10 Years of IGEM

Key Findings

• Total awarded over 10 years: $10,081,235
• 51 total projects funded
• Largest grant: $427,173; Smallest grant: $46,146

Analysis

Small Business Perspective

Over a decade, IGEM has failed to create meaningful opportunities for small businesses. The focus on large-scale projects and university partnerships has consistently overlooked the needs of small enterprises that form the backbone of Idaho's economy.

Big Business Perspective

The program has provided substantial support to larger businesses and university-affiliated ventures over the years. The consistent funding and large grant sizes have allowed for significant research and development activities beneficial to big businesses.

The 10-year overview reveals a persistent neglect of small businesses and entrepreneurship. The program's long-term focus on large-scale projects and university partnerships has created a systemic bias against small enterprises, contradicting its stated "entrepreneurial" mission.