MSU to host April 30 proposal writing workshop for technology-based small businesses

MSU News Service

BOZEMAN - Montana State University's TechLink Center will host a one-day workshop on campus intended to help researchers and innovative technology businesses prepare competitive Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I proposals.

This comprehensive workshop covers the basics of SBIR and STTR, including the recent changes in both programs. It will also dive into a recommended four-step process for developing a competitive Phase I proposal. The materials will be relevant to all agencies participating in SBIR and STTR, however the workshop will use Department of Defense programs for specific examples.

In the past 10 years, Montana companies have secured over $110 million in seed funding through these programs.

Jim Greenwood will present during the workshop. Greenwood has been involved in the SBIR program since 1983. He has taught SBIR and STTR workshops in 48 states, as well as in Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., offering training through local and regional economic development groups, universities, federal laboratories, small business development centers and military entrance processing stations.

Participants will learn:

• Details about the SBIR and STTR programs, eligibility and agency differences.

• How to plan an SBIR and STTR proposal strategy.

• How to prepare the draft proposal step by step.

• Agency proposal review and debriefing processes.

This workshop is appropriate for anyone planning to prepare SBIR and STTR proposals; those who are interested in learning more about the SBIR and STTR programs and what is involved in preparing a winning proposal; university researchers interested in partnering with SBIR and STTR applicants; and service providers or business partners supporting SBIR and STTR applicants.

To register for this workshop, please visit http://bit.ly/MTIPSBIRBZN or contact Ann Peterson, program manager at Montana Innovation Partnership, for additional information at 406-994-7788 or [email protected].

This event is free to participants thanks to a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Additional funding comes from the Montana Department of Commerce and MSU.