PORTLAND — Entrepreneurs interested in applying for funding to support their ideas are invited to attend upcoming Maine Technology Institute workshops. The workshops will offer information on funding for business planning, market research, intellectual property filing, prototype development or later-stage R&D activities for technology-based business ventures.

At each workshop, MTI program specialists will lead participants through the application writing process to learn what is required to successfully assemble competitive seed grant, SBIR Grant and Development Award applications. There is no charge.

* MTI Seed Grants of up to $12,500 are offered on a competitive basis six times a year to support early activities for product development, commercialization or business planning. A company can be awarded up to a total of $25,000 in seed grants for a specific technology.

* MTI Phase O SBIR/STTR Grants of up to $5,000 are offered to foster and support competitive federal Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) proposal submissions. Funds can be used for direct costs associated with preparing an SBIR/STTR proposal like market research, consultant services, proposal preparation and review.

* MTI Development Awards of up to $500,000 are offered three times a year on a competitive basis to support early activities for product development, commercialization, technology transfer and business planning and development.

Each award requires a 1-to-1 dollar match consisting of actual cash, salaries, staff time or equipment and in-kind contributions directly attributable to the proposed project.

The Maine Technology Institute is a state-funded nonprofit corporation that offers early-stage capital and commercialization assistance for the research and development of innovative technology-based projects that create new products, processes and services, generating high-quality jobs across Maine.

In the central Maine area, the closest workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday, May 25, at the Maine International Trade Center, 511 Congress St., Portland

To register, contact Linda Adams, program assistant, at [email protected] or 207-582-4790 x206. Reservations are strongly encouraged to help MTI assure adequate space and seating. Walk-ins are welcome, space permitting.