Ref. 3029

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs represent the largest source of early stage funding for innovative research and development projects—over $2 billion per year. Kris Johansen, SBIR/STTR Program Administrator in the Office of Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer at Iowa State University will share her tips for writing successful grants during her “SBIR/STTR 101” presentation at the NIACC Entrepreneurs’ Exchange, to be held May 19 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Room 104G at McAllister Hall on the NIACC Campus.

Johansen provides free assistance to small businesses that want to prepare grant proposals and access the federal grants offered through the SBIR/STTR programs. As a senior scientist at two biotechnology companies, Johansen has contributed to the preparation of several successful SBIR applications to the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  Over the last several years, she has provided SBIR/STTR support services to over 60 Iowa companies.  During fiscal year 2008, 29 Iowa companies were awarded $6.2 million in SBIR and STTR funding for new and continuing projects.

Johansen will explain how the SBIR and STTR programs can benefit innovative entrepreneurs, provide an overview of the history of research funding in Iowa, and how entrepreneurs can access the SBIR/STTR programs.  She will give guidelines for you to determine if your project is a fit for the innovation research program funding and useful preparation tips for writing successful grant proposals.

To learn more about the SBIR and STTR programs, plan to attend the Entrepreneurs’ Exchange on Tuesday, May 19, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Room 104G at McAllister Hall on the NIACC campus.

To ensure adequate space and refreshments for this event, RSVPs for the Entrepreneurs’ Exchange are appreciated.  For vendors who market goods or services, a limited number of FREE display tables are available.  Please email incubator@niacc.edu or call Liz at 641-422-4384 or toll-free at 1-888-GO NIACC, ext. 4384. 

The John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center is located on the North Iowa Area Community College campus in Mason City, Iowa and provides college level courses and degree programs in entrepreneurship, as well as consulting services for business start-ups and existing industries in the North Iowa region.  The Center also provides FastTrac ® training programs both for start-up companies and established companies.  Space is also available in the North Iowa Business Incubator for start-up businesses.  For more information, contact the NIACC JPEC at 641-422-4342.

#####