Join leaders of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. for a webinar 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, as they discuss how companies can win cash grants through the We’re All Innovating Contest, which will recognize and promote the creative ways startups and small businesses are adapting to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The webinar is hosted by the Wisconsin Technology Council and is the latest in the Tech Council Innovation Network’s continuing webinar series, “Crossing the Coronavirus Chasm.”

Tech Council Innovation Network and Investor Networks members may register at no charge; the price for non-members is $20 for general admission and $10 for students and returning veterans. Click here to register. The Tech Council’s Julie Johnson will be sending webinar credentials prior to the event.

The We’re All Innovating Contest will provide $3 million from the federal CARES Act to about 195 winners. They will be selected through a competitive process to support new business models and technological innovations, ranging from specific health-related solutions to technology that addresses how we’re changing the way we live, learn and work. Top winners in the categories will receive a maximum of $68,000 to take their ideas forward.

“Despite the pandemic, Wisconsin’s culture of innovation is thriving,” said WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes. “The We’re All Innovating Contest will support those who have taken it to the next level, celebrating the individuals who own, run or started businesses to take COVID-19 on. They hustled to meet their customer’s needs or anticipated what new ones might be.”

The contest is designed to reward as many of these ideas as possible. It will help offset costs incurred between March 1 and those anticipated through Dec. 30, 2020. Additional criteria will consider progress to date and the potential for the innovation to move forward.

The webinar is sponsored by Old National Bank.

The Wisconsin Technology Council is the independent, non-profit science and technology adviser to the governor and Legislature, with events, publications and outreach that contribute to Wisconsin’s tech-based economy. To join, go to www.wisconsintechnologycouncil.com or call 608-442-7557.