UTRF, UT Institute of Agriculture, and UT Institute for Public Service (UTCIS) joined together to present PROPEL, an SBIR/STTR Grant Workshop.
Bill Wiley, Economic Development Consultant for UT’s Center for Industrial Services, shared vital information on how to successfully acquire federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), or Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) funding. These grants are among the largest sources of early-stage funding for entrepreneurial technologies and companies.
Topics covered included:
Getting a clear strategic understanding of the SBIR and STTR Programs including:
- The applicant’s point of view vs. the government’s
- Separating the many myths from the real facts
- Requirements & timing for participation
- Sorting out the agencies, departments and available opportunities
Learning how to successfully develop proposals in SBIR/STTR, including:
- The basics of how to develop competitive R&D proposals
- How SBIR/STTR proposals should be different
- How each agency’s approach, proposal & performance requirements differ
- Strategies and techniques for developing compelling SBIR/STTR proposals
- What to do before you write a proposal/grant request (doing your homework)
- Details of SBIR/STTR proposals
- How to handle & develop Cost/Budget Proposal sections
- How to develop those troublesome indirect cost estimates
- What to do after you submit your proposal/grant request
- Discover the secrets to increasing your odds of winning
View/Download the PROPEL workshop presentation
In addition, Tech 2020‘s Kevin Kragenbrink opened the meeting with a preview of Opportunity NOW, an idea to market analysis program that will be held at Tech 2020 on October 27, 2015 (more information will be available on utrf.tennessee.edu). Opportunity NOW will serve as preparation for the 2016 Tennessee Venture Challenge.