Overland Park, KS — The Angel Capital Association (ACA) proudly announces the launch of the Bill Payne Memorial Scholarship for 2025, an annual award honoring Bill Payne, widely known as the “grandfather of angel investing.” This scholarship will provide one deserving recipient with the opportunity to enroll in the comprehensive suite of Ann and Bill Payne ACA Angel University courses, culminating in the Advanced Angel Investing Certificate.

The annual scholarship will be awarded to a community ecosystem builder who is a full-time employee at one of the following types of organizations:

• Local economic development organizations or chambers of commerce
• University and regional innovation hubs, incubators, or accelerators
• Nonprofit community-based organizations that support local entrepreneurial ecosystem building

Eligible applicants must be based in the United States. The program’s content consists of eleven courses, with each course offering two hours of educational material in both live virtual and modularized on-demand formats.

“Bill Payne was a pioneering figure in angel investing and this scholarship is a fitting tribute to his legacy,” said Pat Gouhin, ACA CEO. “By investing in leaders who are working to strengthen their entrepreneurial ecosystems, we’re building on Bill’s vision for a thriving startup community.”

Award Application and Selection Process

An online application form for the scholarship is available through ACA’s social media channels, ACA member groups, and various ecosystem organizations. Organizations may nominate candidates and self-nominations are also welcome. The annual application deadline is June 30th, with award selections announced by mid-August. Recipients will have one calendar year to complete the Ann and Bill Payne ACA Angel University courses.

For more information or to submit an application, visit the Bill Payne Memorial Scholarship Application Form or contact Sarah Dickey, ACA’s Events & Education Director, at sdickey@angelcapitalassociation.org.

About the Angel Capital Association
The Angel Capital Association (ACA) is the world’s leading professional and trade association supporting angel investors and the early-stage investment community. ACA provides education, resources and networking opportunities to foster robust and sustainable investing ecosystems.

Media Contact: Dannielle Stewart, dstewart@angelcapitalassociation.org, (913) 894-4700.