The University of Wisconsin-Extension Center for Technology Commercialization (CTC) is offering a matching grant of up to $75,000 to provide assistance to companies in the process of federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. The SBIR Advance Matching grant is part of the ninth round of SBIR Advance funding dedicated by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporations (WEDC) since the program began in 2014.

"These funds continue to help SBIR companies do critical business-related activities that accelerate their commercialization and ultimately benefit the Wisconsin economy," said Dr. Todd Strother, Senior Technology Consultant for the CTC and Program Manager of SBIR Advance.

To be eligible to apply, companies must have an SBIR/STTR project in either Phase I or Phase II of funding, and must be located in Wisconsin. Funds can be used for business and market development, customer validation, intellectual property work, or other areas needed to speed product commercialization.

Important dates to note:

• August 3, 2017; 12:00pm: Brief Intent to Apply form due, found here.
• August 17, 2017; 12:00pm: Full application due, found here.
• September 1, 2017: Companies chosen for funding will be notified by this date.
• September 21, 2017: Phase I Match awardees must be prepared to start the Lean Startup Program. The course, which is administered by the CTC, runs through Dec. 14 and teaches companies how to incorporate their technologies into a validated business model, and defines the best possible market targets.

Learn more about the SBIR Advance Matching grant here.