Link to printable version of page

Write to Win

Learn how to pen winning SBIR/STTR Phase I proposals at workshop

Small businesses receive more than $2 billion in federal grants and contracts each year through the SBIR and STTR programs.

The Phase I Proposal Writing Workshop being offered by the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center can help your business move from SBIR applicant to awardee. There are two opportunities for this training in 2010:

SBIR/STTR Phase I Proposal Writing Workshop
Friday, April 23, 2010
7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Little Rock, AR

Or

SBIR/STTR Phase I Proposal Writing Workshop
Thursday, October 7, 2010
7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Fayetteville, AR

Space is limited to 40 participants per event.

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program provides federal funding for business and product strategies that meet federal research and development needs. Covering all 11 agencies that participate in SBIR and STTR (a sister program), the eight-hour workshop is for early-stage, first-time or unsuccessful writers of SBIR Phase I proposals.

Instructor Sharon Ballard will focus on two areas key to winning SBIR funding: the work plan and the commercialization plan. Ballard will explain how to integrate knowledge of the state-of-the-art with the work plan, and how to master requirements unique to different federal agencies. Participants will receive guidance in researching government organizations, topics and financial and administrative requirements and will explore some specific steps to attract commercialization partners, even at the Phase I stage of the SBIR Program.

In addition, the workshop will offer tips for approaching and structuring working arrangements with large corporations on government contracts.

In contrast to informational seminars, this is an interactive, hands-on workshop, with in-class exercises using tools and techniques that help in writing more successful proposals. Proposal outlines from various agencies will be used, and each major proposal section will be considered in detail, with methods and techniques for covering each section. You will walk away with the essential elements of your Phase I proposal outlined.

For more information, contact Rebecca Norman, ASBTDC Innovation Consultant, at rxnorman@ualr.edu or 501-683-7714.

About Sharon Ballard of EnableVentures, Inc.

sharon-ballard (77K)

Sharon C. Ballard, a multiple-SBIR awardee and entrepreneur with extensive experience as entrepreneurial coach and instructor, is the founding president and CEO of EnableVentures, Inc., and the former president and CEO of Reticular Systems, Inc. Under her leadership, the company won more than 30 SBIR and related awards.

A frequent lecturer on all aspects of high technology entrepreneurship, Ballard has been assisting clients in the preparation of their SBIR/STTR proposals since 1993. She has coached entrepreneurs in Europe and across the U.S. and is a founding management fellow for Arizona State University's Technopolis Program, which focuses on educating, coaching and networking early-stage entrepreneurs. She developed the Supercoach® system and toolset.

"Scientists and engineers tell us what is possible, but I really enjoy helping them turn what is possible into business realities," Ballard says. "I am convinced that some of the best entrepreneurs are actually scientists and engineers who make the decision to learn the language and science of business."

Feedback from participants in Sharon Ballard's Phase 1 workshop
at at ASU in April 2009:

"Liked the approach taken for writing grant proposals (SBIR) and especially the work plan." - Anonymous

"Excellent workshop and would highly recommend the Ballard's to friends, colleagues, and clients." - Anonymous

"The speakers advice about past experiences in the way SBIR applications are evaluated and specific advice about how to break down & structure the work plan & proposal. I can leave here today & feel good about getting started with my application because I have an action plan." - Anonymous

"Don't apply for SBIR without taking this workshop." - Anonymous

Program Agenda

Download SBIR Proposal Writing Workshop program agenda (PDF, 105kb)

Registration and Lodging

Registration fee includes breakfast, lunch and materials.

Save $50! Register before April 1 and qualify for the $150 registration rate. Registration after April 1 goes up to $200. Faculty may register for $100. Space is limited to 40 participants.

SBIR/STTR Phase I Proposal Writing Workshop
Friday, April 23, 2010
7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Little Rock, AR

Or

SBIR/STTR Phase I Proposal Writing Workshop
Thursday, October 7, 2010
7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Fayetteville, AR

Area Hotels

Little Rock

Embassy Suites
11301 Financial Centre Parkway
Little Rock, AR 72211
501-312-9000
5.09 miles from campus
www.embassysuiteslittlerock.com

Courtyard by Marriott
10900 Financial Centre Park
Little Rock, AR 72211
501-227-6000
4.48 miles from campus
www.marriott.com

Hampton Inn and Suites West Little Rock
1301 S Shackleford Road
Little Rock, AR 72211
501- 537-3000
4.89 miles from campus
www.hamptoninn.com

Wingate
1212 South Shackleford Road
Little Rock, AR 72211
501-227-6800
4.82 miles from campus
www.WingateInns.com

Hilton Metro
925 South University Ave.
Little Rock, AR 72204
501-664-5020
1.15 miles from campus
www.hilton.com

Fayetteville

Inn at Carnall Hall
465 N. Arkansas Ave.
Fayetteville, AR 72701
800-295-9118
On campus
www.innatcarnallhall.com

Courtyard-Fayetteville
600 Van Asche Dr
Fayetteville, AR 72703-4914
(479) 571-4900
3.9 miles from campus
www.courtyardfayetteville.com

Holiday Inn Express
1251 N. Shiloh Dr.
Fayetteville, AR 72701
479-444-6006
1.2 miles from campus
www.hiexpress.com

Quality Inn
523 S. Shiloh Dr.
Fayetteville, AR 72701
479-444-9800
.3 miles from campus
www.qualityinn.com

Related Links

Previous Arkansas SBIR/STTR Awardees

Federal Agencies That Participate in SBIR/STTR

ASBTDC Technology Services

Arkansas Science & Technology Authority Technology Transfer Assistance Grant (TTAG) Program

Tech Track

Keep up with deadlines for SBIR/STTR proposals and other innovation and technology business news by subscribing to ASBTDC's free Tech Track e-newsletter, published twice a month.

Subscribe Now (http://asbtdc.ualr.edu/enews/)

The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration through a partnership with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock College of Business and other institutions of higher education. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. It is the goal of UALR to eliminate discriminatory harassment and to promote equal opportunity regardless of race, gender, color, national origin, sexual orientation, age, religion, veteran's status, or disability.