MADISON – A new quick course on business development skills for graduate students and early-career scientists is available through the Center for Technology Commercialization.
SBIR Ready is a free month-long program that teaches students how to evaluate an innovative technology idea from multiple angles to make a business case. Upon completion of four 3-hour hands-on workshops, students may take the next step in applying for federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
The SBIR/STTR programs represent the nation’s largest source of early-stage research and development funding for small businesses. They are administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration in collaboration with 11 federal agencies, who collectively support more than $2.5 billion in funding.
SBIR Ready covers Lean Startup methodology and offers practical experience in such business concepts as market research, planning and budgeting. It also previews the SBIR application process.
Two cohorts are planned so far for 2017: 1. March: Deadline to apply is Feb. 15. Classes will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, March 8, 15, 22 and 29, concurrently in Milwaukee and Madison; more details to be announced later. 2. August: Deadline to apply is June 30.
“Practicing the concepts of business development in the SBIR framework is a really great combination — and could result in over $1 million in grants to grow your career and new business,” says Robert Meyer, Ph.D., UW-Madison Professor Emeritus and OptSolv CEO.
Contact Outreach Specialist Margaret Ramey for more information at 414-227-3165.
About The Center for Technology Commercialization
The Center for Technology Commercialization is a unit in the University of Wisconsin-Extension’s Division for Business and Entrepreneurship. CTC provides one-on-one expert consulting to early-stage emerging technology businesses throughout Wisconsin. With offices in Madison and Milwaukee but working all across the state, CTC has collaborated in acquiring more than $100 million in federal and other funding for clients. www.wisconsinsbir.org