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.
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. Events are open to all and free to attend, but registration is required.
spring & summer 2023 Events
NSF Proposal Prep Intensive
April 5 | 10:00 am - 3:30 pm (ET) | Virtual
REGISTER
NIH Proposal Prep Intensive
May 23 | 10:00 am - 3:30 pm (ET) | Virtual
REGISTER
DOE Proposal Prep Intensive
July 13 | 10:00 am - 3:30 pm (ET) | Virtual
REGISTER
JUNE GRANT MANAGEMENT SERIES
How to Prepare a Budget for Your SBIR/STTR Proposal
June 7 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm (ET) | Virtual
This session covers important considerations in budget development, including what costs need to be included, how to write a budget justification, what indirect rates should be used, and more.
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QuickBooks & Compliance
June 14 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm (ET) | Virtual
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 of the various sources for managing funds from DoD, NIH, NSF, or DoE, as well as reporting requirements and close-out procedures.
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Policies & Procedures for SBIR/STTR Awardees
June 21 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm (ET) | Virtual
You've won your award. Now your task is to manage 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 necessary for success.
REGISTER
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
Contact Information
Marc Eichenberger
Associate Vice President and Chief Business Development and Innovation Officer
foster.unhi@unh.edu
(603) 862-5446
Business Survey
Help us better serve our small business community by completing our voluntary self-identification survey.