Illinois Innovation Voucher Program Application

Innovation Vouchers are used to leverage Illinois higher education institutions to provide SME's access to industry experts and research leaders. This grant (up to $75,000) can be utilized for up to 75% of a project's cost in covering research, product development, testing, implementation of new technologies and more - all to help SME's in the State of Illinois develop innovative products and services. Each business would be limited to one voucher per 12 month period.

Please read the guidelines carefully before applying.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with selections and funding occurring within 60 days.

First name*

Company name

Last name*

FEIN Number*

Job title*

Mobile phone number

Office Phone number

Email*

NAICS code

Project Title

Amount requested from the Innovation Voucher Program, in dollars.

Attachment 1: Illinois Innovation Voucher Program Application*

Please complete the attached Illinois Innovation Voucher Program Application document. Ensure that all sections are filled out accurately and thoroughly, including details on your company, project description, timeline, business plan, and project personnel. Submit the completed application document once all required information has been provided.

Attachment 2: Knowledge Provider Letter of Support *

Include a signed letter from the Qualifying Illinois Institutions of Higher Education demonstrating that the institution is capable and willing to provide the services that will be supported by the voucher sought. If the Qualifying Illinois Institutions of Higher Education primarily engages in sponsored research (colleges, universities, etc.), the letter of support should be provided by the administrator responsible for sponsored projects.

You can find an example draft of a letter of support here.

Attachment 3: Budget*

Use the included template to provide a line item budget for the project. Please use the instructions in the budget to complete.

Budget Template to use for Upload

Attach any additional supplemental materials here

Company Information

Street address

City

State/Region

Company Zip Code*

Is the company Veteran Owned, controlled or Led ?

The company has at least 51% veteran in its founding/management team or its current governance board or shareholder base, or the company is led by a veteran CEO. Veteran is a person who served on active duty with the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard, for any length of time and at any place and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. Reservists or members of the National Guard called to Federal active duty or disabled from a disease or injury incurred or aggravated in line of duty while in training status also qualify as a veteran.

Yes

Is the Company Women Owned, Controlled or Led ?

Yes

My Gender is best described as

Woman

Man

Non-binary

Prefer not to disclose

Is the Company minority owned, controlled, or led?*

The company has at least 51% minority in its founding/management team or its current governance board or shareholder base, or the company is led by a minority group member CEO. “Minority” is defined based on race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation, including African Americans, American Indians and Alaska Natives, Asians and Pacific Islanders, Hispanics, and LGBTQ individuals.