Workshops, Trainings, and Conferences

February 27, 2025 | 8:30- noon and 12:30 - 4:00 pm MT

This all-day workshop will cover one of the most important but least appreciated aspects of the SBIR/STTR programs, the cost proposal.  If someone tries to rob you on the street, you take steps to protect yourself in the future—so why do you let the Federal Government continue to take money from you in the SBIR/STTR cost proposal? Come learn the terms, concepts, and tricks—and then learn how to estimate an indirect rate that you can defend in negotiations. Don’t know what an indirect rate is? Then you really need to attend.   For more information or to register, contact Haigler@uwyo.edu.  

Fee:  no cost

Registration: https://wyomingsbdc.org/events/sbir-sttr-cost-proposal-government-accounting/

 

DOD SBIR/STTR Phase I Proposal Preparation

April 10, 2025 | 8:30-noon MDT

Attendees will learn about small business innovation research (SBIR) and small business technology transfer (STTR) opportunities. Our presenter, Jim Greenwood, will provide helpful tips and a recommended process for developing a competitive Phase I proposal. While material is relevant to all SBIR/STTR agencies, Department of will be emphasized.
 

Fee:  no cost

Registration:  Watch for the link

 

Quad Charts and 1-1 Prep for the Wyoming Stop on the SBIR Road Tour

April 16, 2025 | 1:00 - 3:00 MT

The SBA Road Tour is coming to Wyoming on May 22.  You will need to develop a compelling Quad Chart for your 1-1 meetings with agency representative.  Mark your calendar and plan to attend the Quad Chart training and the Road Tour.      

Fee:  no cost

Registration:  Watch for the link

 

SAVE the DATE:  America's Seed Fund Road Tour - Wyoming

May 22, 2025

America's Seed Fund Road Tour is coming to Wyoming on May 22, 2025.  Save the date and join us in Laramie.

America’s Seed Fund Road Tour is a national outreach effort to connect innovators and entrepreneurs to non-dilutive, technology funding opportunities provided through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.

America's Seed Fund Road Tour plays an important role in encouraging participation in innovation and entrepreneurship  while supporting the mission of the SBIR/STTR programs to support scientific excellence and technological innovation to build a strong national economy.

Watch for more information

 

TRAININGS OFFERED BY OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

GPH Regional I-Corps - University of Wyoming 

Join the Lean Startup Innovation Bootcamp, a FREE 3-week program that helps aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators refine their business ideas. The course focuses on the principles of I-Corps Lean Startup methodology, covering customer discovery, business model canvas, mentorship, pitching and presentation skills, and networking opportunities.

Participants in an I-Corps team should allocate roughly 8-10 hours weekly throughout the duration of the five-week program. Each team should include, at the very least, an entrepreneurial lead (EL) and a technical lead (TL).

Kickoff Date:  April 22, April 24, May 1, May 8, and May 15

Times 9:00 - noon 

Hybrid (in-person and Zoom)

Open to applications soon:  https://gp-icorps.org/events/

 

gBETA Wyoming Spring 2025

gBETA is a free, seven-week accelerator for early-stage companies with local roots. Each program is capped at five teams, and requires no fees and no equity

Application Date:  March 3, 2025

Kickoff Date:  March 27, 2025

Program End:  May 16, 2025

Learn more: https://www.gener8tor.com/gbeta/wyoming

 

USPTO - Startup Certification Training Course

Online - available any time/self-paced

This two-hour, self-paced course will help startups identify and protect their IP. The flexible online format is convenient for entrepreneurs and small business owners on the go.

The course includes videos organized around:

• IP 
• Trademarks
• Patents
• Cybersecurity for small businesses
• How to avoid suspicious funding

Upon completion, you'll receive your certificate and all resources provided throughout the training. Visit our Startup resources page to take the next step for your business with IP tools, funding sources, and more.

The USPTO created this course to help startups identify and protect their intellectual property. The course is meant to provide general information and is not intended to provide legal advice to any individual or entity. If you have legal questions, please consider consulting with legal counsel.

Questions? Email the Innovation Outreach Division (IOD) at InnovationOutreach@uspto.gov for more information on the course.

Watch Now:  https://www.uspto.gov/video/cbt/startup-certificate-course/

 

SBIR/STTR Commercialization Plan

January 14 (Time- TBA)

One of the weakest parts of many SBIR/STTR Phase I proposals is the commercialization discussion. And it tends to be a bigger problem in Phase II proposals, where agencies may expect up to 15 pages of detailed plans about marketing, pricing, intellectual property protection, and funding the commercialization effort. This webinar addresses many of the components of a commercialization effort of an innovation-based product/service, which can both influence your thinking and give you fodder for discussing commercialization in your Phase I or II proposal. Kudos to the SBIR FAST program in Utah for offering this important webinar, which is open at no charge to anyone.

 

To register, watch for the link or contact innovationutah@utah.gov

 

The Business Side of SBIR/STTR

January 15  (Time - TBA)

What’s your perspective: is SBIR/STTR a way to fund a fun R&D project, or a chance to build or expand your business? If your perspective is the latter, then this session will help you better understand how to use an SBIR/STTR award to create an important future revenue stream for your company. If your perspective is the former, then you REALLY need to attend because you not only aren’t getting the full benefit of an SBIR/STTR award, but you also are not meeting the expectations of the agencies (and therefore are less likely to get future awards).

 

To register, watch for the link or contact innovationutah@utah.gov 

 

Department of Defense Navigating SBIR/STTR Workshop Webinar Featuring Ed Kase - recording

This DoD specific workshop provides:

• a brief overview of the SBIR/STTR programs at DOD
• DoD service and component overview
• Critical technology areas at DoD
• Finding Topics and Upcoming Solicitations
• Proposal Prep and applying for funding (registrations)

Watch the training:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMS_UQwqWrU