Center for Technology Commercialization Micro Grants
Ms. Idella Yamben, PhD
CTC Business Development Consultant
432 N. Lake St., Ste. 417
Madison, WI 53706
(608) 263-3315
idella.yamben@uwex.edu
Purpose of Initiative
The Center for Technology Commercialization provides one-on-one assistance to early-stage emerging technology businesses throughout Wisconsin. Center consultants are experts in commercialization processes. We have over 60 years of combined experience and have collaborated in acquiring over $100 million in federal and other funding for our clients.
- Business and Commercialization Planning
The Business or Commercialization Planning assistance micro-grant can fund up to 75% of the costs, limited to $4,500, spent on hiring an independent, third party service provider to write a comprehensive business or commercialization plan for a Wisconsin business. The program is limited to businesses in certain industries including advanced manufacturing, agriculture, biomedical and biotechnology, medical devices, dairy and agriculture research, energy and biofuels, healthcare, information technology, nanotechnology and water.
- SBIR/STTR Assistance
SBIR/STTR Assistance micro-grants are aimed at technology and research-based Wisconsin businesses who intend to apply for SBIR or STTR federal funds. The grants typically cover up to 75% of the costs, limited to $4,500, incurred by a business in hiring an independent third-party to assist in the development of SBIR/STTR proposals.
Eligibility
Those starting or expanding a technology-based or research-oriented business, or a firm located in Wisconsin that relies on use of technology. Note: Previous micro-grant recipients should contact a CTC consultant to discuss their potential eligibility for an additional award.
Eligible Projects:
- Development of an SBIR/STTR Phase I or Phase II proposal or other federal funding proposal
- Development of an SBIR/STTR Phase II Commercialization Plan or a comprehensive business plan
- Procurement of a CTC-approved market research study in support of a commercialization or business plan
Application Process
Contact the CTC for intake and assessment including the creation of a Business Model Canvas with a formal request for a meeting. Submit an online application here for either an SBIR/STTR Assistance micro-grant or a business/commercialization micro-grant.
Award Details
Up to $4,500 per micro grant (up to $9,000 per small business to reimburse payment(s) to a CTC-approved service provider.
SBIR Advance Matching Grant
Mr. Todd Strother, PhD
Senior Technology Consultant
432 N. Lake St., Ste. 417
Madison, WI 53706
(608) 219-4183
todd.strother@uwex.edu
Purpose of Initiative
WEDC created the SBIR Advance program to provide state match funding, training, and other resources to Wisconsin businesses to advance the commercialization of SBIR/STTR-funded technology and expedite economic and job creation impact in Wisconsin. The program aims to fill critical funding gaps for activities such as market research, customer validation, patent development, business model development, and regulatory assessment restricted under federal awards. SBIR Advance grants are used for commercialization activities that will accelerate business development and improve company opportunities for Phase 2 and Phase 3 federal awards and for investor funding.
Eligibility
Companies with a current Phase 2 SBIR/STTR award may be eligible to apply for a Phase 2 Match Grant. WEDC gives preference to companies that are early stage and have won only one (1) Phase 2 award. Companies with more than two SBIR/STTR Phase 2 awards are not eligible for SBIR Advance.
Application Process
A letter of intent is due on April 19,2018 with full applications due by May 3, 2018. To apply, visit the following website.
Award Details
For Phase 2 award match: Matches up to $75K per year for up to 2 years of Phase 2 SBIR/STTR award. Awards will be paid out upon completion of designated milestones. Companies must apply each year for a $75K Phase 2 Match Grant. Eligible companies can apply for a second year Match Grant after they have completed the first-year match milestones. Companies with less than 1 year left on a Phase 2 award can apply for only one year ($75K) of Match Grant.
Updated by Rachel Werth in April 2018