Entrepreneurial Support Organizations

Supporting startups and entrepreneurs can be a catalyst for growth in rural communities. We partner with state, regional, and local economic development organizations, SBDCs, and universities who wish to attract more of this funding into their region and supporting them so they grow and stay in the community.

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies

As part of your CEDs development team, we can offer third party insights and suggestions that can reignite collaboration efforts and strengthen the document.

Economic Development Administration Proposals

EDA funding applications want to see a well-rounded experienced team that can take a plan into action and beyond. A for profit entity that can provide a wide array of support, is flexible, and reliable, not only enhances your chances of being awarded but also greatly enhances your chances of achieving your stated goals.

"Elliot provided two cohorts to 13 of our NSF Phase 1 applicants in 2025. He went above and beyond the contractual obligations and was very well received by our innovators!"

Rich G., Washington State SBA FAST Grant Program

How We Can Help

Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) often do not have the staff, time or knowledge to provide their clients with information on SBIR or STTR programs. We provide support as needed via a variety of programs:

No Cost Virtual Open Hours: Designed for busy APEX and SBDC advisors, these no commitment closed loop sessions provide advisors a chance to get questions answered, learn tips and tricks to helping clients, and et updates on the program.

SBIR/STTR Training Workshop (Virtual): Great for new advisors or an annual refresher, these workshops review the basics of SBIR, eligibility, the process and more. A second add on workshop is available for those who want a deeper dive, where we talk about the agency programs, how they differ and what to look for in applications.

SBIR/STTR Training Workshop (In Person): Perfect for innovation ecosystems that want to learn as a group or for a session in the annual conference. These trainings include the above as well as individual confidential meetings, identifying and working with current SBIR awardees and more.

Having a third party involved with the development of a CEDs documents or an EDA proposal can be invaluable. We provide support in a variety of ways:

No Cost Presentations on Demand: Understanding the basics of federal R&D funding is key to creating long term planning for the growth of innovation in your region. We offer our all of our presentations virtually to regions as needed - at your convenience and to your invited audience.

Ecosystem Analysis

We provide an unbiased look at the regions' innovation ecosystem, identify gaps, develop programs to bridge those gaps and more. Our Landscape Overviews help facilitate the creation of concrete goals that can be shared, used to enhance your CEDS documents, or shine light on future budgets or expansion.

In Person Regional Workshops

We have been delivering regionally based workshops to economic development organizations since 2022. We use the SBIR program as a catalyst to produce lively discussions as participants analyze the local innovation ecosystem. We facilitate the discussions as the region identifies gaps and best next steps.

SBIR programs are the initial funding stage for small businesses seeking seed money for the development of a cutting edge technology. Since 1986 the program has been a key element in the creation of new innovative firms that offer high paying jobs, attract investors into rural regions and more. As the process can be overwhelming for startup, Phase 0 Programs were designed specifically for first time SBIR Phase 1 applicants.

Each Phase 0 Program Cohort features:

4 - 6 week program
Weekly group presentations on different aspects of the solicitation
Up to 10 hours of private one on one coaching
Guidance through the submission process

Entrepreneurial Support Organizations

How We Can Help

Having a third party involved with the development of a CEDs documents or an EDA proposal can be invaluable. We provide support in a variety of ways:

4 - 6 week program

Weekly group presentations on different aspects of the solicitation

Up to 10 hours of private one on one coaching

Guidance through the submission process

Cost: $2500 per participant
Metrics and surveys are provided

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