The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is the nation’s largest source of capital for startups and small businesses looking to push through research and development toward commercialization. The JumpStart Entrepreneurial Network wants to help entrepreneurs, manufacturers, inventors, and researchers win up to $1 million from this $2.5 billion federal grant program.
While technology-based, early-stage companies have a relatively high, or one-in-five, chance of attaining an SBIR award, the process of finding available opportunities, choosing the appropriate opportunity for your business, writing a successful application, and submitting your application to the appropriate federal agency can be confusing. To help you navigate through these often complex steps, the JumpStart Entrepreneurial Network offers free or low-cost assistance. Here’s how we will help you get your share of the funds:
Free Online Resources: Visit our grant assistance webpage to learn more about the SBIR program and strategies for capturing funding, determine your qualification status, and review the list of current federal funding opportunities. Free Educational Events: The JumpStart Entrepreneurial Network and its members sponsor free educational events around the region that offer entrepreneurs, researchers, inventors, and manufacturers more detailed information on the SBIR program, available opportunities, and application deadlines. Event attendees have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with grant experts who can help match their unique businesses with the most likely grant opportunities. The next event is happening April 28th--learn more and register today!
Low-Cost Grant Writing Workshops: The JumpStart Entrepreneurial Network and its members sponsor workshops that teach entrepreneurs, researchers, inventors, and manufacturers how to write a successful grant application. These workshops offer a step-by-step guide to completing and submitting applications. Workshop attendees also have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with grant writing experts who can help them devise a proposal strategy. The JumpStart Entrepreneurial Network and the Ohio Aerospace Institute are hosting one of these workshops on May 4th and 5th. Seats are limited--register to attend now.
Free Grant Writing Guidance and Technical Editing: The region’s most promising research projects, as identified by the JumpStart Entrepreneurial Network and its expert partners, are eligible to receive additional, in-depth assistance to refine their applications. This free help can include writing guidance, technical editing, budget development, and connections to program managers.
To learn more about SBIR and hear about the resources available to help you win these grants, watch the 101 on SBIR grants from John Dearborn:
Leah’s primary focus as JumpStart’s Market Analyst is developing a deep understanding of the key challenges and opportunities facing entrepreneurs and early-stage companies. Using her experience leading research projects and framing problems to identify creative solutions, Leah works to build stakeholder relationships, ensure the growth and success of client and portfolio companies, and drive organizational strategies. Additionally, Leah brings her insights to life through communications and advocates for and connects entrepreneurs to additional capital and service resources beyond those provided by JumpStart.