SBIR/STTR Proposal Development Series - SBIR/STTR Contract & Grant Agencies and Proposal Guidance
Monday, June 1, 2026 (1:00 PM - 4:30 PM) (EDT)
Description
Join us for a dynamic two-day SBA FAST workshop designed to help small businesses unlock the potential of SBIR and STTR funding.
Hosted by North Carolina’s SBTDC and First Flight Venture Center, this program brings together experienced guest speakers to guide you through the essentials, from understanding SBIR/STTR basics to developing competitive, high-impact proposals. Whether you’re new to the programs or looking to strengthen your approach, you’ll gain practical insights to improve your chances of success.
Sessions will cover key topics, including strategies for writing winning grants, leveraging North Carolina matching grant opportunities, navigating legal and intellectual property considerations, conducting effective market research, and managing the financial and accounting aspects of federally funded projects. Attendees will leave with actionable tools, expert advice, and valuable connections to help advance their innovations.
The session agenda can be found below.
June 1
SBIR/STTR Contract & Grant Agencies and Proposal Guidance
| 1:00 PM – 1:10 PM | Kick-off and Welcome Set the stage for this dynamic series! Meet your hosts and get an overview of the path from concept to contracts and grants. |
| 1:10 PM – 2:30 PM | Contract and Grant Proposal Introduction John Ujvari, Ramya Vijapurapu, Keith Savino – SBTDC Learn what it takes to win SBIR/STTR contracts, from aligning your innovation with agency missions to crafting a competitive proposal. Understand how to tailor your SBIR/STTR grant proposals for maximum impact: including structure, storytelling, and more. |
| 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM | Ready, Set, Launch: The Legal Side of Starting Up John Rudd – Hutchison Law |
| 3:00 PM – 3:15 PM | Break |
| 3:15 PM – 3:45 PM | One NC Small Business Program Chris Schmidt Discover how North Carolina supports your next steps with matching funds and incentive funding. |
| 3:45 PM – 4:30 PM | SBIR/STTR Success Stories Panel Hear directly from entrepreneurs who’ve navigated the process and won: lessons, challenges, and advice. |
2 Davis Dr
Durham, NC 27709 United States