WARF Gilson panel focuses on early-stage financing for technology firms

A panel of experts will discuss funding opportunities available to young firms for advancing the research and development of their technologies at the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation’s Gilson Bootstrapping seminar being held Wednesday, March 23.

Offered free for entrepreneurs, students and anyone interested in the topic, the program begins at 5 p.m. in the Town Center of the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery, 330 N. Orchard St.

Speakers with hands-on experience in the local high-tech market will discuss Small Business Innovation Research and university grants, as well as funding programs offered through the state of Wisconsin. Panelists for the program, called “Financing 101 — Non-Dilutive Funding for Proof of Concept and Early Stage Tech Business Development,” include:

• Bob Lowery, president and CEO, Bellbrook Labs;
• Bill Mellon, associate dean, UW–Madison Graduate School;
• Bill Checkovich, director UW–Madison Medical Device Office; and
• Aaron Hagar, technology development manager, Wisconsin Department of Commerce.

A networking reception will follow the program at 6 p.m. Parking is available starting at 4:30 p.m. in Lot 20, located across the street from the Town Center on University Avenue; as well as in Lot 17 near Engineering. While registration is not required, those interested in attending can help ensure appropriate seating is available by submitting brief information at http://gilsonseries.org.

Other Gilson Bootstrapping seminars being held over the next several weeks include:

• “Legal Basics for Starting a Company,” Wednesday, March 30, 2011; and,
• “Market Research for Startups,” Tuesday, April 5.

The Gilson Bootstrapping Series, which is being held in addition to other Gilson-named events, is presented by WARF in partnership with UW–Madison’s Schools of Business and Law, Office of Corporate Relations and Medical Device Technology Office. Additional partners include BioForward and UW Extension’s Small Business Development Center.