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TechStart Grant

A Component of the Business Innovation Program

January 10, 2012 TechStart Deadline Awardees

The TechStart Grant is a new funding opportunity offered as part of the MTI Business Innovation Program to individuals and companies across Maine who are looking to develop their new ideas and new products. Entrepreneurs with ideas of innovative technologies are encouraged to apply.

TechStart Grants will be awarded up to twelve times each year, for up to $5,000 per project. Funds must not be readily available from another service provider.  TechStart Grants also may be used to support specific activities such as business plan development, intellectual property filings, market analysis, or planning and preparation activities related to the submission of Federal SBIR/STTR Phase I grants or Federal Broad Agency Announcement for technology development.  TechStart Grant projects must have clearly defined deliverable outcomes and endpoints for the specifically funded scope of work not to exceed six months in duration. Each grant requires a 1:1 match consisting of actual cash, salaries, staff time, or equipment directly attributable to the proposed project.  Funded projects must fall under one of Maine's seven targeted technology sectors. 

TechStart is a new component of the Business Innovation Program, so we encourage entrepreneurs to consider reading the TechStart Grant program information on the website carefully to help decide if your idea is a fit. If you are a first time entrepreneur or have never applied for a grant or investment before, we suggest that you consider drawing on outside assistance, whether paid or pro bono, and preferably with someone familiar with the MTI TechStart Grant application process. 

TechStart Grant Application Process

Some documents are in Portable Document Format and require Adobe Reader for viewing. If you do not have this software, it can be downloaded free of charge at the Adobe web site. Email questions about the application to info@mainetechnology.org.

Step 1: Download the TechStart Application Instructions (PDF) 
Step 2: Register online for a unique Application ID number (Registration)
Step 3: Download all TechStart Application Forms

       Application Forms
       Form A - Copy of TechStart Registration Form (Step 2)
       Form B - Project Budget (Excel)
       Checklist (Word)

Step 4: Submit a complete application to MTI before deadline date

NEW!!  Applications may now be submitted online through the MTI website at www.mainetechnology.org/account/forms.

Applications may now be submitted online through the “Submit Application Online” link in the My Account section of the MTI website.  All applications submitted online must be in the form of a single PDF file only.

Step 5: Receive notification of grant decision rendered by TechStart Grant Review Committee

The next deadline for TechStart Grant applications is March 6, 2012 by 5:00 PM (EST).  Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.  Notification of awards is expected on March 28, 2012.

Additional Resources

U.S. Department of Labor Employee and Wage Estimates

Reviewer Forms

TechStart Grant Review Committee (TGRC) Score Sheet (Excel)
TechStart Grant Review Committee Guidance (PDF)

Grant Recipient Forms

TechStart Grant Agreement (PDF)
TechStart Grant Reporting Forms (Excel)

Presentations

TechStart and Seed Grant Webinar (PDF) - Updated 2/3/12

For more information, contact Shane Beckim at 207-588-1018 or email sbeckim@mainetechnology.org.