Small businesses looking for support with a marketing plan or with developing products focused on robotics, automation or controls are being invited to tap into local expertise.

Applications are now being accepted for an exciting grant program, which is a partnership between Durham College (DC), the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) and Spark Innovation Centre.

Through funding from the National Research Council Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP), local companies can tap into a variety of services to receive assistance with:

• development of a business/marketing plan
• modification of control software
• prototype design/development

The re-launched program builds on the success of last year’s inaugural program, which assisted 11 local companies with technical and business challenges. Successful applicants will have access to leading research and testing facilities on the shared DC-UOIT Oshawa campus, such as the college’s faculty expertise and the university’s ACE Climatic Wind Tunnel.

To qualify, companies must be incorporated and have less than 15 employees. Projects are eligible for up to $10,000 of support. Applications are assessed on suitability for the program and each organization’s capacity to complete its project.

• Deadline for applications: Tuesday, September 12.
• Projects must be completed by Wednesday, March 15, 2018.
• Interested companies can apply using the downloadable application form and following the submission instructions.

“This is an opportunity for local small businesses to access tremendous resources,” said Debbie McKee Demczyk, dean, Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, DC. “We look forward to once again partnering with small companies to help them solve their technical and business challenges and find ways to innovate and grow their businesses.”