MARKETING AND BUSINESS PLANS

Inventions, even good ones, do not sell themselves. You must be prepared to invest a great deal of time, effort, dedication and diligence to turn your idea into a product people will buy. Many people have great ideas. Only a few have the drive, desire, and ability to actually create or improve a product that can make it to market. While the patent program can assist with answering some basic questions about patenting your invention, you are responsible for performing market research, developing a business plan, and taking the steps necessary to start a business, find customers, and sell your idea to the public.

Following are some resources for assistance with business planning, market research and product commercialization:

Public resources

Maine Small Business Development Centers
http://www.mainesbdc.org/

Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership
http://www.mainemep.org

The Wisconsin Innovation Service Center
http://academics.uww.edu/business/innovate/

Professional market researcher Jane John of Brunswick provides a list of resources to assist in the research process in her very helpful presentation which you can view by clicking on the link below. Please note: You will need Power Point software to view the presentation. Use the space bar to proceed through the slide show. The presentation is best viewed using Internet Explorer.
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