Help shape a more practical future for small businesses
Contribute real-world business experience to the testing and refinement of SMICF.
Why Participate?
Gain Practical Support
Receive structured guidance to better understand your market, and commercialization options.
Use Your Real-World Experience
Your insights will help shape and refine a framework designed for small businesses.
Be Part of a Bigger Impact
Contribute to a more inclusive, practical approach to market intelligence and commercialization for small businesses.
It's at No Cost
There is no cost to participate. Selected businesses will receive guidance and tools as part of the validation process.
What Participation Involves
01 Apply & Initial Conversation
Complete a short application to tell us about your business and your interest. If selected, we'll have a brief conversation to confirm fit and discuss next steps.
02 Participate
Engage in guided activities such as discussions, surveys, or data sharing (based on your comfort and availability).
03 Receive Insights
Get a summary of key insights and practical recommendations relevant to your business.
Who Can Participate?
We are looking for U.S.-based small businesses that:
🗸 Have <500 employees
🗸 Operate in any industry
🗸 Are working through a market, customer growth or commercialization challenge
🗸 Are willing to participate in a guided SMICF activities (e.g. discussions, surveys, or data sharing)
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Businesses operating in smaller communities are particularly encourage to apply to participate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cost to participate?
No. There is no cost to participate in the SMICF validation process. Selected businesses will receive guidance and practical insights as part of their participation.
How much time is required?
Participation is designed to be practical and respectful of your time. The specific commitment will depend on your business and the activities involved, and expectations will be discussed before participation begins.
What kind of information will I need to share?
You may be asked to share information about your business, customers, market, current challenges, and relevant performance data. What is needed will depend on your business and will be discussed with you before any information is shared.
You will not be expected to share passwords, account credentials, or information unrelated to the validation process.