Without question, the recent COVID-19 crisis has deeply affected us all.
In an effort to protect the health and well-being of our staff, colleagues and clients, our physical office is closed until further notice. However, the MTI staff is continuing to conduct its work remotely. For any clients needing guidance or assistance, please reach out to your individual Investment Officer, who will work with you to help address your needs. All general inquiries can be submitted through our online contact form, which will continue to be regularly monitored throughout our remote working process. We will respond to messages as quickly as possible.
Beyond the serious health impact of this emergency, there are economic and business implications as well. Please know that the state and federal government is working expeditiously to marshal resources to help. For more details, we encourage you to visit the Maine Department of Economic & Community Development’s homepage, where you can find additional helpful links such as the SBA’s economic injury disaster loan.
Additionally, just last evening, the Maine Legislature passed emergency legislation to address the crisis. Part of that package includes the establishment of a consumer loan guarantee program through FAME, in partnership with financial institutions, to provide low- or no-interest loans for eligible people in Maine. You can learn more about this program by downloading a resource guide below or on FAME’s website.
As part of the budget passed last night, the Maine Legislature raised the annual cap for the Maine Seed Capital Tax Credit program from $5 million to $15 million. This means an additional $10 million in credits will be available for the balance of 2020. We’ll follow up with more details about that program as they become available.
Maine, its people and its businesses have always been resilient and unified in the face of adversity. We know we will continue to embody those characteristics as we face this challenge.
MTI will continue to work through this crisis to provide resources and advocate for the needs of Maine’s entrepreneurial community. On that note, we will be extending the deadline for MTAF 2.5 proposals to April 24, 2020.
Wishing all of you enduring health and safety.
Maine Department of Economic Development Resource Guides
Read more about programs and resources across agencies available in Maine for businesses and individuals affected by the crisis. Updated March 31, 2020
Download the Resource Guide for Businesses, updated March 31 2020
This resource guide provides an overview of federal and state programs designed to help businesses and other eligible organizations affected by the COVID-19 crisis.
Download the Paycheck Protection Program Overview
This guide provides information about a cash flow assistance program for employers and other eligible organizations affected.
Download the Resource Guide for Individuals
Information for individuals financially affected by the crisis.
Federal Funding and Partnership Opportunities in the Fight Against Coronavirus
Federal agencies are supporting research and development in the national response to coronavirus. These include SBIR and non-SBIR funding opportunities. Stay up-to-date directly with agencies.
National Science Foundation (NSF) has issued a request for SBIR/STTR Phase I proposals addressing COVID-19.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) has a list of funding opportunities specific to COVID-19 that may be applicable to an existing SBIR/STTR award, including administrative supplements, Urgent Competitive Revisions that may allow for expanded scope of existing awards to address COVID-19, and availability of funding for Emergency Competitive Revisions.
Air Force Unite and Fight: COVID-19 Response Team includes a COVID-19 Interest Area for SBIR AF X20.R Direct to Phase ll Open Topic
US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has an expanded round of SBIR Phase l applications to address Ag challenges in existing topic areas due by May 21, 2020.
Department of Energy (DOE) has requested ideas on COVID-19 research that DOE can support.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has a variety of business opportunities, including working with FEMA.
The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Agency (BARDA) works with partners to identify medical countermeasures and technologies to combat the 2019 novel coronavirus. In addition to funding for diagnostic assays, nonclinical models, vaccines, and advanced manufacturing technologies, BARDA coordinates the USG CoronaWatch Portal, a single point of entry for submitting information about your products and technologies to address the outbreak.
The MSI STEM Research & Development Consortium (MSRDC), a consortium of minority-serving research institutions, industry and government partners established in collaboration with the US Army Edgewood Chemical and Biological Center, has an open call for capabilities to address the response to COVID-19.
The Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium (MTEC), a biomedical technology consortium collaborating with the US Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC), has active solicitations to address the COVID-19 pandemic.