(CNMI SBDC) — In 2023, the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer or SBIR/STTR programs awarded four billion dollars in seed funding support through eleven government agencies across the nation’s federal sector including the U.S. Department of Defense. Through a highly competitive application process, the SBIR/STTR programs offer unique seed funding opportunities for small businesses and higher institutions of research with innovative ideas to solve government agency problems, and more importantly, have the ability to commercialize their products and/or their research findings in topic areas such as AgTech, artificial intelligence, national security, biotechnology and clean energy, to name a few.
The CNMI Small Business Development Center Network, in collaboration with the Tinian SBDC and Rota SBDC, and in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is excited to host a series of introductory training sessions to provide a more in-depth presentation and discussion related to the SBIR/STTR programs funded under the USDA. The USDA is one of eleven agencies with direct access to SBIR/STTR funding.
Each session will feature an in-person venue complemented by online video conferencing with off-island guest speakers contracted by the USDA. Participants will gain an understanding of the USDA’s SBIR/STTR programs, including eligibility requirements, application processes, and strategies for leveraging these programs to support research and development efforts. These federal initiatives offer small businesses a valuable opportunity to secure seed funding for R&D projects, driving innovation and economic growth within the country.
Training schedule
• Tinian SBDC: Thursday, July 11, 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m., Room D, Tinian NMC Center
• Rota SBDC: Thursday, July 18, 10:30 a.m. – 12 noon, Room A-1, Rota NMC Center
• CNMI SBDC (Saipan): TBD
Registration links
• Tinian SBDC: Thursday, July 11, 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
https://marianas.ecenterdirect.com/events/1019159
• Rota SBDC: Thursday, July 18, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
https://marianas.ecenterdirect.com/events/1019160
Expanding access to these programs is part of the CNMI SBDC’s efforts in ensuring our Commonwealth is provided the same opportunities as the rest of our nation. Nadine C. Deleon Guerrero, network director of the CNMI SBDC, expresses her commitment to ensuring these opportunities do not pass the CNMI’s innovative thinkers. “During these times of economic uncertainty, your SBDC continues to strive in playing a proactive role in finding ways our entrepreneurs can access capital over traditional methods of going through banking or lending institutions. The SBIR/STTR programs provide the ability to connect our clients with the right federal agency who may support their innovative ideas. The SBDC stands ready to support clients who share the same level of commitment for innovation, and are serious about putting in the work,” she said.
Join us and take the first step towards turning your innovative ideas into reality with the support of the SBIR/STTR programs. For more information, visit www.cnmisbdc.com/. You may also contact (670) 237-6888 or email cnmisbdc@marianas.edu/.
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