FOSTER (FOcused SBIR/STTR Teaching, Equity and Results)

FOSTER Program Overview

UNHInnovation is leading a U.S. Small Business Administration initiative called FOSTER (FOcused SBIR/STTR Teaching, Equity and Results) to increase proposals for SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) and STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) grants in the state of New Hampshire. SBIR and STTR grants represent a valuable source of non-dilutive funding for New Hampshire (NH) small technology businesses with less than 500 employees. FOSTER also includes an important mandate to support underserved communities such as women- and minority-owned businesses, rural as well as socially-economically disadvantaged companies. Read the official announcement.

SBIR and STTR grants represent an approximate $4 billion program annually and are issued by most U.S. government agencies such as the Department of Defense (DOD), the National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Institutes of Health (NIH), to name three. Grants are issued in phases, used to support research and development and can total more than $1 million each. 

FOSTER offers small NH businesses a variety of services including grant identification, training, advice and proposal support. For select companies, a competitive microgrant program is available to offer direct grant proposal assistance. All services are free.

The SBIR/STTR program represents a great way for companies to receive needed capital to develop and build their products. To learn more, please contact the FOSTER team at FOSTER.UNHI@unh.edu

2024 SBIR/STTR Grant
Training Schedule

Events are open to all and no cost to attend. Registration is required.

Virtual NSF & DOD Preparation Workshops

National Science Foundation (NSF) Preparation

May 9, 2024 | 9 am - 12 pm ET | Virtual (Zoom)
 

The National Science Foundation (NSF) invests more than $200 million annually in their SBIR/STTR Program to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; and to secure the national defense. NSF-funded research has led to breakthroughs and new discoveries that help people live longer, healthier and more productive lives, and builds a research foundation that drives further discovery.

Join our virtual SBIR classroom for an overview of the NSF SBIR/STTR program and proposal requirements. In addition to up-to-date information on the SBIR/STTR programs, we’ll take a deep dive into the NSF program specifics, so you’re equipped for a successful proposal.

Presented by NSF SBIR/STTR expert, Jerry Hollister, the program will also cover:

• NSF’s program goals and eligibility
• How to navigate the NSF website and use web tools (Research.gov)
• The importance of Program Managers
• Application components and proposal scoring
• How to avoid common pitfalls and more!

Register for May 9 NSF Workshop
 

Department of Defense

May 10, 2024 | 9 am - 12 pm ET | Virtual (Zoom)
 

This Department of Defense-focused workshop provides detailed instruction on preparing a proposal to meet the requirements of the DOD, including both technical and commercialization plans, and navigating the submission process.

Presented by DOD SBIR/STTR expert, Jerry Hollister, the program will also cover:

• SBIR/STTR program basics and up-to-date information on the DOD program
• An understanding of the differences between DOD components
• Tips on how to identify a topic
• The importance of talking to Technical Points of Contact during the pre-release period 
• How to register and utilize the DOD SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal
• Writing to meet the reviewers’ expectations
• Common pitfalls and how to avoid them, and more

Register for May 10 DOD Workshop