, May 1, 2026