Technology Commercialization Programs

Technology-based economic development is one of the key elements of Governor Jim Doyle's "Grow Wisconsin" initiative. Wisconsin has tax credit, grant and loan programs to assist high-potential technology businesses.

Wisconsin Entrepreneur's Network

Entrepreneurship is one of the key elements of the "Grow Wisconsin" strategy. While the Department of Commerce's Technology Commercialization programs address the financial needs of entrepreneurs, other forms of support are available through the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs' Network (WEN). Through local and regional centers, this statewide network  offers business planning and access to capital and finance assistance, provides assistance with intellectual property and technology transfer issues and leveraging existing public resources, as well as those available in the marketplace.  It  also helps businesses with high growth potential reach the next level.

Links

Wisconsin Angel Network Angel Capital Resource Center Kauffman eVenturing

Technology-related entrepreneurship requires financial assistance at various stages of development. Recognizing this, the Wisconsin Department of Commerce has tailored a variety of funding programs for businesses and investors:

Early Stage Investment Tax Credits
The Angel Investment and Venture Capital Tax Credit programs are designed to encourage investment in small, high-technology businesses that have high growth potential.  Early-stage businesses conducting pre-commercialization activities related to proprietary technology may be designated as Qualified New Business Ventures.  Angel investors, angel investment networks and venture capital seed funds may qualify for Wisconsin tax credits by investing in these designated companies.

• For more information about venture capital tax credits, click here.

• For information about certifying your business as a Qualified New Business Venture, click here.

• For a list of businesses certified by Commerce as Qualified New Business Ventures, click here.

• For a list of certified venture capital funds, click here.

• For more information about angel investor tax credits, click here.

Technology Assistance Grants (TAG)
The TAG program provides grants for early-stage Wisconsin high-technology companies to offset some of the costs of hiring qualified, independent third parties to perform services that assist businesses in securing private or federal funding. For more information, click here.

Technology Bridge Grants
These grants provide funding to small businesses that have received Phase I R&D awards and are struggling to maintain operations while they await a Phase II or other follow-on funding decision. Funds may only be applied to reasonable and necessary costs directly attributable to maintaining the research and funding basic operations until the applicant's follow-on funding or federal grant application is approved or denied. Only those companies that can demonstrate severe financial hardship will be considered for bridge grant funds. For more information, click here.

Technology Matching Grants
This program provides state dollars to enhance a small business's federal R&D funding application (i.e., where match is required by the federal agency solicitation to secure a Phase II SBIR or Advanced Technology Program award). Applicants approved under this program will not actually receive funding until approval of their federal application. Phase I applications are not eligible for funding under this program. For more information, click here.

Technology Venture Fund Loans
This fund provides low-interest loans to Wisconsin high-technology companies to facilitate the search for angel or other seed capital investment.  For more information, click here.

Technology Development Fund - This program offers low-interest loans to help Wisconsin businesses develop new technology.  For more information, click here.

Administrative Rule
Click here to view the Administrative Rule (45KB, doc) for overseeing Act 255.

For more information contact:

John Stricker
608/261-7710
John.Stricker@Wisconsin.gov