MADISON – Wisconsin companies with an interest in attending the BIO International Convention in Washington, D.C. may apply for grants and scholarships from two state-based sources. Up to 20,000 people from 40 states and 50 countries are expected to attend the June 27-30 convention, which is the largest of its kind in the world.

Companies may apply to either the Trade Show Grant Program of the state Department of Commerce, the Small Business Scholarship Program for BIO 2011 or both.

The Trade Show Grant Program of the state Department of Commerce is designed to help companies seek international markets. Under the program, Wisconsin companies with annual sales of less than $25 million can be reimbursed up to $5,000 for specific expenses. Reimbursable expenses include participation fees and costs that are associated with a physical presence on the convention floor, such as taking part in the Wisconsin BIO pavilion. Costs associated with first-time foreign translation of brochures and product literature or use of translation services may also qualify.

Companies that take part in the program can also utilize the services of Wisconsin’s trade consultants in the departments of Commerce, Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, and Natural Resources.

Visit http://commerce.wi.gov/IE/IE-TradeShowGrant.html to learn more, to review frequently asked questions and to download application materials.

The Small Business Scholarship Program for BIO 2011 (“Scholarship Program”) is designed to enable small Wisconsin biotechnology companies (health, agriculture, energy, medical device, etc.) to participate fully in the BIO 2011 International Convention. This scholarship program is sponsored by BioForward, Marshfield ClinicCentergy and Thrive.

 

The One-on-One Partnering through the BIO Business Forum is a match-making venue expressly designed to help companies achieve strategic business goals in a time- and cost-effective way. The Business Forum provides special search software and access to BIO registrant profiles and licensing opportunities, so that companies can set-up pre-arranged meetings with targeted senior business and scientific management to explore alliance and investment opportunities. These private half-hour partnering discussions occur within the exclusive Business Forum area of the conference.

 

Visit http://convention.bio.org/ for information on registration and deadlines for the convention.

In 2010, 10 Wisconsin biotechnology companies were awarded scholarships to support them in attending the BIO International Convention in Chicago.

 

To apply for this scholarship, visit http://www.bioforward.org/BIO2011.php. Applications are due April 8.

 

 “The BIO International Convention is a premier gathering for companies engaged in medical, agricultural and industrial biotech, and Wisconsin companies have a unique opportunity to take part,” said Tom Still, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council. “These two programs can help to make it easier for qualifying companies to attend.”

 

The Tech Council is working with a number of state companies and organizations to establish a strong Wisconsin presence at the convention, which will include a 800-square-foot pavilion and a variety of networking and business-to-business events. To learn more about the Wisconsin pavilion and the overall BIO effort, contact Jodi Hoeser at 608-442-7557 or jhoeser@wisconsintechnologycouncil.com

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