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 SBIR/STTR Lunch and Learn Series
The government’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs make over $4 billion in high-risk, non-dilutive capital available to innovative small companies annually. Join our series and find out how these two programs can provide a source of R&D funding between the initial development of your innovative idea and guidance on how to get started and how to best prepare.
SBIR/STTR: Introduction to Innovation & Technology Grant Funding
March 7, 2024 | 11:00 am - 12:30 pm (ET) | Virtual
What is an SBIR or STTR grant and why does it work for you? This session discusses how these two programs can provide a source of R&D funding between the initial idea development and proof of market potential. Covers eligibility requirements, participating agencies, the differences between SBIR and STTR, and more.
SBIR/STTR Registrations: Getting Ready to Submit
March 14, 2024 | 11:00 am - 12:30 pm (ET) | Virtual
One of the most critical details in preparing SBIR and STTR proposals has nothing to do with writing the proposal – it’s getting registered so that you can submit the proposal. This webinar helps take the mystery out of registrations with tips on how to get started, where to register for what and how to get help.
How to Prepare a Budget for Your SBIR/STTR Proposal
March 21, 2024 | 11:00 am - 12:30 pm (ET) | Virtual
This focused session will cover important considerations in budget development, including what costs need to be included, how to write a budget justification, and what indirect rate should be used.
Register Here for Lunch and Learn Series
Save the Date
In-Person NSF & DOD Trainings
National Science Foundation & Department of Defense
Half-Day Grant Proposal Workshop
May 9, 2024 | Durham OR
May 10, 2024 | Manchester
Join us for an in-person half-day retreat for NSF SBIR/STTR grant proposals (morning session) or DOD SBIR/STTR grant proposals (afternoon session). Offered on two days, in two locations.
The government’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs make over $4 billion in high-risk, non-dilutive capital available to innovative small companies annually. If you have a technology and need R&D funding to advance to commercialization, you don’t want to miss this live SBIR/STTR workshop. Our expert will provide up-to-date information on the SBIR/STTR programs, review the eligibility requirements and provide tips to make your proposal more competitive.
Register for in-person May trainings
What is FOSTER?
Recording Library
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
FOSTER Related Files
Marc Eichenberger
Associate Vice President and Chief Business Development and Innovation Officer
foster.unhi@unh.edu
(603) 862-5446
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Stay up to date by joining the FOSTER mailing list!