Advanced Technology - Beta Testing Grants

Beta projects are used in new IT product development but can be expensive for a potential client. To help reduce expenses and ease trial use, eBizITPA offers Beta Testing Grants to help fund these projects. Costs are split among the development company, the perspective client and eBizITPA so the developer gets a foothold into the market and begins understanding customer relationship and usage issues. Typical assistance ranges from $3000 - $7000 dollars.

The use of college-based centers of excellence, faculty and students is encouraged in order to provide additional technology insight and quality review of potential projects. This grant cannot be used to reimburse off-shore labor, and we strongly prefer Pennsylvania talent be used when possible.

To be considered, the potential client must submit a one- to two-page proposal to eBizITPA via mail, e-mail or fax that includes the following:

Company and contact information including contact signature
Beta project name, description, start date, end date
Benefits sought from beta project
If this project has received funding from eBizITPA previously, then specifics on how the previous funding impacted the project, business, or economy should be detailed
Potential impact on PA economy (i.e. jobs created or maintained, patents, copyrights, licenses, new company formation, etc)
The next step envisioned should the beta project be successful

In addition, the new venture company must submit a one- to three-page beta project proposal that includes the following:

All of the elements listed above for the client company, bur from the new venture perspective
Beta project costs
Requested amount of grant funding
Summary business plan showing product information, brief competitive analysis, Intellectual property rights (if any)
Existing costs & revenues, and two year projected costs & revenues

Prior to assistance, eBizITPA will review the perspective client and new venture proposals, provide acceptance or rejection of the proposal and will discuss funding assistance at this time. Multiple perspective clients of a single new venture are welcome to submit proposals, but subsequent funding will be made available only when prior beta projects have met eBizITPA program objectives.

Proposals can be strengthened by the addition of intent-to-buy letters from potential clients who are interested in the new venture’s technology but who are not ready to purchase. Strong proposals will also describe the value that a potential client will receive through the adoption of the new venture’s technology. The use of college interns, graduate apprentices and/or college faculty will also strengthen the proposal.

Upon completion of the proposed beta project, the new venture will invoice the client at the price approved. The client pays the invoiced amount to the new venture and submits and invoice to eBizITPA at the amount discussed upon approval. Payment from eBizITPA to the client will be made within 30 working days.