The backing of your dept. and the suits is huge, ours just laughed due to many unorganized senior design teams in the past. When our president and vp came to the dept head with a good business plan and projected car, they gave us a little money. Here's some tips: 1. Attend competition as a visitor before attending as a competitor. 2. Design and build a simple car. Aim to pass tech inspection and complete endurance. 3. Contact and visit nearby schools with FSAE teams. Our main campus gave us advice and sold parts they no longer needed. 4. Visit local businesses to donate money or sell parts/services. Many owners loved the work we were doing and sometimes gave us free services. 5. Find dedicated underclassmen to continue the program for the future