Innovate Marquette SmartZone invites the campus community to a free workshop on applying for significant funding for technology ideas or tech startups from the government’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Participants can attend one of two sessions on Wednesday, May 18, in the University Center Brule Room: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. or 5:30-7 p.m. A light meal and refreshments will be served. Registration is required.

According to Innovate Marquette SmartZone, the SBIR and the STTR make more than $2.6 billion in high-risk, non-dilutive (i.e. free) capital available annually to innovative small companies. The process is complex with a steep learning curve, but the impact of receiving funding support is worth the effort.

Information covered in this program, repeated twice, will include:

•An overview of what the SBIR/STTR programs fund

•Eligibility requirements

•How SBIR and STTR differ

•How to select which of the 11 participating agencies is right for your technology

•Key components of a competitive proposal.

The program is designed to help attendees decide if SBIR/STTR funding is something they would like to seriously pursue.

Register for the Afternoon Session or Evening Session. There are optional one-on-one meeting times available from 2-5pm.