SBIR Overview: How to Leverage America’s Seed Fund

The highly competitive SBIR program encourages domestic small businesses to engage in federal research and research development that has the potential for commercialization. SBIR enables small businesses to explore technological potential and provides the incentive to profit from its commercialization.

The SBIR program is the nation’s largest source of early‐stage/high‐risk funding for start‐ups and small businesses. The highly competitive SBIR program encourages domestic small businesses to engage in federal research and research development (R&D) that has the potential for commercialization. SBIR enables small businesses to explore technological potential and provides the incentive to profit from its commercialization. Join us and learn how to fund your innovation‐based startup using non‐dilutive seed capital provided by the federal government.
Topics Covered:
• ACA FAST Grant
• Start‐up Capital Landscape
• Intro to the SBIR/STTR Program
• The Commercialization Plan
• Available Resources Programs

Speakers

Lou Farina is a Small Business Analyst at the Maricopa SBDC specializing in technology commercialization. Locally, Lou has served as a strategic advisor, consultant and angel investor. He has served as an official SBIR Reviewer for the National Science Foundation

Bob Mucci works the Arizona APEX Accelerator (formerly AZPTAC). He is considered to be a subject matter expert in SBIR and STTR applications and has assisted the University of Arizona, Center for Innovation and Gateway Community College, Center for Entrepreneurial Innovation clients in applying to a variety of SBIR solicitations.

Jada Wendling is a Venture Development Intern with the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), a position in which she assists with small business grant programs to enhance economic growth. Jada’s role includes the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.