Author: Hannah Domebo

Learn about best practices and strategies to help you craft a compelling National Science Foundation (NSF) project pitch from 10 to 11 a.m. March 27 via Zoom.

The workshop will include tips to help you meet requirements of the project pitch’s four key elements: Technology innovation, technical objectives and challenges, market opportunity, and the company and team.

For questions, reach out to WSU Strategic Initiatives at 316-978-5363 or email strategicinitiatives@wichita.edu.

Every year, the Department of Defense, National Science Foundation, NASA, Department of Energy, National Institutes of Health and other government agencies fund small, technology-based businesses through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.

Innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers and small businesses can take advantage of this opportunity to hear directly from federal agency representatives and meet one-on-one with agency decision makers on July 18 in Woolsey Hall. Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. Registration is $5 for students and $25 for other participants.

For more information email sbir@wichita.edu or call 316-978-5363.

Join Erik Pierstorff, program director in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program for the National Science Foundation (NSF), will describe the SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs at NSF. He will also cover the SBIR/STTR program’s goals, funding philosophy, topics, funded examples and the project pitch process.

This webinar is a special opportunity for the region to connect with a program officer and ask direct questions about the SBIR/STTR programs. It will begin at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 28.

There will be 10 minute, one-on-one meetings from 2 to 3 p.m. for additional discussion with Pierstorff. This webinar does not cost to attend, but registration is required.

The Wichita State campus community is invited to the Word Wizardry for Winning Proposals Webinar to learn more about crafting professional, polished proposals. The workshop is scheduled for 10-11:30 a.m. Jan. 25 via Zoom.

This information-packed session will cover Microsoft Word tips, troubleshooting common issues in Word, finding inspiration by utilizing Word’s expanding array of visual elements, and diving into some lesser-known time-saving features.

The workshop will also touch on accessibility features in Word, and attendees might be surprised how some of these new accessibility features will open up a host of possibilities for all Word users.

Want to learn the goals and initiatives of the Department of Defense’s (DoD) rebranded components? Join Intro to DoD: Special Programs virtual training 1:30-2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21. During the event, DOD experts will review DOD’s mission and provide an overview of all DOD components including the following Air Force Accelerating Acquisition, Special Operations Forces Works and SPARTN.

During the training, participants will earn:

• Which components participate in the Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR)/ Small Business Technology Transfer Programs (STTR) programs
• How the components differ
• How to find open BAA’s and deadlines
• Tips to be competitive

Discover SBIR and STTR grant opportunities available through the Department of Agriculture during a webinar at 10 a.m. on Aug. 25.

This webinar is designed to introduce participants to the opportunities with the USDA SBIR program and meet one-on-one with program manager Melinda Coffman.

Join us to gain a better understanding of the program and the resources available to assist you in proposal development.

This event is free to attend, but registration is required.

The budget and accounting components of an SBIR/STTR application are one of the most error-prone parts of a typical SBIR/STTR application. Learn how to make sense of it at a virtual event from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 19.

• Make sense out of the perplexing world of the SBIR/STTR cost proposals.
• Learn how to keep records to the government’s satisfaction when you win an SBIR award.
• Determine how to develop an indirect rate, what to expect in the way of government audits, and assist you with government accounting terminology.

While aimed at SBIR/STTR competitors and awardees, this is a free one-of-a-kind workshop that has proven valuable for any applicant or recipient of government contracts and grants.

The budget and accounting components of an SBIR/STTR application are one of the most error-prone parts of a typical Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs (STTR) application. Learn how to make sense of it at a presentation event hosted by Jim Greenwood 9-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 19 via Zoom.

During the presentation, participants will learn the following:

• How to make sense out of the perplexing world of the SBIR and STTR cost proposals.
• How to keep records to the government’s satisfaction when you win an SBIR award.
• How to determine the best way to develop an indirect rate, what to expect in the way of government audits and how to navigate government accounting terminology.

While aimed at SBIR and STTR competitors and awardees, this is a one-of-a-kind regional workshop that provides valuable information for all applicants or recipients of government contracts and grants.

Are you an innovator with an early-stage technology that has commercial potential? Join Dr. Eileen Chant, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs (STTR) program manager, 1-2 p.m. June 28 for a free webinar about DOE SBIR and STTR programs. Registration is required to attend.

DOE SBIR and STTR provide early-stage, non-dilutive research and development funding for small businesses to develop their technology and commercialize it.

Chant will also discuss how to access DOE SBIR and STTR application and awardee assistance programs and what to consider regarding commercialization and the power of partnering.

The presentation will be followed by a question and answer from the audience and a limited number of pre-registered appointments to privately meet with Chant. For more information, contact strategicinitiatives@wichita.edu.

Eric Pierstoff, program director of the Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) at the National Science Foundation (NSF), will present an hour-long webinar about NSF SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs (STTR) 1- 2 p.m. April 19.

In addition to describing at NSF SBIR/STTR  program, Pierstoff will answer direct questions, cover the SBIR/STTR program’s goal, funding philosophy, topics, funded examples and the project pitch process. There will also be 10 minutes allotted for one-on-one meetings with Pierstoff.

This webinar is free of charge but registration is required.