FOSTER Program Overview
UNHInnovation is leading a U.S. Small Business Administration initiative called FOSTER (https://innovation.unh.edu/foster) 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.
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
Read the Official Announcement
Upcoming Events
All events are being held virtually - All events are free but registration is required
May 2022
DOD Proposal Development
May 10, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
This Department of Defense (DOD) 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.
June 2022
SBIR/STTR Grant Management Lunch Series
June 14-16, 2022 |
Whether you are anticipating a government grant or contract, it is imperative that you are able to manage the funds received. Understanding the fundamentals necessary to manage your government dollars is key to organizing your business for success and proving your credibility for future funding. Join our Grant Management series and learn the critical aspects of managing your money.
QuickBooks & Compliance
June 14, 2022
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. EST
This webinar explains how to manage your SBIR/STTR grant or contract to improve your odds of moving from Phase I to Phase II, and Phase II to Phase III (transition and/or commercialization). It includes a review the various sources for managing funds from DoD, NIH, NSF, or DoE, as well as reporting requirements and close-out procedures.
What You Should Know About Government Audits
June 15, 2022
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. EST
Technology firms who have received a grant or a contract, such as SBIR or STTR, are often unprepared to deal with a government audit. When is an audit required? Are you ready for an audit? Do you have to have an audit? Who performs an audit? This session will answer these questions as well as discuss types of audits; company financial policies and procedures; contracts and agreements; equipment logs; required reporting; audit alerts.
Policies & Procedures for SBIR/STTR Awardees
June 16, 2022
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. EST
You’ve won your award. Now your task is to management the funds you’ve received not only to stay in compliance with government regulations, but to direct your business in an organized manner. This webinar provides information on how to set up and manage procurement policies, payroll, employee leave and other internal controls that are necessary for success.
AUGUST 2022
DOE Proposal Prep Essentials
August 3, 3022 | 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
If you are considering a submission to DOE SBIR/STTR program, but don’t know where to start, then this virtual classroom is for you. The Department of Energy has multiple releases, letters of intent, and topics/subtopics to navigate. Our experts will review what’s needed for a successful Department of Energy proposal including strategies to construct a competitive R&D scope of work, budget, and commercialization plan.
Webinar Series - Turning Your Innovation into a Business
Recorded Sessions:
September 22, 2021 - Getting from Idea to Business
September 29, 2021 - Generating Revenue Beyond SBIR/STTR
October 28, 2021 - Protecting Your IP - Patenting Apps and Software
Contact Information
Marc Eichenberger
Director of Corporate Engagement
foster.unhi@unh.edu
(603) 862-5446