The Michigan ETF is designed to expand funding opportunities for Michigan technology based companies in the federal innovation research and development arena. The Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center (MI-SBTDC) in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), is dedicating up to $1.4 million annually to match federal SBIR/STTR funding opportunities for exceptional research and technical innovation generated in Michigan.

The Michigan ETF will match 25% of phase I SBIR/STTR awards up to $25 thousand, and 25% of phase II SBIR/STTR awards up to $125 thousand. The ETF awards will come in the form of grants and do not need to be paid back; however, ETF award dollars must be used to help bring projects to commercialization in Michigan.

Companies must leverage a third party match to be eligible for ETF awards. Before submitting an SBIR/STTR proposal to the federal government, an applicant must first secure a matching commitment from the MI-SBTDC. Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate significant commercialization potential. 

The Michigan ETF is a 21^st Century Jobs Fund Program.  The supported projects must advance at least one of Michigan's four competitive-edge technology areas (PDF):
     - Life sciences·
     – Alternative energy
     – Advanced automotive, manufacturing and materials
     – Homeland security and defense

The solicitation opened on February 4, 2008 and will continue until funds are exhausted. Visit www.mietf.org to submit your application.