NSF SBIR/STTR Proposal Prep Workshop, Richmond VA (4/26/2023)

National Science Foundation SBIR/STTR Proposal Prep Workshop

April 26, 2023 
8AM-4PM
Richmond, VA

The National Science Foundation (NSF) invests more than $230 million annually in their SBIR/STTR Program to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; and to secure the national defense. NSF-funded research has led to breakthroughs and new discoveries that help people live longer, healthier and more productive lives, and builds a research foundation that drives further discovery.

If you are pursuing a National Science Foundation SBIR/STTR grant, you don’t want to miss this workshop. In addition to up-to-date information on the SBIR/STTR programs, our expert we’ll take a deep dive into the NSF program specifics, so you’re equipped for a successful proposal.

You’ll learn:

• Program’s goals and eligibility
• How to navigate the NSF website and use web tools
• The importance of Program Managers
• Application components and proposal scoring
• How to avoid common pitfalls and more!

 Agenda (EST)

• 8:00 am -- VIPC Intro and Program Overview
• 8:30 am -- SBIR/STTR ABCs and Overview of NSF program -- An overview of the SBIR/STTR program and review of NSF Program Essentials, including what kinds of technologies and companies NSF prefers to fund, strategies for targeting your proposal to meet the reviewers’ expectations, different funding opportunities at NSF, and more.
• 10:00 am 10-15-minute break
• 10:15 am Pitch & Project Description Elements -- Review of the key elements of this critical component of your NSF proposal. Discussion of how to approach each section of the Project Description and how to present your Technical Objectives so reviewers understand your research plan to prove feasibility. Learn about the importance of the commercialization plan and how to prepare a compelling Commercial Opportunity section.
• 12:15 pm 30-minute lunch break
• 12:45 pm Project Description Elements continued -- Reviewing Biographical sketches, Facilities, Budgets, and other proposal elements.
• 2:15 pm 10-15-minute break
• 2:30 pm Submission at Research.gov and budgeting -- Reviewing registrations necessary for submission and tips on navigating the submission process.
• 4:00 pm Final Q&A

About Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC)

VIPC accelerates early commercialization & funding support for Virginia innovations, entrepreneurs, startups & market development initiatives. VIPC concentrates on the​ ​​early commercialization and ​​seed funding stages of innovation, ​​​helping innovators and ​tech entrepreneurs launch and grow new companies, create high paying jobs and accelerate economic growth throughout the entire Commonwealth of Virginia.​ Through VIPC’s SBIR/STTR Support Program, training, mentoring, expert referrals, and “phase 0” grants are available to help Virginia’s small businesses improve their SBIR/STTR proposals. [email protected] or 703-689-3080.

About BBC Entrepreneurial Training & Consulting

BBCetc is nationally recognized for its success in helping emerging companies win SBIR/STTR funding and use it strategically to propel growth. BBCetc’s Michigan clients have been awarded over $406 million in funding since 2002. The company was recently named a 2020 Tibbetts award winner as well as one of 50 “Michigan companies to watch” by Michigan Celebrates Small Business.   About the Presenter: Jerry Hollister Jerry is a BBCetc Senior Principal Consultant, joining the company in 2017 with 30 years of leadership experience in government, higher education, non-profit and for-profit enterprises. After earning an engineering degree from the University of Michigan, he served as commissioned Naval Officer in the Civil Engineer Corps and a warranted Contracting Officer for the Dept. of Defense. Prior to joining BBCetc, Jerry was Chief Operating Officer for Michigan-based Niowave, a developer of superconducting electron accelerators, where he worked to build the successful start-up company from 2008-17. Jerry was instrumental in Niowave receiving over 45 SBIR awards.

Funded in Part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration

Event Location: 
Startup Virginia
1717 E. Cary Street
Richmond, VA 
5th Floor (Roof Top Meeting Room)

Cost: 

• Virginia Based Small Tech Firms:  $15 per person (Lunch Provided)
• Virginia Based University Researchers:  $15 per person (Lunch Provided)
• All Others:  $75 per person (Lunch Provided)

Questions:  [email protected]