Upcoming SBIR/STTR training, federal solicitation info, important program info, & support for Virginia's research community.

SBIR/STTR Training & Support for Virginia's Technology Community
February 2016 Issue
A set aside for small businesses, over $2.5B is available each year in SBIR/STTR funding from 11 participating federal agencies. This strategic funding provides critical financing for early stage, high risk research projects that have a strong commercial or federal acquisition pathway.  Virginia's SBIR/STTR support program, administered by CIT, provides low cost training and other support for Virginia's technology community to help facilitate successful participation in these programs. 
Upcoming SBIR/STTR WEBINAR Training

A four part NSF SBIR/STTR Webinar series will help you plan and prep for the June NSF SBIR/STTR deadlines!  Learn what the program is all about, plan your approach, and how to prep your proposal.

Session 3 of 4: "NSF SBIR/STTR Proposal Preparation Essentials" WEBINAR 
Feb. 4, 2016 , 11AM-12:30PM Eastern
You've thoroughly read the solicitation and planned your NSF SBIR or STTR project; now it's time to prepare the actual application. This webinar takes you through necessary steps for collecting the application information and completing the proposal components. In addition, it provides practical tips on formatting and style as well as advice on pitfalls to avoid. $10 Virginia Firms, $35 All Others.11AM-12:30PM Eastern. REGISTER

Session 4 of 4: "NSF Forms, Budget & Electronic Submission"
 
Feb. 11, 2016 , 11AM-12:30PM Eastern
This webinar provides important information about identifying and completing the required forms for an SBIR/STTR submission to the National Science Foundation as well as how to navigate the electronic submission process. You will learn how to avoid common mistakes and make corrections, formatting pointers, and how to track your submission. $10 Virginia Firms, $35 All Others.11AM-12:30PM Eastern. REGISTER

The first two sessions in this series are recorded and available to view:
Session 1 of 4:
"NSF SBIR/STTR Program Overview" RECORDED WEBINAR
Find out if your R&D project qualifies for funding through the National Science Foundation's SBIR or STTR programs. This webinar covers basics of the NSF programs including goals and eligibility, what NSF funds and its funding rates, application components and proposal scoring. $10 Virginia Firms, $35 All Others, 1.5 hours long. REGISTER

Session 2 of 4:
"NSF SBIR/STTR Program Details & Project Planning" RECORDED WEBINAR 
Learn how to lay the groundwork for your NSF SBIR/STTR project with this discussion of steps to getting your proposal started, how to communicate with the Program Manager, best practices for preparing an Executive Summary and developing your preliminary project plan and budget. $10 Virginia Firms, $35 All Others. 1.5 hours long.. REGISTER


Questions about any of these events:
Robert Brooke, robert.brooke@cit.org -- 703-689-3080

www.cit.org/events

Upcoming LIVE SBIR/STTR Training in Virginia

"SBIR/STTR Funding Intro & Proposal Prep Essentials for NIH, NSF and DOD"
March 22, Blacksburg, VA
March 23, Charlottesville, VA
March 24, Norfolk, VA

The government's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs make over $2.6 billion in high-risk, non-dilutive capital available to innovative small companies annually. Join SBIR/STTR expert, Becky Aistrup of BBC Entrepreneurial Training & Consulting and learn SBIR/STTR program basics, including eligibility requirements, the difference between SBIR and STTR, participating agencies and tips for success. Then focus in on essential information for crafting a competitive proposal to meet the mission and standards of the NIH, NSF and DoD programs. We'll cover the distinguishing features and technology areas addressed by each of the agencies, getting registered so you can submit, preparing proposal components for maximum impact, what reviewers expect, and more.

Small fees apply to cover lunch and materials fees. 9AM-4:30PM each session.
REGISTER for Blacksburg session HERE.
REGISTER for Charlottesville session HERE.
REGISTER for Norfolk session HERE.

"Commercialization Planning for SBIR Stage Companies" 
March 25, 2016, Norfolk, VA -- 11AM-1:00PM Eastern   
With commercialization and transition plans being a key differentiator in the SBIR/STTR programs, it is important to know what the agencies are looking for and how to go about developing good plans. This session will discuss the expectations that various agencies have for commercialization plans in your Phase I and Phase II projects, where to find cost effective market research resources, what quality "support & commitment letters" are, and more. COST: Free to attendees of March 24 training session, and just $15 per person for Virginia based firms and university.  $40 all others.  Fees cover lunch and materials fees.  11AM-1:00PM. 
REGISTER 

"Best Practices to Increase University Participation in SBIR/STTR:  From Pre-Submission to Post Award"  
March 25, 2016 , Norfolk, VA -- 9AM-10:45AM
Universities are often directly or indirectly involved in the development and execution of SBIR/STTR-funded projects, so it is important that university administrators understand SBIR/STTR requirements and that the small business understands the university's policies. This session covers issues that need to be addressed both as the proposal is being developed and after it is awarded looking specifically from the university's perspective. We explore budgets, participation by researchers, conflict of interest and post-award reporting requirements, and present updated information on SBIR/STTR policies. Virginia based university affiliated personnel only.  This session is ideal for tech transfer personnel, university administrators, office of sponsored program personnel, key university research faculty, VP of Research offices, and university grant administrators. FREE. Advance registration requested. REGISTER.

"Southside R&D Funding/Support & Technology Forum" 
April 21, 2016 , Danville, VA
This special event is presented in two parts.  Part 1 presents an "SBIR Tips Bootcamp", providing an intro to SBIR/STTR funding, details on how to plan your approach, and tips to improve your chance of award. Part 2 presents a Federal Agency Technology Panel and a State R&D Support Resources panel:

The agency panel will feature reps from the National Science Foundation, NASA, and USDA -- each will discuss technologies they are looking to fund in areas such as unmanned systems, 3D printing, advanced manufacturing, big data, biofuels, bio-based product, chemicals, plant production and protection, animal production & protection, and more.

The State R&D Support Resources panel will feature reps from the CIT GAP Seed fund, the Commonwealth Research Commercialization Fund, the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission,and more.

A networking reception will follow, allowing for one on ones with the agency reps.  Key representatives from the regional business community will be invited to attend the afternoon sessions to encourage collaboration discussions. 

Attendees have the option to register for the full day session or the late afternoon session only
.

TIME:

Part 1 SBIR BootCamp:  9AM-2:30PM
Part 2 Resources and Tech Forum:  2:30-7PM

COST: 
$25 for Part 1 SBIR Bootcamp
$20 for Part 2 R&D Support Resources, Agency Panels, Keynote, Networking Reception
$40 for Part 1&2 COMBO -- attend all sessions

LOCATION:  Institute for Advanced Learning & Research, 150 Slayton Ave., Danville, VA
Full DETAILS, AGENDA and REGISTRATION  


SAVE THE DATE:

Advanced SBIR/STTR Commercialization Strategies Forum
April 21, Herndon, VA
This session will be ideal for any past or recent SBIR/STTR recipients, helping to guide you through some of the strategies, opportunities, laws, and federal programs related to transition and commercialization of  your technology.  Stay tuned for more info!


Questions about any of these events:
Robert Brooke, robert.brooke@cit.org -- 703-689-3080

Other Important Events and Programs of Note
 
Agricultural Research Office Partnering Webinar
Feb. 16, 2:30PM -- FREE WEBINAR
Learn how to partner with the ARS to move technologies out of the lab and into the marketplace. This session is ideal for scientist, entrepreneurs, business developers, and economic development professionals working in the areas of human nutrition, animals, plants or sustainable agriculture. This session will discuss the process to collaborate with world class scientists in order to scale up promising technologies. Webinar is free - join the webinar about 10 minutes early by going to this link:
https://www.ars.usda.gov/sp2UserFiles/Place/01090000/Utilization%20Centers%20Webinar.pdf 
 

Leveraging Outside Advisors for your Company's Strategic Growth and Development
February 17, WEBINAR, Noon-1PM Eastern
This webinar will explore various tactics that small businesses can use to obtain expert advice to build successful companies. Often, small companies simply don't have the resources to hire the expertise that they need. Outside advisors can be invaluable to help companies execute on their growth strategies. Learn how to utilize consultants for expert advice in specific areas such as business development, strategic planning, financing and merger/acquisition planning. Find out how to assemble an Advisory Board that can provide routine, continuous advice on a variety of business issues and opportunities. Speaker: Jack Hughes, Principal and Founder, PHOENIX Financial and Advisory Services, LLC and Principal Partner, Altus Associates. Event presented by SECAF (www.secaf.org)

Southside Economic Development Grant Program - March 1 Deadline Announced
The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission has announced a March 1, 2016 application deadline for the Southside Economic Development Grant Program. Access to the On-Line Application for SSED and all TRRC grant programs is through an Applicant Portal. The website for Login is,  https://vtc.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp. If you have problems with Login and getting into the Portal, please contact Suzette Patterson, 804-225-3572 or suzette.patterson@tic.virginia.gov who can assist in resolving the issue.
Once you are into the SSED On-Line  Application you will need to select an Investment Strategies: Industrial Site Infrastructure Improvements; Water/Sewer Infrastructure Improvements; Technology Infrastructure Improvements; Tourism; TROF Enhancement; Workforce Training Facilities.

26th Annual Procurement Conference
April 6, 2016, Washington, DC
The Government Procurement Conference is a national conference fostering business partnerships between the Federal Government, its prime contractors, and small, minority, service-disabled veteran-owned, veteran-owned, HUBZone, and women-owned businesses. Now in its 26th year, the Government Procurement Conference has become the premier event for small businesses throughout the United States. REGISTER

Financial Modeling for Startups
This blog article provides some great tips for early stage startups on how to develop a financial model that can be used in your fundraising, grant proposals, and other business cases. To view article, click HERE.

National SBIR Conference & Innovation Summit -- Deadline to Pitch At the Showcase extended to Feb. 5!
May 23-25, National Harbor, MD
The National SBIR/STTR Conference will again be co-located
with the National Innovation Summit May 23-25 at theGaylord Hotel and Convention Center at Washington DC National Harbor.  Pitch Your SBIR Technology at the showcase! Deadline is Feb. 5.  For info on the full conference and to register, go to
  
 

Pre-Recorded SBIR/STTR Training

Pre-Recorded SBIR/STTR Training Sessions
Most of these sessions are FREE for Virginia based companies and Virginia based university researchers.  Details and Registration, click HERE.
  • SBIR/STTR Intro
  • SBIR/STTR Project Scope & Feasibility
  • Building High Quality Teams for your Startup
  • DOD/NSF Competitive Checklist
  • Quickbooks & Compliance Webinar
  • SBIR/STTR Eligibility Requirements Webinar
  • SBIR/STTR For PostDocs & Grad Students
  • Essentials of Effective SBIR/STTR Commercialization Plans
  • Intellectual Property Protection & Licensing Strategies
  • NIH SBIR/STTR: Writing Research Strategy & Demonstrating Impact
  • NIH SBIR/STTR: Tips on Preparing Biosketches and Facilities Sections for NIH Proposals (small fee)
  • NIH SBIR/STTR: Developing your NIH SBIR/STTR Commercialization Strategy (small fee)
  • NIH SBIR/STTR: Forms, Submission and Tracking (small fee)
  • NSF Session 1: SBIR/STTR Program Intro
  • NSF Session 2: SBIR/STTR Program Details & Project Planning
Questions about any of these events:
Robert Brooke, robert.brooke@cit.org -- 703-689-3080

RECORDED WEBINARS INFO
SBIR/STTR Solicitations & Links 

DOD SBIR & STTR 2016.1, Opened Jan. 11, Closes Feb.17, 2016
National Science Foundation SBIR & STTR, To be Posted in March, Closes June 2016
NIH SBIR/STTR Omnibus Solicitation, Closes April 5, Sept. 5, 2016
Homeland Security -- Closed Jan. 20, 2016  
NASA SBIR/STTR Solicitation, Closed Feb. 1   
Dept. of Energy SBIR/STTR,  Opened Nov. 30, Closes Feb. 9, 2016 (Letter of Intent Required)
Dept. of Education
Dept. of Transportation, Closed Dec. 16, 2015
NIST SBIR, Opens Feb. 2, Closes April 14, 2016
NOAA SBIR
 EPA
USDA: Opens June 2016


CIT Supports Virginia's SBIR/STTR Community

CIT's Federal Funding Assistance Program works with Virginia
based tech
Tower 1
firms and university researchers to support SBIR and STTR efforts.  Services include:
  • Low cost training across the Commonwealth
  • Webinars (Live and Recorded)
  • Mentoring services
  • Consultant referrals and discounts
  • Grants to support SBIR/STTR consultant hires
  • Introductions to CIT GAP Investment Fund
  • SBIR/STTR Matching Grants (via CRCF program)
  • More

Contact:
Robert Brooke, Director, Federal Funding Program, CIT
703-689-3080
robert.brooke@cit.org
2214 Rock Hill Rd., #600
Herndon, VA  20170

MORE INFO


Federal Funding Assistance Program
| Center for Innovative Technology/CIT | 703-689-3080 | robert.brooke@cit.org| Website