How TEDCO Helps Startups Access Funding and Federal Resources

WASHINGTON (7News) — TEDCO is helping Maryland, and other area entrepreneurs turn innovative ideas into successful businesses by connecting them with funding, mentorship and strategic resources.

Steven Auvil and Kim Mozingo from TEDCO’s Federal Engagements Department joined Good Morning Washington to discuss how the organization is strengthening the connection between Maryland startups and valuable federal resources.

Auvil explained that the department has two primary goals: helping entrepreneurs access the expertise, technology and other resources available through federal laboratories, and pursuing federal grant opportunities that can expand the impact of TEDCO’s state-supported programs.

By helping companies build relationships with federal labs, TEDCO can support startups as they develop products, grow their businesses and bring new ideas to market.

Mozingo also shared details about TEDCO’s upcoming SBIR and STTR Proposal Lab, which opens applications September 24. The program provides entrepreneurs with a series of workshops designed to help them develop competitive federal grant proposals. Participants learn proposal writing, editing, graphics and other key skills, while experts review submissions to help ensure they are compelling and compliant.

The program has delivered especially strong results for women entrepreneurs, with participants achieving a 58%-win rate compared with a typical rate of about 15% for these highly competitive grants.

TEDCO is also preparing for its Entrepreneur Expo, a major gathering that celebrates Maryland’s innovation community. The event is expected to bring together as many as 1,500 entrepreneurs, startup supporters and stakeholders for networking, resource-sharing and opportunities to learn from fellow innovators.

To learn more about TEDCO’s programs, grants and upcoming events, visit TEDCO’s website www.tedcomd.com.