SBIR/STTR Support

The Corridor helps Florida’s small businesses tap into Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) awards, the nation’s largest source of early-stage startup funding for research and development. Each year, 11 participating federal agencies distribute SBIR/STTR awards totaling $4 billion to finance cutting-edge, high-risk technologies.

SBIR/STTR awards are helpful for:

• Developing a proof of concept or prototype
• Hiring technical staff or subject-matter experts
• Purchasing essential materials and equipment
• Validating potential as a government vendor
• Funding university research partnerships

Unlike traditional venture capital, SBIR/STTR funds are non-dilutive, so participants retain full company ownership, including the rights to intellectual property. Additionally, companies that are successful in securing SBIR/STTR awards and are engaged in research partnerships with UCF or USF may be eligible for matching funds from The Corridor’s Matching Grants Research Program.

FL FAST: Florida’s First Centralized SBIR/STTR Support System for Entrepreneurs

Powered by a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program, The Corridor’s “FL FAST” initiative is Florida’s first centralized support system for companies pursuing SBIR/STTR awards.

FL FAST serves small businesses statewide with an emphasis on economically disadvantaged small businesses pursuing research and innovation activities in The Corridor’s 23-county region and beyond.

Services include in-person and virtual workshops and one-on-one assistance to meet business needs in key areas, such as topical award identification, budget preparation, proposal review, support letters, and research partnerships.

FL FAST also serves as an important resource for entrepreneurial support organizations, sharing resources, events, solicitations, legislative actions, and other information relevant to driving SBIR/STTR outcomes.

FL FAST SBIR/STTR Training Events

Register for upcoming SBIR/STTR training aimed at improving the knowledge and capabilities of Florida entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders alike. 

All sessions are recorded and made available on demand.  To access these recordings, you can complete the “SBIR/STTR Support” interest form embedded below.

SBIR/STTR Agency Speaker Series

Hear directly from SBIR/STTR agency personnel to learn more about each agency and ask questions about their SBIR/STTR programs.  

All sessions start at 1pm EST.

NAWCTSD: Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division
Hear from the NAWCTSD Office of Small Business Programs to learn more about the agency, locating information and status updates on upcoming procurement opportunities, key outreach and networking events, methods to find subcontractor/teaming opportunities and innovation initiatives.

REGISTER HERE

Webinar Training Series

These sessions focus on educational content and best practices to better prepare you for navigating and successfully applying for SBIR/STTR funding.

CLICK HERE to Register for any of our upcoming training sessions.

Deptartment of Energy (DOE) Overview
If you’re preparing for the DOE upcoming submission deadline, you don’t want to miss this virtual classroom. Our expert will review what’s needed for a successful DOE proposal, including the Letter of Intent, how to plan your project and collect necessary documents, as well as provide information on commercialization.

Dept. of Defense (DOD) Special Programs
Join this virtual training and learn the goals and initiatives of DOD’s rebranded components. AFWERX, SPARTN, SOFWERX, Techsearch6, etc, all have a different focus, different eligibility requirements and solicitation deadlines. Learn which ones participate in the SBIR/STTR programs, how the components differ, and how to find open BAAs and deadlines.

Dept. of Defense (DOD) Special Considerations
In this webinar, our expert will cover several other special considerations when working with the DOD. Providing an overview of ITAR, CMMC, due diligence, as well as how to prepare for Phase III, and more.

Policies & Procedures for SBIR/STTR Awardees
You’ve won your award. Now your task is to manage the funds you’ve received not only to stay in compliance with government regulations, but to direct your business in an organized manner. This webinar provides information on how to set up and manage procurement policies, payroll, employee leave, preparing for an audit and other internal controls that are necessary for success.

SBIR/STTR Open Office Hours

When: Every other Tuesday at 11am EST

Join the FL FAST team for open office hours where you can ask questions about the overall SBIR/STTR process, a specific agency or about your specific proposal.  These sessions are open to any Florida entrepreneur and will be an unstructured Q&A format.  Bring any questions you have about the SBIR/STTR program.

Click HERE to Register

Request SBIR/STTR Support

Please complete the form below to stay up to date with SBIR/STTR support resources available through FL FAST.

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

SBIR/STTR Resources

This checklist will help you determine if the SBIR/STTR program is a potential source of funding for your company.

These tips from our Cenfluence team about navigating the SBIR/STTR award process.

SBIR/STTR Role Models

Hear from entrepreneurs who have successfully leveraged SBIR/STTR to grow their company in Florida.