<aside> 🔗 Apply Now: Click Here. Prior to applying, we recommend reading through the application questions below (section 2).

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<aside> 🚨 **DEADLINE:

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# [1/5] About The Stage 2 Development Award - $8,000

This award supports students who have completed formal market research, which substantiates that there is market demand for their product or service and now requires further funds to develop a business plan, minimum viable product, alpha prototype, beta prototype and/or gamma prototype.

**The stage 2 award is evaluated based on:** 

- Having a valid user need addressed
- Having a unique competitive advantage
- Showcasing a feasible solution

### **High-Level Application Advice**

- Understand your customer - the key to getting funding is ensuring you have a good understanding of the customer and that you are building something they will love.
- Less is more - just because there is a word limit, you don’t need to use it all up. We value the conciseness and quality of your thoughts - not how many words you put down.
- Reach out for help - if you are looking for advice on your Esch Application, reach out to [email protected] and we can help answer any questions you may have.

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# [2/5] A**pplication Preview**

All questions found in the application form can be found in [this document.](<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VVniXMj0MRCQmau2MAyPQU7cmr-dad-JEzei2JZf-EU/edit?usp=sharing>) We highly recommend **answering all the preview questions in a separate document and pasting them into the application form** once you’ve answered all the questions.  

[Esch Application Questions - Stage 2](<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VVniXMj0MRCQmau2MAyPQU7cmr-dad-JEzei2JZf-EU/edit?usp=drivesdk>)