Emalee Hall, Dirigo Labs' Program Manager, recently traveled to Maryland to attend the SBA SBIR/STTR Innovation Conference. Here is a recap of her experience!
Tell us a little about the conference and why you attended:
Attending the Small Business Administration (SBA) SBIR/STTR Innovation Conference was a fantastic opportunity for me to delve deeper into the world of Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs. The chance to engage with program managers from various agencies directly and gain insights into their perspectives was invaluable. The conference provided a platform to network with other individuals and organizations offering entrepreneurial support services. Learning more about these support services was crucial for me, as it provided key insights into how we can best support entrepreneurs looking to apply to the SBIR/STTR program.
I also found it particularly exciting that the conference was combined with the TechConnect Defense conference. This combination allowed me to explore innovative ideas not only within the context of SBIR/STTR but also in the broader landscape of defense technology. The intersection of these two conferences created a unique environment for cross-pollination of ideas and opportunities.
How did the conference inform your perspective to provide support to entrepreneurs looking to pursue funding, and what are some things potential SBIR applicants should know about SBIR/STTR funding?
One of the key takeaways was recognizing the unique nuances among different government agencies. Each agency has its own set of best practices, publishing methods for topics, and varying amounts granted. Discerning these differences is crucial for tailoring application strategies to align with the specific requirements of each agency. Another eye-opener was the emphasis on the broad categories for funding and the potential for collaboration among government agencies. The idea that a single technology could span across multiple agencies’ interests was intriguing. This underscores the importance of exploring collaborative opportunities and thinking beyond siloed approaches to maximize the impact of innovations.
The conference shed light on the integral components of successful funding applications, including the demonstrating need in the market and outlining the risk of failure that accompanies all innovative technologies, a unique aspect of this funding program. It was interesting to learn that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), for instance, is open to funding innovative business models, showcasing the diversity of opportunities available. The taxation aspect of SBIR/STTR was also a notable point, emphasizing the importance of comprehending financial implications. Knowing that Phase I focuses on derisking and research, while Phase II is geared towards commercialization, provides a roadmap for entrepreneurs to navigate the different stages of the funding process.
How will this information inform the Dirigo Labs curriculum?
The information gathered at the SBA SBIR/STTR Innovation Conference is incredibly valuable for shaping the Dirigo Labs curriculum and providing our cohort members with a comprehensive understanding of the funding landscape. One of the first key elements we'll be addressing is eligibility for applying. By clearly defining the criteria and requirements, we aim to guide entrepreneurs in assessing whether they meet the necessary qualifications for the SBIR/STTR programs. We'll also be delving into the specificities of agencies like USDA and U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), helping cohort members tailor their projects to align with the unique priorities and goals of each agency. This targeted approach increases the likelihood of successful applications and maximizes the impact of their innovations.
To further enrich our curriculum, we're exploring the possibility of running workshops in collaboration with organizations like the Maine Technology Institute (MTI). These workshops will provide hands-on guidance, practical tips, and real-world examples to enhance the learning experience for our cohort members. Additionally, we are considering hosting specific workshops tailored to the unique requirements of agencies such as USDA, ensuring our entrepreneurs are well-prepared for success. It's exciting to note that we’ve seen keen interest within our past and future cohorts, with six members of our previous cohort expressing their intent to apply. This positive response reaffirms the relevance of incorporating SBIR/STTR insights into our curriculum, and we're eager to support our entrepreneurs in navigating the application process and unlocking funding opportunities that align with their innovative ventures.
