The Odette Project for Technology, Innovation and Commercialization - Virtual Incubator (OPTIC-VI) approved funding in August for five companies with the potential to create jobs in Windsor-Essex, bringing its total number of awards to 16.

The August grant recipients included:

• William Seney, whose virtual company “Sales Performance 2.0” is designed to provide training to small businesses;
• Karen Smallwood, co-owner of “Forte,” a company focusing on service solutions for entrepreneurs;
• Jack Bryan, creator of “Cardigan Kid,” focused on sourcing and selling clothing items characterized by a patented logo;
• Owen Wolter, owner of “WindsorDOTca,” a Web site offering online advertising tailored to local clients; and
• Marc Dufault, creator of “Plastic Wickets,” an alternative to traditional metal wickets used to manufacture plastic bags.

The awards, worth up to $10,000 each, are designed to help start-up companies cover direct expenses such as legal fees for incorporation or patent application, research and development, market assessment, and financial consulting.

The agency still has funds available. For further information or to apply, visit www.opticvi.com.