By: Eric Whytsell
Last week the U.S. Small Business Administration released its highly anticipated online tutorials to help small businesses navigate the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. The mobile-compatible site is free and allows users to learn about the programs through a combination of videos and text.
The SBA hopes that the new site will help educate young entrepreneurs and small businesses in rural communities who might not otherwise be fully aware of the SBIR and STTR programs, which together inject $2.5 billion every year into small, innovative and nimble firms across the nation. Both programs aim to support R&D in technical areas that align with American priorities, and build a strong national economy to meet the pressing needs of the federal government. Currently, 11 federal agencies operate SBIR/STTR programs.
The new tutorials offer 52 modules within 10 courses, addressing topics relevant to both small businesses that are new to the SBIR/STTR programs and companies that have previously received SBIR funding. Topics include: agency differences; registration requirements; SBIR Data Rights; accounting; and how to find partners. The SBA is developing more topics for future tutorials. Tools, resources, links and quizzes accompany each tutorial to help users navigate the process of applying for and winning federal awards.
Eric Whytsell is responsible for the contents of this Short Take.
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