SBIR Coffee Hour
from WA Apex Accelerator
About this event
If you're a business just discovering the SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) program, you're not alone! These are exactly the kinds of questions we will explore at SBIR Coffee Hour:
- What exactly is the SBIR program ? What does “America’s Seed Fund” actually fund, and why does it exist?
- Is my small business eligible? What counts as a “small business” (employees, ownership, location)? Do I need to be a U.S.-based for-profit company? What about startups with no revenue or first-time entrepreneurs?
- Which federal agencies participate, and how do I know which one is right for my idea? There are 11+ agencies...how do I pick the right solicitation?
- What are the three phases of SBIR/STTR, and how much funding is available? What’s realistic for Phase I feasibility vs. Phase II development vs. Phase III commercialization? Are there caps or typical award amounts?
- How do I actually apply—what’s the process and timeline? Where do I find open topics? What’s involved in registration (SAM.gov, etc.)? How long does a strong Phase I proposal take to write?
- What’s the difference between a “grant” and a “contract” agency, and does it matter? How does that affect my proposal and future sales?
- Who owns the intellectual property (IP) if I win an award? Will the government take my ideas?
- How important is the commercialization plan—and what makes a good one? Reviewers score it heavily; how do I show a path to market?
- What are realistic success rates and timelines? How competitive is it really for first-timers?
- What free local help is available in Washington state? Are there mentors, proposal reviews, or one-on-one support through APEX Accelerator?
Hosted by Thurston EDC's Washington APEX Accelerator and Tributary Insights, these sessions are designed as both virtual events and in-person events—so you can join live from anywhere or attend in person at Lacey MakerSpace.
