07.13.23

Power Your Small Business R&D with SBIR/STTR Funding

Tammy Allen, Sr. Director | Marketing & Communications, NIIC

Did you know you can secure funds to build your intellectual property AND retain ownership?

Sound impossible? Not according to one Indiana small business that’s making it happen.

“The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program has really helped us to move our research forward, and new technology helps our warfighters. What’s so great about it is we receive funding AND still own the intellectual property,” said Jeff Erickson, Principal Investigator, Erickson Motors & Engine Research Associates, Inc. He is part owner of this family-owned business that received total awards of $6.3 million through the SBIR Program.

What IS the SBIR and STTR Program?
The SBIR and STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) Program is part of America’s SEED Fund, powered by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

“Through a competitive awards-based program, SBIR and STTR enable small businesses to explore their technological potential and provide the incentive to profit from its commercialization. By including qualified small businesses in the nation’s R&D arena, high-tech innovation is stimulated, and the United States gains entrepreneurial spirit as it meets its specific research and development needs.” Sbir.gov

Erickson’s Top 5 Tips for Small Businesses Applying for SBIR/STIR Funds

Erickson shared his expertise with fellow entrepreneurs at a recent 3rd Thursday Client Connect lunch at NIIC. “We’ve bid on over 33 SBIRs and have been awarded $6.3 million. This includes eight SBIR Phase 1 contracts and five SBIR Phase II contracts.,” said Erickson.

  1. It’s a highly competitive program. Consider hiring an expert for grant writing expertise and support. Funding may be available for this. Look at this first: Technical and Business Assistance (TABA).
  2. Plan ample time for your submission. “It’s taken our team 50-80 hours to prepare and submit a proposal,” said Erickson.
  3. Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP)—a steep learning curve is involved. Four weeks to bid once the topic opens. Click here for training materials.
  4. Department of Defense (DoD) favors dual-use technologies (DoD and commercial applications).
  5. Partnering with universities is very helpful, and they love to be a part of it.

Are you interested in learning more?

Erickson Motors and Engine Research Associates, Inc. http://ericksonmotors.com/

Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP) Welcome Page https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/submissions/login

DSIP Training Materials https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/submissions/learning-support/training-materials

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