Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

Short Description
The purpose of the Innovation Challenge Grant Program is to increase the number of Illinois companies that apply for federal research grants. The federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and its parallel Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program provide over $2 billion a year to small companies developing leading-edge technologies of interest to 11 federal departments and agencies. The Illinois Innovation Challenge Grant Program provides grant writing assistance and matching funds to eligible Illinois technology-based entrepreneurs, innovators and new venture startups to access federal SBIR and STTR funding opportunities.

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TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Through the Innovation Challenge Technical Assistance Program the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will work with consultants from Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) to perform SBIR/STTR-related grant writing services for technology-based entrepreneurs, innovators and new venture startups to access federal funding opportunities. Assistance services will be designed to match the needs of the small business in submitting an SBIR/STTR proposal. The primary assistance will consist of 30 hours of work to assist the small business in identifying, advancing, preparing and/or reviewing Phase I SBIR or STTR proposals.

Innovation Challenge Program - Technical Assistance Application

MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM

The Innovation Challenge Grant Program provides grants to eligible Illinois companies to match funds they receive through a SBIR or STTR Phase I award, and to encourage these companies to apply for Phase II awards. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will match up to fifty-percent or $50,000 of the grant funds awarded through the federal SBIR or STTR phase I grant or contract.

Innovation Challenge - Matching Grant Application

PROGRAM CONTACT

Scott Henkel

Illinois Department of Commerce

And Economic Opportunity

620 East Adams

Springfield, IL 62701

scott.henkel@illinois.gov

217-557-6880