SBIR/STTR Technical Assistance
Get help on securing SBIR/STTR investments from experts on the process.
The Center for Innovation has 30+ years experience as North Dakota’s lead technical assistance provider for SBIR & STTR funding. Let us support you along your journey!
About America's Seed Fund
The SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) and STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) programs can assist eligible small businesses with funding to advance technology solutions with federal funds through a number of federal agencies. These programs can
- Fund domestic small business research and development
- Provide incentives to profit from commercialization of research
- Foster technology transfer through cooperative R&D between small businesses and research institutions
The SBIR and STTR programs offer more than $2.5 billion dollars annually to support the development of technology by small businesses across the nation. It is a federal source of nondilutive early-stage capital, but they are highly competitive. Make your proposal strong with the help for the Center for Innovation Team.
A Unique Partnership
The components necessary for NSDL to be successful include:
- Scheduling a pitch session with the North Spark Defense Lab.
- Preparing your pitch with a focus on how your technology can remedy an Air Force problem.
- If you are looking for an STTR, who is your university research partner?
- If you are looking for an SBIR, what is your dual-use application for the technology beyond the Air Force?
CFI's SBIR/STTR Team
Sona Lesmeister, Entrepreneur Coach & Start-up Specialist
Bradley Butz, Economic Competitiveness Officer
Brad is a retired Colonel of the United States Air Force, where he served 28 years. Brad leads an Economic Development Administration grant with the goal to advance North Dakota’s state-wide uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) network. His Department of Defense (DoD) expertise contributes to CFI’s SBIR/STTR technical assistance.
Jump Start
Jump Start is our online solution generator for businesses and innovators to overcome complex challenges. Generating ideas and solutions begins first with creative thinking and no one understands creative thinking quite like our Jump Start facilitators. Jump Start participants are guaranteed to walk away with new solutions from the help of our online facilitated program.
The Jump Start program is offered in three different sessions to best fit you and your team’s needs.
Half Day
Time commitment: 4 hours
Includes:
- Facilitated Creative thinking exercises
- Brainstorming three new solutions
Full Day
Time commitment: 8 hours
Includes:
- A review of the CPS model
- Facilitated practice on model with a hypothetical
- Creative thinking exercises
- Brainstorm session
Two Day
Time commitment: 14 hours
Includes:
- A review of the CPS model
- Facilitated practice on model w/hypothetical
- Creative thinking exercises
- Dig into company problem
- Plus, implementation and strategy time
Participant Benefits:
- Formulation of innovative and novel ideas that answer complex challenges
- Facilitated help through the Creative Problem Solving Process
- Expansion on creativity skills
Get Started Today
WKI is an online design platform for innovators that incorporates the “So what? Who Cares? Why you?” methodology to help take an innovative idea to market. The methodology has been proven to increase the success rate of ideation, pre-incubation, and technology commercialization.
A valuable feature to the WKI program is that it can be self-paced. Program participants have the option to work through WKI tools and strategies themselves on the online platform with regular check-ins with a Center for Innovation Business Coach, or can be led directly by a Center for Innovation Business Coach. Some examples of tools in the WKI program are:
- Napkin Drawing Tool
- Financial Model
- The Pitch Deck
Participant Benefits:
- Support projects, products, and startup company ideas to commercialization
- Learn how to tell others why your idea matters and how it creates value
- Map the business value of your new idea
Innovate ND
Through expert guidance from entrepreneur coaches, certified entrepreneurial centers, and extensive leadership courses, Innovate ND provides the entrepreneurial community of North Dakota with resources needed to help grow your innovative idea into a scaleable business. The program includes up to $40,000 across has four phases to assist in growing your business.
Participant Benefits:
- Access to the Center for Innovation
- Coaching using the Business Model Canvas and Lean Launch methodologies
- Business planning tools
- Prototype development
- Access to the statewide entrepreneurial ecosystem
SBIR/STTR
The federal SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) and STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) programs can assist eligible small businesses with funding to advance technology solutions with federal funds through a number of federal agencies.
The SBIR and STTR programs offer more than $2.5 billion dollars annually to support the development of technology by small businesses across the nation and are an excellent source of undiluted early stage capital, but they are highly competitive.
Together, we assemble a team of advocates who will help you evaluate the feasibility of your idea and apply for an SBIR or STTR.
Participant Benefits:
- Research and development grant funding
- Collaboration with a research institution
- Assists in bridging the gap between science and commercialization of resulting innovations
Our expert business coaches know more than a thing or two about funding for startups including venture capital, angel funds, and low-interest financing programs. Sit down with us so we can learn about your goals and develop customized business resources tailored to your needs.