FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 28, 2006

Columbus, OH -- The Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) today released a request for proposal (RFP) for funding awards under the Third Frontier Project's Entrepreneurial Signature Program (ESP). The ODOD's Technology Division administers all grant awards.

The purpose of the ESP is to significantly increase technology-based entrepreneurial commercialization outcomes in six defined geographic regions and to focus on technology-based sectors offering important economic development prospects for that region.

"The Entrepreneurial Signature Program will stimulate Ohio's entrepreneurial spirit and economic development within the state," said Lt. Governor Bruce Johnson, who also serves as director of the ODOD. "The ESP is dedicated to developing a network of high value services accessible to technology-based entrepreneurs and small, tech-based companies throughout different regions of the state."

The Entrepreneurial Signature Program (ESP) consists of two major components, the ESP services and the ESP Pre-Seed Fund. Applicants must apply for funding under the ESP services component, and they may also apply for Pre-Seed Funds, although it is not required. The maximum amount of funding available for each region is $15 million over a three-year period, including no more than $6 million for Pre-Seed Funds.

The RFP opened June 28 and responses will be accepted until 2:00 p.m. on September 12, with award announcements made in November. For more information, call 1-800-848-1300, or visit http://www.thirdfrontier.com/open_rfps.asp.