Biobased Industry Opportunity (BIO) Grant Program

Wisconsin's Biobased Industry Opportunity (BIO) grant program offers funding to individuals, groups, businesses and organizations to support certain biomass projects, including projects that generate energy or fuels by using biomass resources. This program took effect in December 2005. The deadline for the initial round of grant funding was March 1, 2006. It is unknown at this point if additional funding will be allocated to support future grant opportunities.

The program will award a total of $700,000, a sum appropriated in 2005, under the initial round of funding. The maximum project award is $150,000. A minimum cost share of 50% is required. Priority will be given to projects that can demonstrate near-term commercial production of energy or fuels, or that reduce reliance on non-renewable feedstocks. Examples of eligible projects under the initial round of following include the development of:New ways to generate usable forms of energy or fuels; New biobased products, including new fibers and other biobased materials; New technologies that enhance commercial viability of biobased business; or New systems that transform waste streams into energy or biobased products.Check the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection web site periodically for information about potential future program funding.