Dave Linz, associate director for the Center for Technology Commercialization, has earned a prestigious award from the U.S. Small Business Administration for achieving significant economic impact in advancing small technology businesses.

Linz was among five individuals and 37 small businesses honored during a White House ceremony Jan. 10 with a Tibbetts Awards for driving innovation and creating jobs through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.

Working for the Center and its predecessor since 2005, Linz has provided technical, marketing, business planning, product development, and financing assistance to more than 600 entrepreneurs in technology and manufacturing businesses across Wisconsin. He is also a mentor for the Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest, which has a Jan. 31 entry deadline.

“Dave Linz sits atop my list as the most effective and influential business educator/consultant I have had the pleasure to work with,” said Mark Lange, executive director of the University of

Wisconsin-Extension’s Division of Business & Entrepreneurship, which operates the CTC. “He has an easygoing nature and ability to connect with all types of people from scientists, aspiring

business owners and CEOs to community stakeholders, chancellors and economic developers.”

“I am honored and gratified to have this recognition from my colleagues and the SBA,” Linz said. “I look at this as a CTC award and recognition for the whole team, present and past, for all

their great work and contributions to Wisconsin’s tech businesses. It is my good fortune to work with such an amazing team at CTC, and our wonderful partners.”

 

The SBIR/STTR programs represent the nation’s largest source of early stage research and development funding for small businesses. The programs are administered by the SBA in collaboration with 11 federal agencies, who collectively supported more than $2.5 billion in funding.