Marketing Resources
The Wisconsin Entrepreneurs' Network (WEN) Technology Team (Regional Directors and others) serves as the State's focal point to help Wisconsin small businesses access funding through the federal SBIR and STTR Programs. The WEN Technology Team possesses the knowledge, experience and relationships to bring immediate value to Wisconsin technology-based companies. Unlike other business related organization, the WEN Technology Team focus on impacting the startup and growth of technology and other growth businesses that can become driver industries for the region and State by providing:
1. Expertise, coaching, and guidance with respect to technology assessment and commercialization, business planning, raising capital, and securing State and Federal grants including SBIR/STTR.
2. Strategic connections to resources, information, human and financial capital, advisers, and potential strategic partners
The WEN Technology Team has years of relevant business development and technology commercialization experience with a concentrated expertise in the federal SBIR and STTR Programs. WEN and its numerous Wisconsin partners from government, academia, and the private sector involved in promoting entrepreneurship and economic development aim to assist and strengthen Wisconsin's pursuit of federal SBIR and STTR awards by its tech-based small business sector.
One of our partners is the Wisconsin Innovation Service Center located at UW-Whitewater. They offer several tools that provide SBIR/STTR applicants with important information to increase your chances of winning. Their tools include:
NEW PRODUCT ASSESSMENTS
New product development studies continue to show a strong relationship between early-stage market assessments and profitable new products. The New Product Assessment (NPD) provides essential information to support a SBIR/STTR Phase I application. WISC research covers technical feasibility, competitive products, preliminary patent searches, estimated need, and relevant trends. The cost of the NPD is: $895
COMPETITIVE INTELLIGENCE SEARCH
Understanding competitive products and positioning is critical to writing a competitive SBIR or STTR Phase I or II research proposal. WISC's competitive intelligence search can help companies understand the scope of competition so products and services can be effectively positioned. Monitoring competitors is one key to differentiating your business in the minds of customers.
CUSTOMER ASSESSMENTS: CURRENT AND POTENTIAL
A letter of interest about your technology from a medium to large size potential customer can be very persuasive when placed in an SBIR or STTR Phase I or II proposal. Measuring current customer satisfaction levels is a critical activity, but small companies can be hard-pressed to find the time. WISC can assist clients in developing and implementing customer surveys, as well in analyzing results. Customer surveys can range from in-depth phone interviews with current high-value customers to brief interviews with potential customers.
LICENSING/STRATEGIC PARTNER SEARCH
Partnering is often a key part of a competitive SBIR or STTR Phase I or II proposal. Partnering can be the key to profitable product and invention development. Licensing new products and technology involves sharing of knowledge and experience. Whether used by independent inventors or existing companies, this sharing can benefit all parties by increasing profit opportunities and expanding market access.
Contact Information
Wisconsin Innovation Service Center
1200 Hyland Hall
UW - Whitewater
Whitewater, WI 53190
Phone: 262-472-1365
Email: innovate@uww.edu
Website: http://wisc.uww.edu/
Home || Overview of SBIR/STTR Programs || One-to-One Assistance || Marketing Resources || Federal Grants/Contracts Policies and Procedures || Agencies || Eligibility || Potential Program Benefits || How to Participate || FDA || Proposal Writing || Grant topics || State Partners || Award Winners || Useful websites || Accessibility ||
Page Published: 03/15/2002 · Page Last Modified: 09/16/2009
©2007 The Board of Regents, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin