With $2.5 billion in funding provided annually to small advanced technology firms, the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs help spur new technological discoveries and facilitate the commercialization of innovations. The SBIR Road Tour is an opportunity for historically underserved communities to engage with Federal Program Officers from various SBIR/STTR agencies. This event will give these groups not only a chance to learn more about what these programs offer, but an opportunity to connect with other local entrepreneurs and meet one –on-one with Program Officers.

The Chicago stop of the Road Tour will take place on Tuesday, July 14^th at the UIC Forum from 7am-1pm. Our event will bring in Program Officers from eleven different agencies including National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Department of Education, Department of Energy, and more.

Below are descriptions of the day’s events.

Basics of the SBIR/STTR Program

Given twice during the day, this one hour presentation will go over the basics of what is, and what goes into an SBIR/STTR grant application. 

Agency Overviews

Each Program officer will give a presentation about their specific agency, covering what the agency does and general ideas of what they look for in an SBIR/STTR submissions. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions in the last few minutes of the presentation.

One-on-One with Project Managers (Appointment only)

Participants will have 15-30 minutes with a project manager from a specific agency to discuss their submission and ask any questions they have. At this time, registration for one-on-ones are closed. Individuals will be notified the week of July 6th of their appointment times. On the day of the event, if there are any open slots, particpants may sign up for them in the morning. 

Success Story Panel Discussion

An opportunity for entrepreneurs to connect with people that have been successful with their SBIR/STTR submission. Each entrepreneur will discuss their business/technology, how the grants have helped them, and any tips they may be able to give.

SBIR/STTR Workshop: Granting and Contracting Agencies with BBCetc

In addition, the week prior to the Road Tour, Innovate@UIC will be hosting a workshop on Wednesday, July 8th discussing the various granting and contracting agencies around SBIR/STTR submissions. This workshop will be conducted by BBC Entrepreneurial Training and Consulting. Attendees of this workshop will receive a discount on registration for the Road Tour. To register for this workshop, visit the link HERE.

If you have any questions, please contact Christopher Valera at ewchicago@uillinois.edu.

Funding provided by: