Funding Innovation: Learning About Government Grant Opportunities

The Idaho Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is leading the charge to assist Idaho entrepreneurs in their efforts to secure government funding for their technology development efforts. The SBDC will be hosting a seminar designed to raise Idahoans’ awareness of funds available to help businesses prove the feasibility of their technology and to assist with commercializing products of their research. What’s in it for you? Idaho ranks 40th amongst states that have received federal dollars for research under the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer, (SBIR/STTR) program. Many Idaho companies have potential to receive grant funding but are unaware of the opportunities. The Department of Defense is just one of the numerous agencies with funds available for research and development, with over $2.5B in grant money available annually. "We're trying to foster innovative technology solutions for the warfighter and the Department of Defense SBIR and STTR programs (by providing) more than $300 million in funding for research and development activities by small businesses annually," said David Sikora, US Air Force SBIR/STTR program manager. "With this budget, the Department of Defense funds research from the early stages of concept development until it transitions to military or commercial use." Sikora will visit Boise with the intent of meeting with small business owners and community leaders to discuss funding for high-risk projects that meet Department of Defense needs, intellectual property rights for the small business and Department of Defense assistance with transitioning or commercializing SBIR and STTR funded technology. Rick Ritter, CEO and President of Idaho TechConnect, will also present an overview of the SBIR/STTR grant programs which span beyond just the Dept. of Defense and provide tips on how to effectively engage in the process of submission for grant money. There will be an opportunity for those with relevant technology concepts to meet one-on-one with Mr. Sikora. Agenda 8:00 – 8:30 Arrive, sign in, network 8:30 - 8:40 Greeting from the SBDC, Betti Newburn; Idaho SBDC, Region III Director 8:40 – 9:45 SBIR/STTR Overview, Rick Ritter; CEO and President Idaho TechConnect 8:40 -9:45 One on One sessions with David Sikora (Qualified, experienced companies by appointment) 9:45 - 10:00 Break 10:00 – 11:30 US Air Force SBIR/STTR Funding Opportunities - David Sikora; Air Force SBIR/STTR Program Mgr 11:45 – 12:30 One on One sessions with David Sikora (Qualified, experienced companies by appointment)

Speaker(s): Betti Newburn, Idaho SBDC; Rick Ritter, TechConnect; David Sikora, Air Force

Co-Sponsor(s): Moffatt Thomas, TechConnect, and Department of Defense

To reserve your one-on-one session, please email klabrum@boisestate.edu once your registration is confirmed. We will set up a time via email. If you have questions about the seminar or about SBIR/STTR, contact Steve Miller, Business Consultant at the Region III SBDC at 208-426-3792

Fee: $ 10.00

Payment can be taken online or over the telephone. To process via phone, please call 426-1612.