How We Can Help
The Wyoming SBIR/STTR Initiative (WSSI) provides education, one-on-one assistance, and micro seed funding with the Wyoming Phase 0/00 to help teams prepare competitive Phase I/II proposals. We provide no-cost, confidential advising. Our team can assist with:
- Determining eligibility/fit for SBIR/STTR
- Identifying funding opportunities, research partners, and mentors
- Preparing a competitive Phase I/II proposal
- Connecting applicants to state and federal resources
Once you've registered as a client, schedule your first meeting with our team to discuss your innovation and receive the Phase 0/00 application packet. When you sign up for the WSSI program, you are connected to the larger Wyoming SBDC Network including the SBDC Regional Directors, the Cybersecurity Program, the APEX Accelerator, and the Market Research.
Wyoming Phase 0/00
Helping Wyoming Entrepreneurs Compete
The Wyoming Phase 0/00 Program provides up to $5,000 in early-stage support to help
small businesses prepare competitive proposals for federal SBIR and STTR funding.
How funds can be used
Phase 0/00 grants cover critical pre-proposal activities, such as:
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Phase I/II proposals reviews
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Travel and communication with federal program officers
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Market research and customer discovery
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Consultant and mentor services
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Collecting or analyzing test data
Why it matters
This small investment helps Wyoming innovators secure larger federal R&D awards, bringing
new dollars into our communities, creating high-quality jobs, and diversifying Wyoming’s
economy. Unlike loans, the SBIR and STTR Phase I/II awards are non-dilutive—no repayment
required, no loss of ownership, and intellectual property stays with the business
Apply anytime
Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed twice monthly. New applicants and
first-time participants are encouraged to apply.
Outreach and training
As part of the Wyoming SBDC Network, WSSI is committed to connecting with innovators across Wyoming no matter where they are located. Here are a few of our upcoming events:
IP Valuation: Determining the value of intellectual property for startups
September 19, 2025
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm, Online Training
This delves into IP valuation methodologies specifically relevant to startups, examining how different approaches apply in the early-stage context where traditional metrics may be less reliable. The discussion integrates these valuation principles with strategic IP due diligence approaches for SBIR awardees, demonstrating how early-stage IP portfolio development can significantly impact company valuation and future funding rounds. Practical guidance is provided on leveraging Technical and Business Assistance (TABA) funds for IP services, with emphasis on activities that directly support valuation, such as market analysis, technology landscaping, and competitive positioning. The section concludes with strategies for documenting and presenting IP value propositions to potential investors, including best practices for maintaining proper records that satisfy both federal funding requirements and investor due diligence needs.
Register: https://wyomingsbdc.org/events/ip-valuation-startups/
Angel Investing: Strategies for securing early-stage funding
September 22, 2025
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm, Online Training
The “Angel Investing for Small Business Growth” workshop is a hands-on, interactive session designed to empower small business owners with the knowledge and tools to secure angel investment. This workshop covers the fundamentals of angel investing, including understanding what angel investors look for, how to craft a compelling pitch, and building relationships with potential investors. Participants will learn how to assess their business’s readiness for funding, identify and connect with angel networks, and navigate the investment process from valuation to deal negotiation. With case studies, expert insights, and practical exercises, this workshop equips small business owners to confidently pursue angel investment opportunities to fuel their growth.
Register: https://wyomingsbdc.org/events/angel-investing-strategies-for-securing-early-stage-funding/
Securing Strategic Investors and Partners
September 26, 2025
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm, Online Training
The “Securing Strategic Investors and Partners” workshop is tailored to help small business owners attract investors who bring more than just capital to the table. This session explores the unique dynamics of strategic investment, focusing on finding partners who align with your business’s long-term vision and can provide industry expertise, market access, or operational synergies. Attendees will learn how to identify and approach strategic investors, structure mutually beneficial agreements, and leverage partnerships to scale their operations. Through real-world examples, expert-led discussions, and practical exercises, participants will gain the tools to develop a strategic investment strategy that fosters sustainable growth while building valuable partnerships in their industry.
Register: https://wyomingsbdc.org/events/securing-strategic-investor
To see the full suite of educational opportunities, visit the Wyoming SBDC Network
Our friends at BBCetc are offering a.......
NIH SBIR/STTR: Proposal Preparation Intensive
Is your company considering or planning on submitting a proposal for SBIR/STTR funding through the National Institutes of Health (NIH)? If you are targeting theJanuary 5, 2026 submission deadline, you better start the process now! Yes, Now! During this workshop, our experts will provide important information about SBIR/STTR funding and how to craft a competitive SBIR/STTR proposal that meets the unique requirements of the NIH. In addition to up-to-date information on the SBIR/STTR programs.
Expect to learn:
- Registration process necessary for submission
- Strategies for targeting your proposal to meet the reviewers’ expectations.
- How to approach each section of the proposal
- Common pitfalls and how to avoid them,
Agenda: All sessions are held 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (EST)
Sept. 30, 2025
SBIR/STTR Overview and NIH Program Essentials
An overview of the SBIR/STTR program and review of NIH SBIR/STTR Program Essentials
Oct. 1, 2025
NIH Proposal Prep – Part 1
Detailed explanation of the major components of the Research Plan with strategies
and review criteria
Oct. 2, 2025
NIH Proposal Prep – Part 2
Continuation of NIH proposal prep, including Biosketches, Facilities, Budgets
No Cost Training
Register at https://bbcetc.com/event/nih-sbir-sttr-proposal-preparation-intensive/
Resources
Want to learn more about the SBIR/STTR programs and the resources available to assist your startup or venture? Here are some resources:
The applicant for an SBIR or STTR must meet the following conditions:
- Operate as a for-profit business
- U.S. owned and operated
- Less than 500 employees
- Work must be done in the United States
- Learn more about eligibility at SBIR.gov https://www.sbir.gov/sites/default/files/elig_size_compliance_guide_1.pdf
- SBIR allows partnering; STTR requires a non-profit research institution partner
- SBIR requires the Principal Investigator (PI) to be primarily employed (>50%) at the small business while agencies' STTR programs allows the PI to be either at the research institution or at the small business (check the agency's solicitation)
- SBIR applicants may subcontract up to 33% in Phase I and 50% in Phase II
- With STTR the small business must do a minimum of 40% of the work and the Research Institution Partner must do a minimum of 30%
- SBIR - 11 agencies participate; STTR only 5 agencies participate. List of Participating Agencies
- IP Allocation Agreement is not required for SBIR, but is required for STTR. When partnering with the University of Wyoming, please contact the Technology Transfer Office, techtransfer@uwyo.edu for IP Allocation discussions.
- Phase I R&D funding is used to create proof-of-concepts. Time Frame: 6-18 months; Award Amounts: $50,000 - more than $300,000
- Phase II - The objective of Phase II is to continue the R/R&D efforts initiated in Phase I. Time Frame: 24 months; Award Amounts $400,000 - $1.8 million varies by agency
- Phase III - Small businesses pursue commercialization in the private sector and/or federal contracting market place. No SBIR/STTR funding is awarded in Phase III.
- Note: Direct to Phase II, Supplemental Phase II, FAST applications, and more variations exist; it varies across agencies.
TABA allows the federal agency to provide funding for legal/IP strategy, regulatory strategy consulting, market validation, and other activities to help the small business with commercialization. Small businesses can either 1) identify your own vendor or 2) use the vendor selected by the agency. Phase I TABA funding is up to $6,500 and Phase II TABA funding is up to $50,000.
U.S. Small Business Administration provides online tutorials to help applicants learn
more about the SBIR/STTR programs. Please see the Tools section for additional resources.
https://www.sbir.gov/tutorials
- What is the Phase 0/00 applications deadline? Phase 0/00 applications can be submitted at any time. Complete applications by eligible entities are collected and reviewed the first and fifteenth of each month.
- How much is the Wyoming Phase 0/00? The Wyoming Phase 0/00 is up to $5,000 contract.
- Who is eligible for a Wyoming Phase 0/00? Open to Wyoming resident owned and operated small businesses that are headquartered in Wyoming and creating jobs in Wyoming.
- Frequently Asked Questions about the federal SBIR/STTR program - FAQ
- NOTE: SBIR/STTR Programs are up for reauthorization this federal fiscal year so program specifics may change with the reauthorization.
Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation - University of Wyoming
Great Plains I-Corps Hub - University of Wyoming
IMPACT307 - University of Wyoming
Kickstart Program - Wyoming Business Council
Manufacturing Works - Wyoming's Manufacturing Extension Partnership
SBIR Matching Program - Wyoming Business Council
Startup Wyoming
Technology Transfer Office - University of Wyoming
Wyoming Venture Capital - Wyoming Business Council
Find more resources at: WyoBizLink
