Entrepreneurial Support Organizations

Supporting startups and entrepreneurs is a key driver of growth in rural communities. A critical component to their success is the non dilutive funding available via the SBIR/STTR programs.

When SBIR awardees successfully commercialize, they on average employ 30 - 50 people and generate an annual revenue of $1 million in the first 5 years.

By supporting their efforts, regions experience higher business retention, increased wages, and stronger talent attraction than regions that do not.

More than 60% of the SBIR awardees fail to commercialize often due to lack of support while they work their way to commercialization.

We strategize with universities, and state, regional and local economic development organizations on how to obtain funding that will support their SBIR awardees to commercialization.

Our programs, experience and third party perspective can add critical value to your Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy or to your next EDA or NSF proposal. Find a few examples of the support we can offer below. Let us know how we can help you.

Why it matters

What we provide

"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, as well as get caught up on program updates.

SBIR/STTR Training Workshop (Virtual)

Great for new advisors or an annual refresher, these workshops review the basics of SBIR, working with innovators and more. A second add on workshop is available for those who want a deeper dive, where we talk about specific 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 to encourage collaboration. These trainings include individual confidential meetings, identifying and working with current SBIR awardees, how to identify potential SBIR candidates and more.

Ecosystem Analysis

We provide an unbiased look at your regions' innovation ecosystem. We help identify gaps and how to develop programs to bridge those gaps. This analysis can be used to enhance your CEDS documents or help align future 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.

Grant Strategy Partner

Having the right support programs for entrepreneurs can strengthen your Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS) or Economic Development Administration Proposals (EDA) proposals. We work with you to identify your core strengths and craft targeted support to meet your mission and budget.

Phase 0 Programs

Securing an SBIR/STTR award can be a game changer for both an innovator and the broader region. The process, however, is highly competitive and can be daunting for the first time applicant. Our Phase 0 programs are six-week cohorts focused on a single agency solicitation, providing guidance throughout the full proposal development and submission process.

SBIR Readiness Programs

We provide a structured set of webinars and workshops designed to support entrepreneurs from early concept through commercialization. Each program can be tailored to reflect your region’s key industries and innovation priorities.

Tech Transfer

Universities can strengthen enrollment and faculty retention through a strong tech transfer program. Additional benefits include the creation of high-quality jobs and the growth of new startups. We provide comprehensive support to guide both staff and students through the process.