TL;DR:
The Wisconsin Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) offers micro-grants of up to $4,500 to reimburse the cost of hiring an approved third-party consultant for SBIR/STTR Phase I proposal development. Open to Wisconsin-based tech startups focused on innovation and research, the program accepts applications on a rolling basis.
SBIR/STTR Proposal Prep is Expensive: Wisconsin Helps You Cover the Cost
Strong federal proposals are essential to winning early-stage SBIR/STTR funding, but professional support for technical writing, budget development, and agency alignment is rarely free. That’s why the Wisconsin Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) offers its SBIR/STTR Assistance Micro-Grant Program.
This state-backed program provides reimbursement up to $4,500 to support Wisconsin-based technology companies as they prepare Phase I SBIR/STTR applications. The funds must be used to pay independent, approved third-party consultants to assist with proposal development.
Use the Grant for the Expert Help You Actually Need
Applicants can apply these funds to offset the cost of:
- Proposal writing and editing
- Budget planning
- Narrative formatting and compliance reviews
- Assistance with required SBIR/STTR registrations
- Technical and commercialization strategy refinement
This program is ideal for companies at the concepting or pre-seed stage that are looking to submit a federal SBIR/STTR application for the first time, or strengthen a resubmission.
A Madison-based biotech startup recently leveraged Wisconsin’s SBIR/STTR support program to access $4,500 for expert proposal consulting and market research. With this funding, the team prepared a polished, competitive Phase I submission that positioned them for future non-dilutive growth.
Don’t Let Upfront Costs Stop You: This Grant Fills the Gap
Even promising technologies can fail to secure federal grants because the application falls short. That’s where the gap emerges: limited capital means limited access to the professionals who understand federal proposal strategy.
CIT’s micro-grant closes that gap by giving your startup the resources to bring in experienced advisors—without eating into your R&D budget.
Applications Are Rolling, Start When You’re Ready
The grant is available year-round on a rolling basis, with internal review by CIT staff. You must be starting or expanding a Wisconsin-based business with an emphasis on innovation, research, or technology development, and your proposal must be aligned with SBIR/STTR agency objectives.
To apply, contact Bob Stolle at info@cit.org or 608-263-7794, or visit the official program site for eligibility and application instructions.
Ready To Take the Next Step?
We assist our clients in locating, applying for, and evaluating the outcomes of non-dilutive grant funding. We believe non-dilutive funding is a crucial tool for mitigating investment risks, and we are dedicated to guiding our clients through the entire process—from identifying the most suitable opportunities to submitting and managing grant applications.