SBDC Workshop to Focus on Proposal Preparation, Cost Accounting

The federal government sets aside more than $2 billion annually to fund early-stage development of new high-tech ideas being pursued by the nation’s innovative small firms. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs focus on funding high-risk, high-payoff projects that have significant commercial potential.

“SBIR/STTR Phase I Proposal Preparation and Cost Accounting” workshops are scheduled Tuesday, Dec. 6, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Wednesday, Dec. 7, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Both workshops will take place at the Wyoming Technology Business Center in Casper at 2435 King Blvd. The Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network is hosting these workshops to help Wyoming small businesses prepare competitive research and development proposals. 

The SBDC is a partnership among the University of Wyoming, the Wyoming Business Council and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBDC focuses on educating small-business owners and potential owners on how to successfully start and operate small businesses. The SBDC’s main office is located at UW.

Jim and Gail Greenwood will teach the workshops. They have been involved in the SBIR program since its inception in 1983, and have taught workshops nationwide. They are the recipients of the coveted Tibbetts Award to honor their contributions to SBIR/STTR outreach and education efforts, and were recognized by the Small Business Technology Council as “Champions for Small Business.” In addition to training, the Greenwoods critique draft proposals for program applicants.

During the first workshop, participants will learn how to prepare a competitive proposal and participate in this innovative program. Attendees will receive a comprehensive overview of the SBIR and STTR programs, including differentiation between the two, and significant changes occurring as a result of their recent reauthorization. The Greenwoods will then discuss a simple, but effective, four-step process to develop a Phase I proposal targeted to any of the participating agencies. The session will conclude with a brief review of sample Phase I proposals.

During the second workshop, participants will learn about SBIR/STTR cost proposal and cost accounting methods. Developing an accurate cost proposal is key to profiting from an SBIR/STTR project. The workshop will focus on developing an indirect rate (overhead, fringe, facilities and administrative costs, and general and administrative expenses) for your company, and applying that rate to an accurate and defensible cost proposal as part of your Phase I or II SBIR/STTR proposal. 

The workshops are free of charge to Wyoming businesses due to funding from a Federal and State Technology grant awarded by the U.S. SBA. Participants can register separately for each day at www.wyomingsbdc.org. The cost for out-of-state attendees is $125.

For more information, call Kelly Haigler Cornish at (307) 766-2904. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.

The Wyoming SBDC Network is a business advising group of the Wyoming SBDC, Procurement Technical Assistance Center, Market Research Center and Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Initiative. The network’s mission is to help Wyoming entrepreneurs succeed. Advising and most market research activities are free of charge to Wyoming residents.

The SBDC is funded, in part, through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. SBA. Additional support is provided by the Wyoming Business Council and UW.