To help you further analyze which route to commercialization is best for you and your invention—and, for that matter, whether your invention is efficacious—federal, state, and private organizations can help you. Most of them can be found through the Small Business Administration (SBA) or a similar state agency. Call toll-free 1-800-827-5722 or visit www.sba.gov.

From my experience, one of the most professional and effective places to go for help in assessing the marketability of your inventions is the Wisconsin Innovation Service Center (WISC), a cooperative effort between University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Small Business Development Center, UW-Extension, and the federal Small Business Administration. Run by a Ronald “Bud” Gayart, a true friend to the independent inventor, the fee-based service just might make the difference if you are on the fence. Plus, you will obtain, through studies, all kinds of information you may never have seen otherwise.

Since it opened its doors in 1980, WISC has evaluated thousands of new product ideas at the request of inventors and small businesses. It has many success stories to share with you.

For information, contact Wisconsin Innovation Service Center, 1200 Hyland Hall, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Whitewater, WI 53190; 262-472-3217; fax: 262-472-1600; [email protected]; wisc.uww.edu.