SBIR/STTR Resources

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.

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 provides web-based training and resources specific to SBIR/STTR that can be utilized by entrepreneurs and entrepreneur service organizations.  This page summarizes the various resources produced by FL FAST for easy access by Florida organizations.  

If you want to learn more about upcoming virtual training and events for entrepreneurs or entrepreneurial ecosystem builders you can visit our SBIR/STTR Support website.

On-Demand SBIR/STTR Virtual Training Webinars

FL FAST regularly hosts live virtual SBIR/STTR training aimed at improving the knowledge and capabilities of Florida entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders alike.  All sessions are recorded for on-demand access.

See below to access all available recorded training sessions.

ABCs of SBIR/STTR

Find out how the government’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs can provide a source of non-dilutive R&D funding for the initial development of your high-risk, innovative idea while proving that it has potential in the marketplace.  These two programs provide over $4 billion to innovative small companies annually! Listen to our experts in this session to learn what it takes to participate in the programs.

Topics Covered:

• Eligibility requirements
• Participating agencies
• The differences between SBIR and STTR
• How to determine which agency is right for you
• Common misconceptions and more!

We hosted two separate “ABC’s of SBIR/STTR” sessions.  All slides from the March 9th, 2023 session are available for download HERE. All slides from the September 14th, 2023 session are available for download HERE.

Essentials of SBIR/STTR Commercialization

Commercialization and transition plans can be key differentiators in the SBIR/STTR programs, it is important to know what the agencies are looking for and how to go about developing a good plan. This session reviews the requirements and guides you through where to start, what to include, and how to show your best self.

All slides from this session are available for download HERE.

Developing your SBIR/STTR Budget

Developing a proper budget for a grant or contract proposal should not be overlooked. A proper budget can be an effective tool in driving the project from start to finish. Be sure not to leave money on the table. This session walked through the development of a project budget and justification for SBIR/STTR proposals.

Topics covered included:

• What costs need to be included
• How to write a budget
• What indirect rate should be used and more!

All slides from this session are available for download HERE.

NSF SBIR/STTR Proposal Development Series

This three-part series covered all elements of the National Science Foundation (NSF) SBIR/STTR Phase I proposals.

Sessions included:

• Session#1: NSF SBIR/STTR Agency Overview and Project Pitch
• Session #2: NSF Project Description Deep Dive
• Session #3: NSF Supplemental Documents, Budgets, Submission Process and Best Practices

The slides from all sessions can be downloaded HERE.

NSF Session #2

Department of Energy SBIR/STTR Proposal Development Series

This three-part series covered all elements of the Department of Energy (DOE) SBIR/STTR Phase I proposals.

Sessions included:

• Session#1: DOE SBIR/STTR Agency Overview and Basics
• Session #2: DOE Proposal Narrative Deep Dive
• Session #3: DOE Supplemental Documents, Budgets, Submission Process and Best Practices

The slides from all sessions can be downloaded HERE.

DOE Session #2

SBIR/STTR Grant Management Series

Whether you are anticipating a government grant or contract, it is imperative that you are able to manage the funds received. Understanding the fundamentals necessary to manage your government dollars is key to organizing your business for success and proving your credibility for future funding. Our Post-Award Management Series discussed critical aspects of managing your awards.

Sessions included:

• Session#1: Policies & Procedures for SBIR/STTR Awardees
• Session #2: Quickbooks & Compliance

The slides from all sessions can be downloaded HERE.

Quickbooks & Compliance

Understanding How New IRS Rules Can Impact Your SBIR/STTR Award and R&D Expenses

Do you know if the new IRS rules apply to your R&D activities? The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 included major changes to Section 174 of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Code and could significantly impact small businesses with SBIR/STTR awards and other R&D grants and contracts.  These changes require businesses to amortize research and development (R&D) expenses over a five-year period instead of deducting them in the year they were incurred. The IRS recently released guidance regarding these new rules.

Listen in as to learn more about IRS Section 174 and how it may impact your accounting of SBIR/STTR and R&D expenditures.

All slides from this session are available for download HERE.

NIH SBIR/STTR Proposal Development Series

This three-part series covered all elements of the National Institute of Health SBIR/STTR Phase I proposals.

Sessions included:

• Session#1: NIH SBIR/STTR Agency Overview
• Session #2: NIH Project Description Deep Dive
• Session #3: NIH Supplemental Documents, Budgets, Submission Process and Best Practices

The slides from all sessions can be downloaded HERE.

NIH Session #2

Grantsmanship, Formatting and Readability for SBIR/STTR

A good SBIR/STTR proposal is made infinitely better by writing and formatting that enhances readability
by reviewers and showcases your technology to its best advantage. Improve the competitiveness of your
proposal with tips and best practices for making it look good and read well.

You’ll learn
• How different agencies manage the review process
• How to be kind to reviewers with formatting
• Grantsmanship tips for success

All slides from this session are available for download HERE.

Building a Quality SBIR Team

The government’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs make over $4 billion in high-risk, non-dilutive capital available to innovative small companies annually. The process is complex, but the impact of receiving millions in non-dilutive funding is worth the effort.

Join our expert to learn how to build a qualified team, learn how to use sub-contractors to fill out your team, how to discuss the current and future build out of your management team, and how to use Advisory Boards and Technical Advisers to strengthen your company and proposals. Find out how to choose the right Project Investigator for your SBIR proposal, and how to use sub-contractors, Advisory Boards and Technical Advisers to strengthen your company and proposals.

All slides from this session are available for download HERE.

SBIR/STTR: ABCs/Introduction

The government’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs make over $4 billion in high-risk, non-dilutive capital available to innovative small companies annually. If you are considering pursuing SBIR or STTR funding, the first step is to learn what it takes to be eligible and then determine which of the 11 participating agencies best fits your technology. This session will give you basic information to determine if this is a path you would like to seriously pursue.

All slides from this session are available for download HERE.

NIH SBIR/STTR Proposal Development Series

This virtual SBIR workshop provides an overview of the NSF SBIR/STTR program and proposal requirements. In addition to up-to-date information on the SBIR/STTR programs, we’ll take a deep dive into the NSF program specifics, so you’re equipped for a successful proposal.

Sessions included:

• Session#1: SBIR/STTR ABC’s and Overview of NSF program
• Session #2: NSF Project Description Elements
• Session #3: NSF Other key elements of the Phase I

All slides from this session are available for download HERE.

NSF Proposal Development​ Series, Part 2: Project Description Elements

Additional 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 agency-specific resources and overviews.

SBIR/STTR Agency-Specific Application Support Programs collected by the University of South Florida.

SBIR/STTR Tutorials available from the Small Business Administration (SBA).