Elevate Vermont

Our Programs BIPOC Business and Career Assistance Program Brownfields Revitalization Fund Elevate Vermont State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Rural Industry Development Program (RIDP) Vermont Training Program (VTP) Closed Programs Vermont APEX Accelerator Vermont Economic Progress Council (VEPC) Working Groups Housing Community Development Historic Preservation Tourism and Marketing About the Agency Elevate Vermont Elevate Vermont is a technology-based economic development program designed to catalyze growth in Vermont’s high tech business sector through increased access to targeted technical and research assistance. A mix of technical assistance and grant matching will be available for: One-on-one professional support to apply for Federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants, Matching funds which can be used to offset costs related to commercializing a new product that cannot be supported with Federal SBIR/STTR funds, such as sales and marketing expenses, and Access to research institutions that can help solve product development challenges. Apply Here: Technical Assistance for First Time SBIR/STTR Applicants Apply Here: Matching Grant Technical Assistance for First-Time SBIR/STTR Applicants Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants are available through the Federal government to assist companies with the basic research needed to develop their innovations into marketable products. Each year, eleven Federal agencies participate in this program, including the Department of Defense (DOD) and NASA. While the grants can be significant, up to $250,000 in Phase One funding or $1.5 million in Phase Two funding, the applications can be challenging for emerging or growing businesses to complete successfully. A company interested in applying for SBIR/STTR funding for the first time, or a company that has applied unsuccessfully, may apply for Elevate Vermont technical assistance to work with a consultant specializing in SBIR/STTR applications, who will help you navigate the application complexities and improve your chances of success. Eligibility Requirements: Headquartered in Vermont Completed and approved program application Benefits: Overall education about the federal SBIR/STTR program Gain valuable feedback on proposals Hands-on guidance from experienced SBIR/STTR Advisors Matching Grant Per Act 74, passed by the Vermont Legislature and effective July 1, 2022, the Vermont Department of Economic Development offers non-competitive matching grants of up to $50,000 to support Vermont-based businesses that have received a federal SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) or STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) Phase I or Phase II award. These can be used to offset expenses related to launching a new product into the marketplace that cannot be supported with the Federal funds. Ex. Marketing, market research, development of sales materials, and other related costs. Eligibility Requirements: For-profit business based in Vermont, with its principal place of business located in the state. Received a federal SBIR/STTR Phase I or Phase II award from a participating federal agency. The federal award must be granted prior to submission of the matching grant application. Additional Requirements, by Award Type: Phase One Awardees Must satisfy all federal SBIR/STTR Phase One requirements. Must be committed to submitting a Phase Two application. If the business did not use ElevateVT technical assistance, it must commit to using ElevateVT technical assistance to support its Phase II application. Phase II Awardees Must satisfy all federal SBIR/STTR Phase II requirements. Must be actively commercializing the technology developed with federal funding.